A stroller expert helps
Ask Eli
a stroller expert answers:

What could rattle on the Valco Snap 4 Sport stroller (a wheel, I think)? What should I do about it?

19 Dec 2019

Good afternoon.

I have a question... I have the Valco Snap 4 Sport stroller that I have used for my daughter (firtsborn). The stroller is three years old, without a warranty anymore. I am using the stroller fully and on a day-to-day basis, now with my second child. Recently, I have noticed a rattling noise on one side of the stroller. I suspect it is a wheel, but I am nor sure. However, my husband inspected all the wheels, inflated the tires properly, added a touch of grease to lubricate, but nothing changed.

Is there anything else I can lubricate? What could be the reason for the clicking/rattling sound? Should I leave the stroller with a specialist? I have purchased this stroller online, and I don't really want to send it back - I don't think I can anyway…

Thank you in advance for your reply.

Eli • 19 Dec 2019

Hello!

The Valco Snap 4 Sport is an ultra-lightweight, urban stroller. Therefore, the thinner, quite a simple frame WILL get worn out, especially if you are using your stroller intensely, and every day. If you think a wheel makes a noise, the problem is probably the joint, and this won't be rectified by applying grease or any cleaning. I guess the attachment of the wheel is slowly getting loose (and it is mainly plastic). If the problem is the wheel, you can try to buy a new wheel. The situation becomes more complicated if the problem would be the attachment located on the chassis. Nevertheless, it is difficult to say for sure without seeing and trying out your damaged stroller in person. A brake, joints, a damaged component, a mechanical barrier of some kind, or the auto-lock - the mechanism locking the stroller once folded may have gotten loose, these all can also cause the clattering noise.

I recommend contacting the official Valco distributor for your country (in particular, the customer care). You can drop them an email with a picture, or better yet, a video, and describe the issue in detail. They should be in a position to order a new wheel and give you advice (you won't need to send the whole stroller at this point, I am quite sure since there is no warranty). You will see what your options are. And I wouldn't worry too much - you managed to use your (lightweight) stroller for three years already, which is actually a very nice lifespan and I'd be grateful even for that. But of course, I hope that with a bit of help, it will serve you well for even longer.

Your -very berry- Eli.

Now, this is your place to ask. I'm listening.