Just bought a used Gio Mini Beast, question able rear axle carrier

PMac · 11-26-2023, 11:38 AM

I just purchased a used 2008 Gio Mini Beast (was listed as a 2005 Taotao 110cc), and I'm in the process of completely rebuilding it to get it in good shape for my son.

I've got it completely stripped down to the bare frame, and everything is pretty straight forward, except for the rear axle carrier.

The original owner had this thing rigged with tons of electrical tape in lieu of proper bushings due to what seems like either a worn axle or carrier/bushings, and I'm trying to make sense of how it's SUPPOSED to be assembled.

The rear axle diameter is MUCH smaller than the bearings in the rear carrier, so I'm assuming there's supposed to be some sort of bushings on/in there, but I haven't been able to find any info/pictures/videos on the internet detailing how a proper rear axle should fit on these machines.

Originally I assumed the axle should fit snugly inside the bearings in the rear carrier, but there's AT LEAST 3/16" of play in there.

I've gone ahead and ordered a new carrier, since the bearings are a little tight, and the dust covers/plastic bushings(?) are pretty banged up, so I thought that might be attributing to some of the play.

Photo for reference (the dust covers are removed in this photo):

https://imgur.io/ggDqLrj

Are there meant to be some sort of metal bushings/sleeves around the axle where it passes through the bearings in order for it to fit snug and actually turn the bearings?

As it sits, the axle just slops around inside the carrier and only makes contact with the inner bearing where the weight of the bike pushes down on the axle, so it bounces all over the place inside the carrier and doesn't actually use the bearings.

11-26-2023, 11:38 AM	#1
PMac Join Date: Nov 2023 Posts: 25	Just bought a used Gio Mini Beast, question able rear axle carrier I just purchased a used 2008 Gio Mini Beast (was listed as a 2005 Taotao 110cc), and I'm in the process of completely rebuilding it to get it in good shape for my son. I've got it completely stripped down to the bare frame, and everything is pretty straight forward, except for the rear axle carrier. The original owner had this thing rigged with tons of electrical tape in lieu of proper bushings due to what seems like either a worn axle or carrier/bushings, and I'm trying to make sense of how it's SUPPOSED to be assembled. The rear axle diameter is MUCH smaller than the bearings in the rear carrier, so I'm assuming there's supposed to be some sort of bushings on/in there, but I haven't been able to find any info/pictures/videos on the internet detailing how a proper rear axle should fit on these machines. Originally I assumed the axle should fit snugly inside the bearings in the rear carrier, but there's AT LEAST 3/16" of play in there. I've gone ahead and ordered a new carrier, since the bearings are a little tight, and the dust covers/plastic bushings(?) are pretty banged up, so I thought that might be attributing to some of the play. Photo for reference (the dust covers are removed in this photo): https://imgur.io/ggDqLrj Are there meant to be some sort of metal bushings/sleeves around the axle where it passes through the bearings in order for it to fit snug and actually turn the bearings? As it sits, the axle just slops around inside the carrier and only makes contact with the inner bearing where the weight of the bike pushes down on the axle, so it bounces all over the place inside the carrier and doesn't actually use the bearings.
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