TurboTight Kaabo Mantis Hinge Service Kit (M8x29 pair screw)

Renew your stem folding mechanism with TurboTight Kaabo Mantis Hinge Service Kit. The kit makes a significant improvement in reducing stem backlash (wobble) as the factory pair screw hinge bolt can disform over time resulting in forward/back "play" in the hinge and associated metal-on-metal creaking sounds. The kit also reduces the frequency of periodic service interval, reducing need for constant adjustment.

The Kit comprises of aftermarket components including a solid dowel pin to replace the stock M8x29 pair screw. The kit compliments the factory Folding Hinge, Locking Cup (clamp), Quick Locks and Hinge Fix Ring (Collar) and can restore a severely damaged stem.

• Solid hardened alloy dowel pin, significantly stronger than the factory pair screw. Roll the stock pair screw on a flat surface like a pool cue to check if straight. The solid pin supports higher load ratings without deformation.
• Self-lubricating bearings (bushing) which have a service interval and can prematurely fail if not seated appropriately (often due to movement created with bent pair screw) and/or the alloy casting in the stem pole is deformed.
• Countersunk adjustment screw. which is slightly longer than the stock screw. This screw is responsible to set the limit as to how "vertical" the stem can extend it's fold. The thread on the stock 8mm countersunk screw is somewhat short which can prematurely strip thread on the screw (or in extreme cases the casting). The kit provides a 10mm high tensile screw, which is "backfilled" by washers to prevent stripping. This offers a much better "set and forget" as the it holds position better. Apply medium strength blue thread locker once you have finalised the screw position.
• A series of washers to back-support the countersunk screw are included to help reduce stress on the thread and castings. These backfill washers "pad" the adjustment screw so that it "screws home" (firmly, slightly compressing the washers). Typically the 0.5mm steel belleville (conical) washer is fitted first, then as required additional washers of various thickness are fitted.
• Options for:
  • Bushings / sleeves for Stem: A pair of 8x10x6 and 8x12x10 are often needed if there is a history of of prolonged riding with unmaintained hinge. These are more substantial bushes, for severe deformation in the stem casting. eSN recommends including these to have on hand in event you determine they are needed when you tear down and assess condition of the stem casting. See notes below for further information.
  • Folding Hinge bearing an 8x10x15mm self-lubricating bearing to renew bearing in the Mantis Folding Hinge. Usually not required but will usually contribute favourably to the outcome of the job.

Instructional video:

Contents:

1) An M8 (8mm) x 35mm hardened Alloy Steel Dowel Hinge Pin, featuring:

• Pin Diameter 8.003 ~ 8.009mm.
• Point Diameter: 7.4~7.8mm.
• Manufacturer to DIN 6325.
• Rockwell Hardness: RC 60 Surface, RC 50-58 Core.
• Finish: Plain - Not Coated.
• Brand: Brighton Best / TWF.

2) A pair of 8 x 10 x 6 self lubricating bearings (bushing), featuring an 8 x 10 x 6mm sleeve:

• Self Lubricating composite design comprising steel backing + bronze powder + PTFE bearing design, designation SF-1 0806
• Dry bearing (need not lubricate).
• Low carbon steel (100n/mm2 load capacity).
• Low wear, low friction, allows slippage, reduced noise / creak.
• Friction Coefficient: 0.03~0.02.
• PV Limit (dry): 3.2N/mm2. m/s
• PV Limit (oil): 25N/mm2. m/s

3) A M5 10mm countersunk (conical) socket screw (2mm longer than the stock 8mm):

• Alloy Steel heat treated.
• Tensile Strength typically 12.9 class (or 10.9)
• Thread pitch 0.08p course (0.80mm).
• 3mm allen key socket size (hex).
• 3.10mm head height.

4) Four washers / spacers for padding countersunk socket screw, stainless steel, M5 x 10mm use as required:

• 1 x 0.5mm belleville (conical) washer
• 3 x flat washers:
  • 1 x M5 x 10mm x 0.3mm ultra thin
  • 1 x M5 x 10mm x 0.5mm thin
  • 1 x M5 x 10mm x 1.0mm thick

5) Two pairs of bushings / sleeves (optional), fitted in lieu of the SF-1 0806 self lubricating bearings:

• 8x10x6 which in most instances is better suited than the original self lubricating bearing.
• 8x12x10 which requires hole in stem to be drilled out from 10 to 12mm, for severely damaged casting in the stem.

6) Folding hinge bearing (optional), an 8x10x15mm self-lubricating bearing to renew bearing in the Mantis Folding Hinge. Designation SF-1 0815. Typically not required.

Notes:

1. Product launched 2021, over 100+ units sold with a couple of continuous improvement revisions which accommodate more severely damaged stems.
2. Supports Mantis 8 and 10 series scooters (including Lite, Duo, Pro & SE) with double or triple Locking Cup (clamp) (all Mantis other than the King GT).
3. The optional pair of 8x10x6 and 8x12x10 bushings / sleeves provide a more substantial bush than the factory SF-1 self lubricating bearings and are introduced if for when there has been prolonged riding with unmaintained hinge:
   • The 8x10x6 bushings are fitted where the casting in the stem has minor deformation. Use these if the factory SF-1 self lubricating bearings are too loose, do not position appropriately or fall out when lying on side in folded position.
   • Where deformation in the stem casting is more significant, 8x12x10 bushings should be fitted with process of boring out the 10mm hole in the stem to 12mm diameter. This refactors the casting. This restores out-of-round shaped hole in stem to be true round without any "play". Product images show drilling out the casting in the stem and there is more detail in this post in eScootNow - The Facebook Group (02/10/2024).
     
     
4. As there is no pair screw with the implementation, the bushes, particularly the smaller factory original 8x10x6 self lubricating bearing can dislodge relatively easy when unfolded. Keep an eye on it when folding and lying scooter down on side. If a firmer fit is required, progress to the more substantial bushings.
5. Thoroughly clean your hinge cavities including countersunk socket thread with a good flush of PTFE before installation of these choice cuts. Do not use oil based lubricants such as standard WD-40 or lithium grease as these will attract foreign materials (e.g. dust and dirt) that will cause premature failure of hardware and introduce squeaking sounds.
6. There is also a service interval on the M10 vertical stem bolt (the one above the tyre). If renewing, eSN recommends an M10x80mm high tensile 12.9 or 10.9 class with Nord-Lock style wedge washer which works out slightly longer than stock, further details mentioned on folding hinge product page.