cracked front case on hero4 silver - how do you replace it.

[coursbo]

Front silver frame on my gopro4 silver has cracked above the lens.  Can a replacement be had for this and how difficult is it to replace.

[mattb · Accepted solution]

@coursbo, 

Normally cosmetic damages that don't affect the use of the camera aren't covered by warranty, but the Support Team tries their best to help out in every situation. They would probably ask for a picture of the crack and take a closer look to see if it was something to be replaced under warranty. 

[irena]

I've had this same issue on my HERO4 Black. A crack in the corner right?
If you still have warranty, you could contact support, they'll offer a replacement camera and a new housing.

But you should be careful with sending your camera to GoPro. After I send mine in for this same crack, I have now received 4 replacements with the WiFi helicopter issue.
When you're recording with WiFi, you'll hear a helicopter sound when listening to the audio. A LOT of people have received multiple faulty replacements from GoPro these past months with this issue. So be very careful with sending your camera back to GoPro. If you didn't buy if from GoPro directly, try going back to the store you bought it.

If you want to fix this yourself, here's a video on how to do it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE6yyi959pI
I haven't tried it myself, so don't know how well it works. Opening your GoPro will also void your warranty.

[mattb · Accepted solution]

@coursbo, 

Normally cosmetic damages that don't affect the use of the camera aren't covered by warranty, but the Support Team tries their best to help out in every situation. They would probably ask for a picture of the crack and take a closer look to see if it was something to be replaced under warranty. 

[coursbo]

Thanks

[niceridge75550]

I had the same problem on my Hero 4 Silver I was very pleased with the camera but NOT WITH the HELP and SUPPORT TEAM.

They acused me of dropping the camera and that is how the crack appeard,on the left side of the case above the screen just where the plastic lug presses against it when closed my guess is it was under too much pressure. I did say that in an email I sent pictures proof of purchase etc etc but no joy. I did NOTdrop the camera and obvisualy treated it with respect.  I did ask the Team has there been any other reports of the same cracks to proove my point.  Looking on the internet obvisualy mine was not the first and wont be the last it looks like there is a substantial flaw in the design of the case with the presure lugs which holds the camera firm. The support team refuses to agree me am left me very disapointed.

The reason for this report is that now my camera has a second crack in the silver face on the other side, SO YES IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND YOU SHOULDNT HAVE TO BUY A NEW FACIA AND FIT YOURSELF.

Camera bought               06/Oct 2014

Crack report                    28/Jan 2015

Second crack apeared    Nov 2016

[coursbo]

Yes, I believe it is a design flaw.  The faceplate is very thin just above the lense.  I knew I was out of warranty and was just asking advice and if they had a replacement part.  they were not much help.  Said they did not sell the faceplate.  I am now going to get an after market face plate and put it on my self.  It scares me to open the camera at all.  I dont have the money to replace it if I mess it up.  Right now I still use it but keep a Frame around it to hold the faceplate together.

Cecil

[skidmark]

This really pisses me off. I contacted GoPro about my fornt cover cracking also. While their response didn't come right out and state it, it suggested that the problem was isolated, possible my own doing, and not under warranty. Additionally they said nothing about the option of ordering a replacement front cover myself. How much was the cover?

Al Harper

[peterw10]

same to my Hero 4 Silver as well Design Flaw !!!!!