Brompton Voluntary Recall for Bottom Bracket
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Brompton Voluntary Recall for Bottom Bracket
I received an email notice and checked the web site to see if it was legit. Plugged in my serial number and I'm not affected.
Link - Brompton Voluntary Recall
VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE *** Bottom Bracket cartridge BB66 (April 2014 – May 2017)
Through our warranty and quality assurance process we have become aware of an issue affecting a component manufactured between April 2014 – May 2017. The axle of the 3rd party supplied *** Bottom Bracket has had higher than expected reported incidence of failure. Although this still meets international safety standards this does not meet the standards which Brompton sets for its components. We have therefore initiated a programme to recall all affected bikes and replace the bottom bracket cartridge with a new and tested part, free of charge to all of our affected customers. It is possible to identify if your bike is affected by referring to the serial number. The serial number can be found on a curved plate or silver sticker applied to the frame, as shown in the image below:
The bikes affected have serial numbers from 1403284144 to 1705150001 and can be any model, e.g. M, P, S or H type, or any other configuration. In order to receive the replacement, please contact your local Brompton dealer who will fit a free replacement Bottom Bracket cartridge www.brompton.com/find-a-store. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this replacement. We want our customers to be confident that in owning a Brompton bike, they are using the very best materials engineered to the very highest standards. For more information contact the Brompton Customer Service team: Support@Brompton.co.uk
Link - Brompton Voluntary Recall
VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE *** Bottom Bracket cartridge BB66 (April 2014 – May 2017)
Through our warranty and quality assurance process we have become aware of an issue affecting a component manufactured between April 2014 – May 2017. The axle of the 3rd party supplied *** Bottom Bracket has had higher than expected reported incidence of failure. Although this still meets international safety standards this does not meet the standards which Brompton sets for its components. We have therefore initiated a programme to recall all affected bikes and replace the bottom bracket cartridge with a new and tested part, free of charge to all of our affected customers. It is possible to identify if your bike is affected by referring to the serial number. The serial number can be found on a curved plate or silver sticker applied to the frame, as shown in the image below:
The bikes affected have serial numbers from 1403284144 to 1705150001 and can be any model, e.g. M, P, S or H type, or any other configuration. In order to receive the replacement, please contact your local Brompton dealer who will fit a free replacement Bottom Bracket cartridge www.brompton.com/find-a-store. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this replacement. We want our customers to be confident that in owning a Brompton bike, they are using the very best materials engineered to the very highest standards. For more information contact the Brompton Customer Service team: Support@Brompton.co.uk
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Interesting, I bought two 2017 Brompton this year two weeks apart. Only one of them is affected by the BB recall.
Guess I can get it replaced when I come in for the free 3month/100mile tuneup check
Guess I can get it replaced when I come in for the free 3month/100mile tuneup check
#4
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Just a run of F.A.G, brand (Its initials for longer words) , they have had several vendors over the years , for that component..
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Quickly checked mine that I bought in August and it's towards the top end of the range but is in the range. Bit of a PITA as it just went into the dealer last weekend for the 100 mile service now needs to go back in again, argh. But I'd rather this than a failure of the part.
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#7
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They have used a trouble free Cartridge sealed bearing unit for many years, end pieces holding the bearing assembly in the frame
have been non rusting/non corroding Nylon-plastic for some time..
Awaiting the facts behind this , but expect only speculation..
have been non rusting/non corroding Nylon-plastic for some time..
Awaiting the facts behind this , but expect only speculation..
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Looks like it's a problem affecting about 1/5000 bikes and it develops over time with lots of miles. I'd say there's probably not too much rush to get into the dealer if your Brompton is newer.
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Schwinnasaur
Is the 3 month/100 mile tuneup a Brompton policy?
[QUOTE=Hisamatsu;19890545
Guess I can get it replaced when I come in for the free 3month/100mile tuneup check[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Hisamatsu;19890545
Guess I can get it replaced when I come in for the free 3month/100mile tuneup check[/QUOTE]
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#11
Schwinnasaur
Thanks, I was not told that.
