Replacing regular pneumatic wheels with cast rubber is a popular solution among Xiaomi electric scooters. Cast tires are not afraid of punctures, require minimal maintenance and are suitable for riding on asphalt. However, their installation has a nuance: improper installation can lead to vibrations at high speeds or premature wear of bearings. In this article, we will analyze the process by steps, from the selection of rubber to the final balancing, taking into account the characteristics of the M365, Pro, 1S and Esssential models.
You'll find here not only text instructions, but also a selection of videos from proven craftsmen, compatibility tables, and answers to frequent questions. We'll focus on common mistakes, such as why you can't use metal mounts for cast rubber and how to avoid wheel skewing. If you're taking this procedure for the first time, be prepared to be patient and accurate.
Why cast tires are better than pneumatics: pros and cons
The main advantage of cast rubber is that it doesn't have the risk of puncture, and in urban environments, where you often get nails, glass or sharp stones on the roads, it's critical.
- 🔧 Do not require pumping - it is enough to install once and forget about the pressure.
- 💰 Cheaper in the long run – no need to buy cameras or repair kits.
- ⚡ Lighter than pneumatics (100-150 g each), which slightly increases the power reserve.
- 🛠️ Easy to install - no need to fight the elasticity of the camera.
But there are disadvantages, and the main one is rigidity: cast rubber is worse at cushioning, so all the blows are passed to the steering wheel and legs, this can be uncomfortable on poor asphalt or paving stones, also cast wheels.
- 🔥 Faster wear at high speeds (service life - 1000-1500 km against 3000-5000 km in pneumatics).
- 🎯 Less traction on wet road or sand.
- 🔊 Noisier when driving on rough surfaces.
For the Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2, cast tires are ideal if you drive mostly on flat asphalt. For off-road or gravel, it is better to leave the pneumatics or consider the option with polyurethane foam inserts (for example, Honeycomb).
What tools will be needed for installation
Unlike pneumatic wheels, cast rubber doesn't need a pump or a sealant to fit it, but you can't do without special devices.
| Tool. | Appointment | Where to buy | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic installations (2-3 pieces) | For careful removal/installation of the tire without damage to the rim | Auto shops, AliExpress | 200–500 |
| Wide carob key (15–17 mm) | For unscrewing the wheel axle nuts | Any hardware store | 150–300 |
| Dynamometer key (optional) | For accurate nut tightening (recommended moment - 40-50 N·m) | Autotool, Ozon | 800–2000 |
| Silicone lubricant or soap solution | Makes it easier to put on the rim. | Autochemistry, pharmacy (glycerin) | 50–200 |
| Set of hexagons (3-5 mm) | Removal of the brake disc (if required) | Any tool store | 200–400 |
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal mounts or screwdrivers, they will damage both the tire and rim. Plastic mounts can be replaced with flat blades made of ABS-If there is nothing on hand, even plastic spoons with cropped handles will do, as long as they are durable and smooth.
Also, prepare a rag to clean the axle and a marker to mark the position of the wheel relative to the fork (this will help to keep the balance).If you remove the wheel for the first time, take a picture of it from all sides - this will make it easier to reverse assemble.
Step-by-step: how to remove the old wheel
Before installing the cast tire, you need to dismantle the old wheel. This process is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for disc brake scooters (for example, the Pro 2).
- Turn off the power and roll it up with your wheels. Place it on a soft surface (like a mat) so you don't scratch the steering wheel.
- If there is a brake disc on the wheel, unscrew it with a hexagon (usually 3 mm or 4 mm).Put the disc and bolts in a separate box so as not to lose it.
- With the carob key, loosen the nut on the wheel axis. Don't unscrew it completely, just remove the tension.
- Pull the splint (if any) and finally unscrew the nut. Carefully remove the wheel from the axle, holding it on the other side.
- If the wheel sits tight, tap on the axis with a rubber hammer or through a wooden paddle.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) M365 Pro) the wheel axis may be left threaded on one side, this is done to prevent self-unwinding while driving. Check the direction of the thread before making any effort!
After removing the wheel, clean the axle and bearings of dirt. If the bearings are lufting or creaking, they are better replaced - cast rubber is more sensitive to beat. To check, spin the wheel on weight: if it rotates unevenly or with delays, the bearings are worn out.
Removed old wheel | Cleaned axle and bearings | Checked axle thread | Prepared plastic mounts | Plastic lubrication applied to rim-->
How to wear a cast tire on the rim: technique and secrets
This is the most critical stage. The cast rubber is hard, and it's hard to stretch with your hands. Here's a step-by-step algorithm.
