Thanks again for all the postings that have been made. According to the instructions that came with the new set of Durace cranks i have fitted "before every ride the crank set should be inspected for any sign of wear and should be replaced if any damage is noted " I guess that covers their asses. But still, who is going to dismantle their crank set 4 or 5 times a week.. In my case the axle snapped just inside the right hand external cup making a quick check impossible. Tatfield had an interesting point though saying a crank set is a disposable item and requires regular replacement. So there you go..