How to wear a tire on the wheel of a Xiaomi scooter

Xiaomi electric scooters are deservedly popular due to their reliability and balanced performance. However, even quality components wear out over time, and the owner faces the question of replacing the rubber. Self-replacement of the tire allows you to save a significant budget, since services of service centers often include a high markup for the work of the master.

The process of replacing the camera and the outer shell of the wheel requires some skill, but it is quite feasible at home with a basic set of tools. It is important to understand that improper assembly can lead to a puncture of a new camera or damage to the electronics of the sleeve, so you need to strictly follow the technology. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of replacing rubber on the models M365, Pro, Pro 2 and 1S.

The challenge is that the new rubber fits tightly into the metal disc, and often successful installation requires physical force or special techniques, which we'll discuss below, and the right workspace and sequence is the key to successful repairs without damaging the components.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Before you start dismantling the wheel, you need to prepare all the tools to avoid distractions during the work. Lack of the right key at a critical moment can lead to a failure of the thread or damage to the plastic. You will need a set of hexagons, tire mounts (plastic, preferably, not to scratch the disk) and a pump.

Special attention should be paid to the choice of repair area, work best on a flat surface in good lighting. Small parts such as screws and nuts are easily lost, so it is recommended to use a magnetic tray or a small container to store them.

• 🛠️ Set of hexagonal keys (usually 5 mm and 8 mm) for removing wheels and covers.
• 🔧 Two to three plastic tire mounts (metal can damage the disc paint).
• 💨 Pump with pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure in the chamber.
• 🧤 Working gloves to protect hands from dirt and sharp edges.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting work, be sure to completely discharge the battery or turn off the battery connector inside the deck if you plan to remove the motor-wheel.

It is also recommended to have a soap solution or a special lubricant on hand for slinging. This substance will greatly facilitate the pulling of hard rubber on the disc and reduce the risk of pinching the camera. Do not use technical oils or solidol, as they can corrode the rubber of the camera.

Dismantling the wheel from the frame of the scooter

The first step is to remove the wheel from the frame, and the procedure for the front and rear wheels is slightly different, but the general principle is similar, so first you have to turn the scooter over or securely lock it upright so that it does not fall off during the unscrewing process.

If you change the tires on the rear wheel, which is the motor wheel, the first thing you do is disconnect the power cable, and it goes inside the pendulum and connects to the controller, and you gently unscrew the lid of the electronics compartment, find the connector, and you unplug it by pulling the plastic parts of the connector.

Then comes the process of physically removing the wheel. Use a key of the right size (usually 8 mm) to unscrew the bolts that attach the wheel axis to the frame. In some models, you may need to remove the brake disc or pads to allow the wheel to freely leave the seat.

• 🔩 Unscrew the fastening bolts of the wheel axis on both sides.
• 🛑 Remove the brake disc (if it interferes with the extraction) or take the caliper away.
• 🔌 For the rear wheel: pre-disconnect the engine plume.
• 🚲 Carefully remove the wheel from the fork or pendulum.

Once the wheel is removed, inspect the bearings, if they have a backlash or crunch when rotating, they are also recommended to be replaced or lubricated, which is the ideal moment to maintain the chassis while the wheel is in disassembly.

Removal of old tire and camera

To remove the old rubber, you need to completely flush the air out of the chamber. Unscrew the nipple and make sure the camera deflates. Then you can start detaching one side of the tire from the disc. Put a plastic mount between the side of the tire and the rim of the disc and gently bend the edge.

Lock the first mount, and then step back a few centimeters, insert the second one, and as you go around in a circle, you can completely free one side of the tyre, and then the camera is easily removed, and then the outer shell is removed.

It is important to thoroughly clean the inner surface of the disc of the remnants of old rubber, dirt and sand. Any grain of sand caught between the new camera and the disc can cause a quick puncture.

⚠️ Attention: When removing the tire, keep an eye on the direction of rotation. There is a directional arrow on the inside of the tire. When installing new tires, this direction must be followed, otherwise the tread will not work properly and wear will accelerate.

If you change only the camera, but the tire has deep cracks or scuffs to the cord, it also needs to be replaced. Operating thin rubber is dangerous to sudden rupture at high speed. Check the condition of the sidewalls and the working surface of the tread.

