How to put a tire on a scooter Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Electric vehicles inevitably wear out supplies, and the most vulnerable element of the chassis is rubber. Owners of the popular Xiaomi M365 line and its modifications often face the need to replace a punctured camera or a worn tread, a process that may seem daunting to a beginner, since factory assembly involves very tight fitting of rubber on the rim.

However, with the right sequence and the right techniques, you can do the replacement at home without going to the service center. The key here is not so much the force, but the right installation technique to avoid damage to the new components or the disc itself. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps from dismantling the old wheel to final pumping.

Before you start, you need to prepare the workplace, you need a clean, flat surface, sufficient lighting and a set of tools, and you should not ignore the preparation, as scattered small parts or dirt can complicate the assembly process or lead to debris entering the new chamber.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To do this successfully, you'll need a standard mechanic kit, which often comes with a scooter, or more advanced ones, a hexagonal key to remove the engine and brake disc mount bolts, and a set of tire blades that are usually made of durable plastic or metal.

It is important to purchase quality supplies in advance. The market offers many options for cameras and tires, but for Xiaomi Mijia Electric Scooter it is better to choose original parts or certified analogues of proven brands. Cheap rubber products can quickly become unusable or do not provide proper traction.

• 🛠️ Set of hexagonal keys (including size for removing the sleeve)
• 🚴 Special mounting blades for wheel carriage (minimum) 2-3 stuff)
• 💨 Pump with pressure gauge for pressure control
• 🧤 Working gloves to protect hands from dirt and cuts

Special attention should be paid to the pump. Since the volume of the chamber is relatively small, but the pressure required is quite high, a manual pump can require considerable effort. Using a compressor or foot pump with a pressure gauge will greatly simplify the final stage of checking the leakage.

Dismantling the wheel and removing old rubber

The first step is to remove the wheel from the frame of the scooter, which is to flip the device or put it on a stand, ensuring a stable position, first unscrew the bolts that attach the brake disc and the motor bushing to the pendulum, be careful not to lose washers and damage the wiring of the motor wheel.

Once the wheel is free, you can start removing the old tire, and if you change the camera, you still have to remove the outer tire completely from the rim, and you have to completely flush the air out of the chamber and squeeze the nipple inside the rim.

⚠️ Attention: When removing an old camera, carefully examine the inner surface of the tire. Often the cause of a puncture is a sharp object sticking out from the inside (glass, metal shavings), which must be removed, otherwise the new camera will also be punctured.

Using mounting blades, pull the tyre side and throw it over the rim edge. As you move around, completely free one side of the rubber, then remove the camera. Removing the tyre itself from the disc requires care so that you don't scratch the aluminum rim with metal tools.

Technology of wearing a new tire on the rim

The most difficult part of the whole procedure is putting a new, tight tire on the disc. The new Xiaomi tire always has a very dense side, which is a plus for safety, but a minus for the installer. There are several ways to facilitate this process, and the most effective of them is the use of soap solution.

Lubricate the sides of the new tire and rim edge with soapy water or a special mounting spray, which will reduce friction and allow the rubber to slide more easily on the metal. Start putting the tire on the opposite side of the nipple hole, gradually filling the side inside the rim with your hands.

When you can't fill the last segment with your hands, you use mounting blades. Safety is critical: don't use excessive force to avoid pinching the camera (if it's already inside) or damaging the side of the tire.

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Heating the tire with a building hair dryer or hot air (not open fire!) makes the rubber more elastic and greatly simplifies installation, especially in the cold season.

If you install a tubeless system, you have to have the seals right away. For the chambers, the camera is not installed at this stage, we only form the outer frame, and make sure that the tire sits evenly throughout the circle, without any distortion.

Camera installation and final assembly

Once the outer tire is in place, you can start installing the camera, and it is recommended to slightly pump it up so that it takes a round shape and does not fold into the harmonica, which could lead to pinching. Carefully place the camera inside the tire, starting with the nipple area.

The nipple must enter the hole strictly perpendicular to the plane of the rim. If it is skewed, it can tear or damage when pumped. Spread the camera inside to eliminate creases, and start filling the second side of the tire (if you have shot both sides) or make sure that the camera is completely hidden inside.

The final step is pumping. Do this gradually, controlling pressure through the pressure gauge. For the Xiaomi M365 Pro and Pro 2 models, the optimal pressure is about 50 psi (3.5 bar), but the exact values are always indicated on the sidewall of the tire. During the pumping process, check whether the rubber sits on the rim.

Once you have reached the working pressure, visually inspect the wheel again in a circle, the rubber should fit tightly to the rim without bulges, and if you notice a "hernia" or irregularity, flush the air, adjust the camera and repeat the procedure.

Common mistakes when replacing rubber

Many users make common mistakes that negate all efforts, and one of the most common is to try to put dry rubber on a dry rim, and the friction is so great that you can tear a new camera or damage the side of the tire with a mounting blade.

Another common problem is the camera twisting, and if the camera inside is folded or twisted, then when pumped, there will be a voltage in that place that will cause the camera to rupture, and always straighten the camera inside before the final installation of the board.

• ❌ Use of sharp metal screwdrivers instead of plastic blades
• ❌ Ignoring the lubrication of the board with soap solution
• ❌ Excessive pumping of the wheel to "straighten" the shape
• ❌ Installation of the camera without prior light blowing

⚠️ Warning: Never leave a scooter with underperforming wheels for long-term storage.This can cause the camera to deform and microcrack on the rubber folds, causing a rapid descent in the future.

Also worth mentioning is the error in assembling the wheel itself onto the frame: the engine mount bolts must be tightened with the right force. Insufficient tightening will lead to backlash and wheel beat, and the pulling can break the thread on the aluminum pendulum.

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The secret to success is a lot of soap and gradual action. Don't try to force rubber, it's better to spend an extra 5 minutes preparing.

Performance check and test run

Once the wheel is in place and all fasteners are tightened, visual control is required, make sure the wheel rotates freely, does not touch the frame or brake caliper, and the gap between the tire and the frame should be uniform on all sides.

The first race should be short and careful. Drive a few meters listening to outside sounds. Lack of beats and vibrations indicates proper installation. Also check the brakes, as after removing and installing the wheel, the disc may have shifted.

In the first days of operation, it is recommended to check the tire pressure regularly, and new tires can be slightly stretched or, conversely, compacted in the first kilometers of run, which may require a slight pressure adjustment.

Replacing a tire on a Xiaomi scooter is a physical challenge, but one that can be solved in garage conditions. Technology, lubrication and attention to detail will allow you to extend the life of your vehicle and ensure safety of travel.