I've had a Old HPI RS4 Sport for many years now with NO problems other than breaking belts. That car has run everything from 12X2 modified's all the way up to the VXL system that's in in now. Never had a wear issue or a broken part (except the main belt). It sounds to me like HPI cut a few corners with the Flux to save a few dollars. I've been in this hobby for 20+ years and I would not call that normal wear. HPI should upgrade you to the hardened parts for free. Unrelated story. I had an XL5 rustler that stripped the idler (plastic) about 2 months after I bought it. I called traxxas and they sent out the steel idler for free no questions asked. That might have something to do with the fact that I have 20+ registered traxxas cars and trucks but...........