Xiaomi’s modern robot vacuum cleaners have proven to be reliable cleaners, but even the best technology requires maintenance over time. Often users are faced with the need to deep clean, replace worn items or eliminate extraneous noises that cannot be solved by conventional container cleaning. It is at such moments that the question arises: how to safely open the device’s case without damaging delicate electronics and plastic latches.
The process of disassembling the Mi Robot Vacuum (including the 1S, Mijia 1C and earlier versions) requires precision and understanding of the design, as engineers have provided many hidden mounts. Wrong actions can damage the plumes, reset the sensors calibration or even break the body. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each stage of dismantling, from removing the side brush to accessing the motherboard, so that you can carry out repairs or maintenance with minimal risks.
Before you start active actions, you need to prepare the workplace and make sure that the device is completely disconnected from the charging dock. It is important to understand that the warranty seal on some models can be located under decorative elements, and its violation will lead to a loss of warranty. If your vacuum cleaner is still warranty, it is better to contact an authorized service center, but for devices with an expired service life, disassembly will be a great way to extend the life of the gadget.
Preparation for disassembly and necessary tools
Quality training is key to successfully and safely opening the body of a robot vacuum cleaner. You will need not only the desire to fix the device, but also a specific set of tools that will allow you to work with small screws and plastic latches without damage. The lack of suitable tools often causes licking screws or breakage of fragile mounts of the body.
The main tool will be a set of cross screwdrivers of different sizes, as Xiaomi design uses screws of different lengths and diameters. Also indispensable assistant will be a plastic blade (spooger) or mediator to open the latches that hold the top cover and side panels. Metal tools such as knives or flat screwdrivers, use is highly discouraged, as they are very easy to damage glossy plastic or accidentally close contacts on the board.
☑️ Disassembly tools
Don't forget to prepare the screw folding container, preferably sectional, because you'll find different lengths of fasteners in the process of disassembling, and if you mix them up when you build them, you can screw a long screw into a hole designed for a short one, which will damage the internal components or the lid itself, and you should also have a soft fabric or an antistatic mat on which the device will lie so that you don't scratch the top panel while you're working.
Primary cleaning and removal of external elements
The first step is always to remove all removable parts that don't require screws to be unscrewed. Start by dismantling the side brush that is mounted with one screw in the center. To do this, flip the robot vacuum cleaner, find the locking screw and gently unscrew it, then remove the brush itself by pulling it up.
Then you have to take out the main turbobrush and the dust collector. Open the top cover, press the lock and remove the dust container. Inside the main hole, you'll see the main brush with the pile; it's usually fixed on both sides with special bearing caps. Notice the colored caps of the brush bearings - they are often clogged with hair, which is the main reason for howling and hum when working.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to pull the main brush without removing the pre-protective plugs from the ends, otherwise you risk breaking the plastic body of the brush or damaging the drive mechanism.
Once you remove the brush, inspect the turbine hole for large debris that may have gotten in. Often this is where dust lumps accumulate to block the fan's impeller. Wipe the insides with a dry wipe and make sure the impeller rotates freely, without jamming. If you hear the grinding, you may need a deeper disassembly of the duct.
Dismantling the lower panel and access to the wheels
To access the main mechanical components, such as wheels and side brush motors, remove the bottom platform of the device. Rotate the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner upside down and carefully inspect the perimeter of the bottom cover. You will see many screws arranged in a circle, as well as several screws hidden under the rubber shock absorbers of the wheels.
Carefully unscrew all visible screws using a magnetic screwdriver so that they do not fall apart on the floor. Pay special attention to the screws under the wheels: they must be twisted, slightly lifting the wheel, but not tearing it off completely, so as not to damage the Cliff Sensor sensor plume (fall sensor) if it passes in this area. In some Mijia models, the screws can be hidden under decorative stickers or rubber plugs.
- 🔧 Spin it out. 12-14 screws around the perimeter of the lower cover, using a screwdriver of the appropriate size.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the main brush module if it has not been dismantled before.
- 🔧 Disconnect the plumes of the drop sensors if your model design requires it to remove the lid (they are usually long enough).
- 🔧 Remove the bottom plastic panel, swaying it slightly from side to side to let the latches come out.
When you remove the bottom panel, you'll have access to the chassis, which is where the gear motors, the side brush motors, and the main turbine are located, and you'll be able to look carefully at the wires and plumes, which should not be twisted or clamped by plastic elements, and if necessary, blow the insides with compressed air, removing the accumulated dust from the electronic boards and motors.