Installation of a new camera and installation of the tire

This is the most important step of the work, and before installation, the new camera is recommended to be slightly pumped up so that it takes a round shape, but does not swell completely, which will help to avoid pinching and twisting the camera inside the wheel.

Insert the camera nipsel into the disk hole and lock it with a nut (don't pinch it hard, just to hold on). Spread the camera evenly inside the rim. Then start putting on the tire starting on the opposite side of the nipple.

Use mounts to fill the hard edges of your tires. Be careful not to grab the camera with the tool. If the rubber is very tight, you can use a hot water trick: lower the tire in hot (but not boiling) water for a couple of minutes, it will become more elastic.

• 🎈 Slightly pump up the camera before installation.
• 🔘 Insert the nipple into the disk hole.
• 🔄 Fill the first side of the tire all over the diameter.
• 🛠️ Carefully refuel the second side using mounts.

Once the tire is in, check if the camera is under the side, so you can slightly pump the wheel around and see it in a circle, and if you see that the camera is coming out unevenly, lower the air and correct it.

Features of tubeless tires and whole wheels

It is worth noting that the standard models Xiaomi M365 and Pro use a camera, but there are modifications and tuning versions with tubeless tires. The technology of their installation is different: the tightness of the onboard and disc connection is critical, often requiring the use of a sealant.

Also popular on the market are all-wheeled wheels (without an air camera) that can't be pierced, which are easier to install in terms of maintenance, but they transmit vibrations to the frame more rigidly. If you move to the cast version, the replacement procedure is simply to remove the old wheel and install a new one.

When switching to tubeless wheels, make sure your wheels have a hooked rim profile. Conventional chamber wheels may not provide the proper tightness, which will lead to constant etching of air.

Assembly, pumping and final inspection

After successful rubber installation, the wheel must be pumped to operating pressure. For Xiaomi scooters, the optimal range is 50 PSI (about 3.5 atmospheres); an under-pumped wheel increases the risk of a snake bite (puncture of the camera against the rim), and a pumped one makes riding rigid and dangerous on bumps.

Put the wheel back on the scooter. If it's the rear wheel, gently plug the motor connector, making sure the keys are correctly aligned, and fasten the wheel axis with bolts and tighten them with effort, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread.

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After pumping, spray the nipple and tire seam with soapy water. If bubbles appear, there is an etching of air, and you need to re-wheel or tighten the nipple.

Turn on the scooter and check the wheel's weight, make sure it rotates freely, doesn't hit the brake pads, doesn't make any extraneous noises, and roll a few meters to make sure there's no beat.

⚠️ Attention: First 10-20 Avoid heavy braking and high speeds after the camera is replaced, the rubber should "get lost" and get back in place.

Frequent mistakes when replacing rubber

Beginners often make mistakes that negate all efforts, and one of the most common is the camera being pinched by the tire side, which happens if the camera is not straightened inside before the final landing of the tire, and the result is an instant puncture during pumping.

Another mistake is using the wrong tools, screwdrivers and knives leaving dents on the disc that will cut into a new camera in the future, and only use specialized plastic mounts.

Ignoring the tread direction check leads to poor traction, especially in rainy weather, and the tread pattern should act as a drainage channel rather than draught water under the wheel.

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The secret to success is to take your time. 80% of punctures at the first replacement occur due to haste and inattention when refueling the camera.

And you don't have to skimp on the quality of the rubber itself. Cheap Chinese counterparts can have uneven wall thicknesses or be made of material that dries out quickly. Choose proven brands that specialize in electric vehicle accessories.

Wheel care and extension of service life

To make sure that the tire is not replaced too often, it is important to operate the scooter correctly. Avoid riding on broken glass, sharp stones and construction debris. Although the camera is protected by a tire, a strong blow can push it to the disc.

Check tire pressure regularly. Floating is a surefire way to quickly destroy a new camera and deform the tire. Bring a mini pump or compact compressor.

In winter or when storing a scooter for a long time without using, the pressure in the wheels is better to reduce to 30-35 PSI to reduce the load on the tires from temperature changes.