Hi all, I’m looking to get opinions (and maybe advise) on what to do about an issue with Fox warranty service. In short, the Fox 34 fork on my Spur appears to have developed what feels like bushing play in the damper side leg. I tried to open a warranty service claim and Fox is telling me that bushings are not covered under warranty past three months (nowhere does their warranty state this) and the the best they’ll do is give me free bushings if I send the fork in and pay for a full service.
The fork has been ridden for about 7 months and has 60 hours of ridding on it at the time of opening the claim. I think this issue started a while ago though.
I have recorded the noise in two videos.
I have also tested this with the fork off the bike to remove the possibility of other components causing this, and it is definitely coming just from the damper side lower leg.
This is the conversation I had with Fox last week after opening up the claim.
Fox rep: “Hi,
The warranty on bushing is 3 months. We will have a look at the fork to make sure everything is fine.
Service is required every year or every 125hours depending on which came first. I can cover the bushing if you want us to do the full service.
The service is 220$.
Let me know
Thank you”
Me: “Where is it stated that the bushing warranty is three months?”
Fox rep:” Hi,
In the warranty, it is specified
Bushing and seal are parts that wear over time—the same idea as a chain or a tyre.
I hope it is more clear.
Let me know
Thank you”
Me: “So it doesn’t specify three months then.
Am I to believe that it is Fox’s opinion that it’s “normal wear and tear” for these forks to wear out a bushing in 7 months? I just did the math and the bike has 60 hours of riding on it, mostly XC in dry conditions. That seems pretty extraordinary for what is supposed to be a high-end component to wear out that fast.”
Fox rep: “Hi,
After 7 months, it is normal wear for bushing depending on riding terrain, weather conditions and maintenance.
If you believe it should be under warranty, we can have a look and the tech will confirm either warranty or not.
If no warranty we can replace the bushing for 109$.
Bushings are 59$ and labor 50$.
Let me know
Thank you”
This is where it has been left, and I am leaning on just sucking it up and sending it in. Are there even any other courses of action I can take?
Thanks! I think I just needed to vent a little as well.