Helger are really good at replacing them Jimmy, I've had about ...ahem, well a few sent back and I do tend to butcher them.
I've had problems with the shaft coming away, the magnets disintegrating and the screws holding the motor together snap and helger have been brilliant.
All I would say is I'm waiting for a 3star to be returned, but they are waiting for stock
so you might be in for a little bit of a wait too (oh and if they decide you killed it, I think they charge about £20 to fix which is still cheaper than a new one!!)