How to unscrew the wheel on the Xiaomi scooter: tools, steps and life hacks

Why Removing the Wheel on a Xiaomi Scooter Needs Care

Xiaomi's electric scooters are some of the most popular in the world because of their price-performance balance. But even reliable models like the M365, Pro 2 or 1S wear out their wheels, puncture tires, or need to replace their bearings. The first challenge owners face is how to safely remove the wheel without damaging the thread, brake disc or electrical wiring.

Xiaomi’s scooters have features: the rear wheel is integrated with the motor and the front wheel is integrated with the brake system. Incorrect unscrewing can lead to a failure of the axle thread, damage to the engine cables or even failure of the controller. For example, the Pro 2 and 1S models use left- threaded bolts on the rear wheel – this often comes as a surprise to beginners.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 What tools will be needed for different Xiaomi models
• 🔄 Step-by-step instructions for the front and rear wheel (with photo-analogues)
• ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• 🛠️ When to contact the service and when you can cope independently

Preparation: tools and security

Before you start dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. For standard-range Xiaomi scooters (M365, Pro, Pro 2, 1S) you will need:

• 🔩 Set of hexagons (mandatory 5 mm and 6 mm)
• 🔧 End key by 15 mm (for rear wheel)
• 🔨 Screwdriver cross (for removing plastic covers)
• 🧲 Magnet or small fastener container (so as not to lose washers)
• 🛢️ WD-40 or similar lubrication (if the bolts are acidified)
• 🧤 Gloves (protection against dirt and sharp edges)

For models Xiaomi Pro 3 and newer may need a special remover for cassette nuts, as the rear wheel is fixed not by a bolt, but by a left-carved nut. Also prepare the workspace: a flat surface, good lighting and be sure to turn off the scooter from charging 12 hours before work - this will eliminate the risk of short circuit in case of accidental damage to the wiring.

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter has been recently used, let the motor cool for 30 to 40 minutes. Overheating can deform the plastic parts of the wheel mounting.

Step 1: Removal of the front wheel

The front wheel on Xiaomi scooters is easier to remove, as it is not connected to the electrical system.

1. Turn the scooter upside down with the wheels, before folding the steering wheel (if the model supports folding).Put soft cloth under the handle so as not to scratch the plastic.
2. Remove the plastic cover on the wheel axis with a cross screwdriver. In some models (for example, 1S), the cover is fixed with latches - gently tuck it into a flat screwdriver.
3. Unscrew two nuts with a hexagon 5 mm (or 6 mm for Pro 3). Important: the left nut has a standard (right) thread, the right one has a left one! This means that the right nut must be twisted clockwise to unscrew.
4. Remove the wheel from the axle, holding it on the other side. Be careful, there may be washers or bearings inside.

If the nuts don't lend themselves, use WD-40 and let the lubricant work for 10-15 minutes. Don't use excessive force, it can break the thread on the axle.

Make sure the scooter is off and not connected to the charging|

Prepare tools (hexagon 5/6 mm, screwdriver)|

Take a picture of the location of washers and nuts before removing |

Mark left and right nuts (e.g., marker) for proper assembly-->

Step 2: Rear wheel removal (with motor)

The rear wheel is the hardest part, and there are electrical connections (motor wires, speed sensor, brake disc) in addition to the mechanical attachment, and an error can cause the wires to break or damage the controller.

Instructions for models M365, Pro, Pro 2, 1S:

1. Disconnect the motor connector (under the platform of the scooter). Carefully pull the plastic tongue, do not pull the wires!
2. Remove the brake disc by unscrewing two bolts with a hexagon by 4 mm. Place the disc on a clean surface so as not to bend.
3. Unscrew the central nut with the end key by 15 mm. In the Pro 2 and 1S models, the nut has a left thread - turn clockwise! For the M365 and Pro, the thread is standard (counterclockwise).
4. Remove the wheel from the axle while holding the motor. Be careful, lubrication or small parts may remain inside.

If the wheel is stuck to the axle, don't hit it with a hammer, use the removable or gently loosen it from side to side, and you can use a wooden bar as a lever, but without undue effort.

⚠️ Warning: On the Pro 2 and newer models, the wheel has a speed sensor (Hall sensor). When removing the wheel, do not pull the sensor wires - they are fragile and can break away from the board!

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If you remove a tire replacement wheel, you'll have to let the air out of the chamber beforehand, which will make it easier to dismantle and protect the rim from deformation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced scooters sometimes make mistakes that lead to costly repairs.

• 🔧 Axle thread failure is due to the use of an inappropriate key or excessive effort. Always check the size of the key and the direction of the thread!
• ⚡ Motor wire damage -- never pull the wires, just the connectors. If the connector is stuck, gently swing it from side to side.
• 🛞 Loss of washers or bearings - take a picture of the location of all the details before removing the wheel.
• 🔩 Pulling nuts when assembled, this deforms the bearings and accelerates wear. Tighten the nuts at a force of 40-50 Nm (use a dynamometer key if you have one).

Another common problem is brake disc damage. If the disc bends when removed, it can be leveled with a wooden hammer (carefully!), but if the deformation is severe, it will need to be replaced. In the Pro 2 and 1S models, the disc is attached to the wheel, so you will have to remove it when you replace the tire.

When to contact the service

Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself. Contact the service center if:

• 🔌 After assembly, the scooter does not turn on or the motor does not work - possibly damaged wires or controller.
• 🔊 Audible extraneous sounds (screaming, knocking) when the wheel is rotating - this may indicate wear of bearings or deformation of the axis.
• 📉 The scooter loses power or arbitrarily brakes - the problem may be in the speed sensor or the winding of the motor.
• 🔧 Broken thread on the axle – will require replacement of the axle or wheel assembly.

The cost of repair in the service depends on the problem:

• Replacement of bearings - from 800 to 1500 rubles.
• Repair of motor wiring - from 1500 to 3000 rubles.
• Replacement of the wheel axis - from 2500 to 5000 rubles.

If you're not confident, you should trust the repair to the professionals, for example, replacing bearings requires press and special detachers, without which you can damage the wheel rim.

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The most common cause of failure after self-repair is the wrong nut tightening: too weak leads to backlash and wear of bearings, too strong to deformation of the axle.

Tips for care after assembly

After successful dismantling and installation of the wheel, do not forget to check:

1. Scroll the wheel manually - it should rotate smoothly, without backlash and extraneous sounds.
2. Check the brake (if the wheel is front) or the motor (if the rear) and the braking distance should be uniform, without jerking.
3. Test the scooter at low speed (5-10 km/h) and pay attention to vibrations or unusual sounds.

To extend the service life of the wheels:

• 🛡️ Check tire pressure regularly (optimum 2.5-3.0 bar for Xiaomi).
• 🚿 Wash the wheels after riding on mud, but avoid direct water on bearings.
• 🔄 Every 500-1000 km check the back of the wheels and if necessary tighten the nuts.

If you have replaced a tire or camera, avoid the first 50 km of heavy braking and high speeds – new tires need to “get lost”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing wheels on Xiaomi