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Read a thread on another forum about one incident of the bottom bracket failing which then ended with the final comment announcing the recall. I think Brompton's response to these failures has been brilliant. I assume the Brompton isn't the only bike using these bottom brackets though and likely more common in mainland Europe especially Germany and wonder if other brands will be effected and recall their models. As a heavy rider with very powerful legs I've yet to have a bottom bracket fail on me like that although have replaced one or two worn sealed bottom brackets in my time, I tend to replace with Shimano. Never ever seen a *** as an option to buy.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...k-bolt.217362/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...k-bolt.217362/
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Read a thread on another forum about one incident of the bottom bracket failing which then ended with the final comment announcing the recall. I think Brompton's response to these failures has been brilliant. I assume the Brompton isn't the only bike using these bottom brackets though and likely more common in mainland Europe especially Germany and wonder if other brands will be effected and recall their models. As a heavy rider with very powerful legs I've yet to have a bottom bracket fail on me like that although have replaced one or two worn sealed bottom brackets in my time, I tend to replace with Shimano. Never ever seen a *** as an option to buy.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...k-bolt.217362/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...k-bolt.217362/
They're claiming that it isn't a safety issue. But, I was thinking more like a toasted bearing which would be a hassle to deal with, but not necessarily causing a risk of crash.
A sheared spindle could, in fact, cause a wreck, or perhaps trap a rider in the middle of an intersection.
As far as who pays, it likely is only costing Brompton maybe $20 plus labor for the recall. Probably well below their profit margin on the bikes. But, they'll probably be hitting the manufacturer for at least a portion of the expenses.
Heck, it wouldn't be surprising if Shimano kicked in some cash (discounts). It never hurts to make their competitors look bad.
Last edited by CliffordK; 09-28-17 at 02:44 AM.
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Ouch!!!!
They're claiming that it isn't a safety issue. But, I was thinking more like a toasted bearing which would be a hassle to deal with, but not necessarily causing a risk of crash.
A sheared spindle could, in fact, cause a wreck, or perhaps trap a rider in the middle of an intersection.
As far as who pays, it likely is only costing Brompton maybe $20 plus labor for the recall. Probably well below their profit margin on the bikes. But, they'll probably be hitting the manufacturer for at least a portion of the expenses.
They're claiming that it isn't a safety issue. But, I was thinking more like a toasted bearing which would be a hassle to deal with, but not necessarily causing a risk of crash.
A sheared spindle could, in fact, cause a wreck, or perhaps trap a rider in the middle of an intersection.
As far as who pays, it likely is only costing Brompton maybe $20 plus labor for the recall. Probably well below their profit margin on the bikes. But, they'll probably be hitting the manufacturer for at least a portion of the expenses.
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Read a thread on another forum about one incident of the bottom bracket failing which then ended with the final comment announcing the recall. I think Brompton's response to these failures has been brilliant. I assume the Brompton isn't the only bike using these bottom brackets though and likely more common in mainland Europe especially Germany and wonder if other brands will be effected and recall their models. As a heavy rider with very powerful legs I've yet to have a bottom bracket fail on me like that although have replaced one or two worn sealed bottom brackets in my time, I tend to replace with Shimano. Never ever seen a *** as an option to buy.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...k-bolt.217362/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/sh...k-bolt.217362/
Ouch, the poor guy had to spend 2 days in the hospital after it broke off.
Almost like the horror thoughts Chinese carbon bikes might fail while riding.
Last edited by Hisamatsu; 09-28-17 at 03:57 AM.
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Steve
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Steel, Heat treatment strayed into the brittle - hardened range... lacked sufficient ductility...
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Here is the BBC (UK) article on the recall.
Brompton recalls folding bikes over faulty bracket axle - BBC News
Seems like a fatigue issue - something I am rather an expert at! Fatigue Expert Services
Brompton recalls folding bikes over faulty bracket axle - BBC News
Seems like a fatigue issue - something I am rather an expert at! Fatigue Expert Services
#20
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Folding bicycle company Brompton Bikes has recalled nearly 150,000 of its machines over concerns about faulty axles.
The London-based company said 144,000 bikes made between April 2014 and May 2017 had been recalled.
The London-based company said 144,000 bikes made between April 2014 and May 2017 had been recalled.
I though they were phasing out the F.A.G. bottom bracket and were switching to the Stronglight (in 2015)? So the number of bikes would be less. Maybe 100,000 less. Oh boy!
Last edited by dahoneezz; 09-28-17 at 10:49 AM. Reason: Censored for "F A G"
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Been contacted about mine and yep it needs doing. An unexpected downside to buying one off the shelf in early August rather than buying a custom factory build. Anyway, no need to rush to do it apparently and will be free if done within 2 years but I'm going to try to get mine booked in fairly soon.
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Last edited by CHenry; 10-06-17 at 07:17 PM. Reason: New information