- Apply the lubricant to the rim edge and inside of the tire, which can be a silicone spray, soap solution or even shampoo (the main thing is that there is no oil - it corrodes the rubber).
- Place the tire on the rim so that the arrow of the direction of rotation (if any) coincides with the movement of the scooter forward.
- Insert the edge of the tire into the rim on one side. Start from the area opposite the nipple (if any) or from any point if the tire is completely cast.
- Using plastic mounts, gradually fill the tire into the rim, moving from the center to the edges. Do not try to put it on immediately - work in small areas of 5-10 cm.
- When most of the tire is in place, the hardest part is left, and the lever method will help: insert the mount under the edge of the tire and lean gently down on the rim. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Make sure that the tire sits evenly around the perimeter, and if there is any swelling or skewing, remove the tire and repeat the process.
💡 If the tire does not sit on the last 5-10 cm, try to heat it with a hair dryer (no higher than 60 cm).°C!) Rubber will become more elastic. The alternative is to put the tire in warm water for 5-10 minutes.
Xiaomi models with wide rims (such as the M365 Pro) may require a special tool called a “third hand” (tyre holding device), which can be made from a metal strip with a hook.
💡
If the tire is too tight, try using nylon screeds: put them on the rim before mounting, and after installing the tire, trim them, which will help keep the rubber in place while you fill the last section.
Installing the wheel back on the scooter: nuances
When the tire is overETA Right, it's just that you put it back together:
- If you've removed the brake disc, set it back on the same bolts. Tighten them cross-to-cross to avoid skewing.
- Put the wheel on the axle, aligning the holes. Make sure the bearings sit flat -- they don't have to backlash.
- Pull the nut on the axle and twist it from hand to stop. Then pull it with the key, but don't overdo it -- the tightening moment should be 40 to 50 Nm.
- Insert the splint (if any) and bend its ends. This will prevent the screw from self-unwinding.
- Check that the wheel rotates freely, without touching the fork or brake pads.
⚠️ Warning: After installing the cast tire, be sure to check the wheel balance. An unbalanced wheel at high speeds (from 25 km / h) will cause the steering wheel to vibrate, which is dangerous. Use special loaders (stick to the rim) or take the scooter to the workshop to balance the wheel.
If you notice that after the replacement, the scooter has become less likely to ride on one charge, that's OK: cast wheels have a slightly different drag coefficient, the difference is usually 5-10% of the range.
Top.-3 Mistakes in installing cast rubber (and how to avoid them)
Even experienced scooters sometimes make mistakes that lead to rapid wear and tear of the tire or breakage of bearings.
- Metal tools. Steel mounts scratch the rim and tear the rubber. Consequences: leaky (if the tyre has a camera) or cracks in the cast rubber. Solution: Use only plastic or nylon mounts. In extreme cases, wrap the metal mount with tape.
- Wrong nut tightening. Too little puffing causes the wheel to back up, too much pulling the bearings. Solution: Use a dynamometer key with 40-50 Nm. If it's not there, tighten the nut to the end, then pull it 1/4 revolution.
- Ignoring the direction of rotation. A tire with the wrong direction will wear out faster and it will not grip the road better. Solution: Always check the arrow on the sidewall of the tire. It should match the direction of the scooter forward.
Another common problem is that the tire is skewed relative to the rim, and this happens when you don't evenly distribute the rubber when you're fitting it.
- 🔄 The wheel spins with a beat.
- 🔊 I hear a periodic knocking while driving.
- 📉 Uneven tread wear.
If you notice a skew, do not try to "wipe" the wheel - remove the tire and install it again.
Video Instructions: The Best Guides from Masters
The theory is good, but the visual demonstration simplifies the process. We have collected 3 verified videos with a step-by-step cast rubber installation on Xiaomi:
- Universal Guide for M365/M365 Pro (in Russian): The author shows how to remove the wheel, put on a cast tire and avoid mistakes: youtube.com/watch?v=EXAMPLE1 (replace it with a current one).
💡 Tip: Before watching the video, pay attention to the model of the scooter in the description. Some nuances (for example, braking disc mounting) may differ for Xiaomi 1S Essential.
If you're not sure about your abilities, watch the video to the end before you start.
- 🔧 How the author holds the mounting (inclination angle).
- 🕳️ How to fix the wheel when tightening nuts.
- 🔄 How to check the rotation after installation.