What to do if the screws are rusted?
Disassembly of the upper part and access to electronics
If your goal is to replace the battery, repair the laser rangefinder (LDS) or motherboard, you will need to remove the top cover of the case.This stage is more delicate, since the top panel of the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum is held not only by screws, but also by many hidden latches around the perimeter. Start with dismantling the bumper: it is usually attached with several screws on the inside and carefully removed by moving up.
Once you remove the bumper and unscrew all the visible screws (often under buttons or decorative rings), you can start separating the body. Use a plastic blade to gently walk along the junction between the top and bottom of the body. Move around in a circle, sequentially snapping the locks. Don't rush or use force: plastic on older devices becomes brittle and can crack.
Inside, you'll see the main motherboard, battery pack and LDS module. Be extremely careful with the plume connecting the laser rangefinder to the board: it's very thin and easily breaks when handled carelessly. If you need to remove the top cover completely, be sure to disconnect all connectors leading to the control board.
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When removing the upper cover, hold the laser head (LDS) with your hand so that it does not dangle and damage the rotation mechanism or plume. It is best to fix it with tape before starting work.
Battery replacement and battery maintenance
One of the most common reasons for dismantling a robot vacuum cleaner is reduced battery life. The battery in Xiaomi devices is usually a block of several lithium-ion cells encased in a plastic case. To replace, you need to disconnect the power connector from the motherboard and twist the screws that lock the battery compartment.
In some models, such as the Mi Robot Vacuum 1S, the battery is under the top cover and mounted on the screws to the base. In other older versions, it can be accessed through the bottom panel. Always pay attention to the polarity of the connection when installing a new element. Incorrect connection can lead to short circuit and failure of the control board.
| Parameter | Standard battery | Enhanced (Enhanced) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2800-2900 mAh | 5,200 mAh | For large apartments |
| Tension. | 14.4 B | 14.4 B | strictly observe |
| Type | Original or qualitative analogue | ||
| Term of service | 1-1.5 years | 2-3 years | Depends on the cycles. |
After installing the new battery, take your time to close the case immediately. Connect the device to the charging station and check if charging is underway, as well as whether the charge level is correctly displayed in the Mi Home application. If all parameters are normal, you can gently assemble the case back, making sure that the wires are not clamped.
Turbine cleaning and bearing replacement
If a robot vacuum cleaner starts to whistle, howl, or hum, the problem is often the contamination of the main turbine bearings or the side brushes. Dust, when mixed with hair and wool, forms a dense plaque that makes it difficult to rotate and creates noise. To fix the malfunction, you need to get to the turbine motor.
Once you reach the turbine unit (usually located in the center part under the main body), remove the impeller. Often this requires removing the locking ring or twisting out several screws. Rinse the impeller and axis with water with detergent, but dry thoroughly before installation. Bearings can be lubricated with a special lubricant for power tools, but do not use WD-40 as the final lubricant - it washes the factory lubricant.
⚠️ Warning: When cleaning the turbine, make sure that water does not get on the winding of the engine. The engine cannot be washed, only the plastic impeller and axle are cleaned.
Also check the condition of the rubber seals around the turbine. If they lose elasticity or break, the suction efficiency will drop sharply, as the air channel will be leaky. If necessary, replace the seals or temporarily restore their tightness with silicone (until completely dry).
Assembly and performance check
The Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is assembled in reverse order, and the main rule is not to tighten the screws to the end at once. First, make sure that the screws are made, make sure that the covers fall into place without gaps, and only then evenly tighten the mounts, which will help to avoid skewing the body and the appearance of creaks when working.
Once assembled, turn on the device and start a test cleaning. Pay attention to the behavior of the robot: whether it is moving smoothly, whether there are any foreign sounds, whether the map is being built correctly. If you have disassembled the laser module, you may need calibration, which usually happens automatically in the first minutes of operation, but sometimes requires resetting the map in the application.
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Quality assembly depends on the correct order of tightening of screws and the absence of foreign objects inside the body.
If the robot behaves strangely after assembly (e.g. rotates in place or crashes into walls), check if all the sensor plumes are connected correctly. Often forgetfulness or inattention when connecting connectors leads to erroneous data from the sensors, and the robot can not navigate in space. Recheck all the connections again.