Manufacturer to cover out of warranty parts?

[charlie_a]

Anyone have advise on negotiating with a main dealer (manufacturer) about persuading them cover some of the costs on a failing part?

This relates to a front wheel on an Alp that's developed some scary left and right movement even tho it has two new bearings. The shop who fitted the new bearings suggested I get a new wheel asap. The bike is less than 3 years old with 9k mileage.

Due to take it to a main Honda dealer in a couple of days.


Thanks for you help

[jimbothe]

You could try appealing to their good side but I doubt you will have much joy I'm afraid.
The problem is (or as I see it) is that there is no way to prove that it wasn't/hasn't been damaged in the time you have had it and the mileage you have covered.
If you were able to get a letter from the shop who fitted the bearings it may help a little but you would need to be able to prove that it was a manufacturing defect and not from ill use.

Have you had it balanced etc to see if it's straight.
Is it the wheel for sure and not the head bearings etc?
Sorry I can't be of more help but there isn't much to go on...
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[Ichy]

Unfortunately most manufacturers will do all they can to get out of admitting fault.

My only suggestion would be to ask the dealer to look at it and to give a price for any repair work. When and if he suggests that it may be several hundred then you need to ask if it is a part fault.

Start looking on Ebay for a replacement.
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[prawny1]

All previous warranty work will be covered by its own warranty by law, so if the wheel bearing have been done as a warranty repair you need to find out if you are still covered by that repairs warranty.

EDIT
Just re read your post and realised that your bearings had been done by a different shop, when you say left right play is it in the hub/bearing or are your spokes loose?

If it's in the hub/ bearing do you know if the centre spacer has been refitted to the wheel when the bearings got changed.
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[Rogerborg]

Well, if you make the argument that you're likely to remain a long term customer if they treat you right, then they might contribute some costs. And I might get home to find that the wife in bed with Alyson Hannigan, getting her warmed up for me.

When they say "Abuse mate, innit. Accident damage, that. Seen it a million times. Wheelies, right?" then:

1) Make a complaint in writing to the dealer and Honda UK (don't wait for the dealer to ignore you before escalating it), asserting that it's clearly premature wear from a manufacturing fault on a safety critical part.

You can try saying that's the bearing fitter's opinion: it's better if it actually is, but if you're careful to phrase it as your opinion of what they said, rather than a factual statement of their opinion, you can backpedal on it later.

Say that it needs remedied immediately, and their choices are to do it themselves, or failing that, to pay for you to have it done elsewhere. Presumably you do need it done, so when they ignore you or tell you to get stuffed, get it done elsewhere.

2) Send a Letter Before Action, again enclosing your documentation, the bill for the work, and saying you'll file a County Court small claim.

3) File the County Court small claim (at your cost), saying that you'll be willing to discuss an out of court settlement at any point (give them a phone number!)

If they don't cave at that point, then it's a judgement call whether to follow through. It'll cost you at least half a day's time in court and I doubt you're likely to prevail without some compelling documentation.

However, it'll cost them to defend it, so they might make a non-admission payment at the 11th hour.

If all that sounds like too much hassle (plus the outlay to file the court claim), then it probably is, but it's more effective than asking "Pretty please".

Background: I used this process to get a partial payment on a shagged clutch on a 4 year old 15,000 mile SEAT, filing in the Sheriff Court in Scotland against the dealer and arguing that it was a "merchantable quality" issue - a clutch should last at least twice that mileage if properly made. SEAT UK called on their behalf a couple of days before the court date to settle for 1/2 of the cost of replacement. Be sure they add the cost of the court filing!

To be honest, it was only marginally worthwhile financially, but it was hellishly satisfying, especially as I'd already decided to drop the case rather than spend a day off work in court. Thumbs for them blinking first.

I believe the process is much the same with County Courts in England, except you chaps have a higher claim limit.
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[Ichy]

Honest opinion?

The second you mention a third party garage then you have blown it. Prove they didn't cause the fault.
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[iooi]

[charlie_a]

Just spotted the replies to this, Gmail started putting BCF reply emails in spam.

The Honda dealer managed to talk Honda UK into supplying a new front wheel, just need to pay for the labour. Was a regular face there when the bike as in warranty so said they were happy to chase it for me. Saving about 400 quid

Thanks all.