TurboTight Kaabo Mantis Hinge Service Kit (M8x29 pair screw)

This kit makes a significant improvement in reducing stem backlash (wobble) as the factory hinge bolt can disform over time resulting in metal-on-metal creaking sounds and "play" in the hinge. The kit also reduces the frequency of periodic adjustment, holding solid form for longer period.

Refurb your Kaabo Mantis hinge by replacing the stock hinge hardware. Multiple points of improvement:

• 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 for deformation / bending. The solid pin can support higher load ratings, allowing the quick locks to be tightened slightly more than what the stock pin would typically support.
• Replacement self-lubricating bushing, the solid self-lubricating film on bushing breaks down over time and should be replaced at service intervals depending on the exposure to foreign materials (e.g. dirt and cleaning products).
• A slightly longer countersunk adjustment 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 conical adjust bolt is somewhat short and would prematurely strip thread on the screw. The TurboTight kit opts for a longer bolt (more thread) at higher tensile (less likely to strip), and the washers minimise movement, so that the harder tensile bolt doesn't damage the thread on the Folding Hinge. This offers a much better "set and forget", as the aftermarket screw holds position better and for longer (requiring less periodic adjustments).
• A series of washers to back-support the countersunk (conical) stem angle adjustment socket screw, reducing stress on the thread and castings and reduces movement of the adjustment screw position. These washers "pad" the adjustment screw so that it "screws home" (firmly, slightly compressing the washers). Kits from August 2023 onwards introduced a 0.5mm steel belleville (conical) washer and thicker 1.0mm flat stainless washer, to augment stainless steel flat washers. Earlier versions did not have these and used a thicker, soft copper washer.

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 as these will attract foreign materials (e.g. dust and dirt) that will cause premature failure of hardware and introduce squeaking sounds. Don't forget thread locker, such as blue Loctite!

Supports Mantis 8 and 10 series scooters, with double or triple quick lock clamp style hinge (all Mantis other than the King GT).

The kit contains:

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. (eSN may evolve to a FIBRO 36mm pin H2 2024).

2) A pair of SF-1 0806 bushing, featuring an 8 x 10 x 6mm sleeve:

• Self Lubricating composite design comprising steel backing + bronze powder + PTFE bearing design.
• 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) Washers/spacers for padding countersunk socket screw, as required:

• 1 x M5 x 10mm x 0.5mm stainless steel belleville (conical) washer
• 1 x M5 x 10mm x 0.3mm ultra thin stainless steel flat washer
• 1 x M5 x 10mm x 0.5mm thin stainless steel flat washer
• 1 x M5 x 10mm x 1.0mm stainless steel flat washer (heavy)

Optional pair of 8x12x10 bushings / sleeves can be included if needing to refactor the casting in the stem.

• Prolonged riding with unmaintained Kaabo Mantis 10 hinge causes irreparable damage to the casting in the stem. Boring out the stem to 12mm and fitting a pair of 8x12x10mm sleeves to renew the damaged casting and is often required on well-aged castings. 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 to from 10mm to 12mm. With these bushings fitted, the 8x10 bushings in the kit are not required as you're going straight from 8mm inner diameter (for the dowel pin) to the usual 10mm hole in the stem that is drilled out to 12mm. As detailed in this post (02/10/24) in eScootNow - The Facebook Group.
  
  

Notes:

1. The introduction of the belleville (conical) washer will see discontinuation of the M5 9mm x 1.0mm copper flat gasket washer (which had a relatively small outer diameter that isn't ideal). The belleville washer being 0.5mm makes the 1.0mm copper somewhat redundant. Usually the 0.5mm belleville with one or two of the (0.3-1.0mm) stainless flat washers are sufficient.
2. There is also a service interval on the Mantis M8 vertical stem bolt (the one above the tyre). If renewing (high tensile 12.9 or 10.9 class) recommend fitting with Nord-Lock style wedge washer Dacromet treated (not stainless). You can typically fit a 5mm longer bolt, which provides more thread inside the folding hinge.