Clean the wheels of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi: 3 ways + errors that spoil the mechanism

Why do Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner wheels require regular cleaning?

The wheels of the Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaner are not just a part to move around, but a complex mechanism with moving parts that directly affects the quality of cleaning. Over time, they accumulate hair, animal hair, threads and small debris that wrap around the axis, block rotation or even cause the engine to overheat. If you notice that the vacuum cleaner has started to "twist", creak or move in jerks, this is a sure sign that the wheels require intervention.

The problem is particularly acute for owners of rubber tracked wheels (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro or STYJ02YM) whose textured surface clings to carpets better, but also more actively collects dirt. At the same time, plastic wheels (like the MiJia 1S) are less stained, but wear out faster from sand and abrasive particles. According to service centers, 68% of complaints about “going” robot vacuum cleaners are associated with pollution or wear of the Xiaomi wheel mechanism.

The manufacturer recommends cleaning the wheels every 2-3 times (or once a week for daily use). But in practice, the frequency depends on the type of coating: on carpets with long pile or in houses with animals, cleaning will have to be carried out 2-3 times more often. Ignoring this procedure leads not only to a decrease in the efficiency of cleaning, but also to an increase in the load on the battery - the vacuum cleaner spends more energy trying to overcome the resistance of contaminated wheels.

What tools will you need to clean?

Before you start the procedure, prepare the necessary tools. Most of them will be found in every house, but some will have to be purchased if you plan a deep cleaning with disassembly:

• 🧹 Soft brush (dental or electronic cleaning) – to remove dust and fine debris.
• 🧼 Wet wipes (no alcohol!) or microfiber fabric for cleaning surfaces.
• ✂️ Tweezers or scissors with thin blades to gently remove the wound hair.
• 🛠️ Cross screwdriver (PH0 or PH1) - for disassembling the wheel module (if required).
• 💧 Silicone lubricant (e.g., WD-40 Specialist Silicone) - for processing the wheel axis.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% and higher) - for degreasing plastic parts.

⚠️ Warning: Never use abrasive sponges, metal brushes or solvents (acetone, gasoline) to clean your wheels, which will damage the rubber coating and cause premature wear, and avoid oil-based lubricants (like Litol or Solidol) – they collect dust and eventually turn into an abrasive paste.

If you have a model with removable wheels (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P), a flat screwdriver is enough to fit the locks. For models with non-removable mounting (like the MiJia 1C), you may need a special plastic mediator to avoid scratching the body during dismantling.

Method 1: Quick cleaning without disassembly (for mild contaminants)

This method is suitable if the wheels do not lock, but they rotate or make strange sounds noticeably worse, and can be performed regularly - it takes no more than 5 minutes.

1. Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and turn it upside down with the wheels. Place it on a soft surface (a towel or rubber mat) so as not to scratch the body.
2. Carefully examine the wheels for wound hair or threads, most often they accumulate at the base of the wheel, where it is attached to the body.
3. Carefully tweez your hair and pull it along the spin axis. Don't pull it too hard, you can damage the machinery! If your hair gets too entangled, use scissors to cut it at the base.
4. With a soft brush, remove dust and fine debris from the rubber surface of the wheel and plastic rim. For hard-to-reach places, use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
5. Wipe the wheels with a wet wipe, then dry them for 5-10 minutes before turning on the vacuum cleaner.

⚠️ Warning: If the wheel is still creaking or scrolling with force after cleaning, then the dirt has penetrated the mechanism.

Remove visible hair and threads with tweezers

Clean the rubber surface and grooves with a brush

Wash the wheels with a wet wipe (without alcohol!)

Dry the vacuum cleaner before switching on

Check the smoothness of the wheels-->

Method 2: Deep cleaning with partial disassembly

If surface cleaning doesn't work, you'll have to remove the wheels to access the interior parts, which requires precision, but it can be done by a beginner.

The manual is suitable for most Xiaomi Mi Robot models, with the exception of the STYJ02YM and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra, where the wheel module is integrated into the body (they need a complete disassembly).

1. Turn over the vacuum cleaner and find the wheel locks, usually plastic latches on the sides or screws under the cross screwdriver. In the MiJia 1S and 1C models, the wheels are mounted on a single screw hidden under a round cap.
2. Carefully tuck the cap with a flat screwdriver (if any) and unscrew the screw. In some models, the screw may be under a hexagon - use the appropriate key.
3. Take the wheel off the axle. Be careful, there may be a spring mechanism or a gear inside. Don't lose the little details!
4. Clean the axis of rotation of dirt with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. If there are traces of corrosion on the axis, use silicone lubrication (1-2 drops).
5. Wash the wheel under warm water (not hot!) with soap, then dry thoroughly. To speed up the process, you can use a dryer in cold mode.
6. Put the mechanism back together. Make sure the wheel rotates without backlash and doesn't touch the body.

💡 Useful tip: If you find that the rubber wheel covering has worn out (cracks or it has "licked"), don't rush to buy a new wheel whole. In most cases, you can only replace the rubber "tyre" - they are sold separately (Article for MiJia 1S: ZNMS17WM).

Method 3: Complete disassembly of the wheel module (for experienced)

This method is required in extreme cases: if the wheel is jammed, a backlash appears or a vacuum cleaner gives a Wheel stuck error (code 9 or 10 in the Mi Home app). Complete disassembly allows you to get to the gearbox and the wheel engine, but requires electronics skills.

🔧 Essential tools:

• A set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, hexagonal).
• Plastic mediator to open the body.
• Multimeter (to check engine contacts)
• Thermopaste (if replacement is required).

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the wheel module will void the warranty (if it is still valid), and there is a risk of damaging the gyroscope or motion sensors if you do not handle the board carefully. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should contact the service center.

1. Remove the wheel according to the instructions in Method 2.
2. Unscrew the screws that hold the wheel module (usually 3-4 screws under the cross screwdriver). In some models, the module is attached to the latches - they need to be carefully snapped with the mediator.
3. Take the module out and inspect the gears of the gearbox, which are often clogged with dust or the lubricant is dry, and clean them with a cotton swab of isopropyl alcohol.
4. Check the contacts of the engine with a multimeter. The resistance of the winding should be within 5-15 Ohms (for exact values, see the datachite per model).
5. If the engine is working, apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the gears and axle. Put the module back together.

🔍 Diagnosis of malfunctions:

• 🔊 Scream when rotating → lack of lubrication or hitting sand in the gearbox.
• 🛑 Wheel does not rotate → engine wire break or driver chip failure.
• 🌀 The wheel rotates in jerks → wear of gears or contamination of the Hall sensor.

💡

If the vacuum cleaner gives an error "Wheel stuck" (code 9 or 10), reset the error through the Mi Home app: go to Device Settings → Error Reset. If the error repeats, the problem may be in the firmware or damage to the board.

How to extend the life of wheels: 5 tips from service engineers

Regular cleaning is only half the success, and to make the wheels of the Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaner last longer, follow these recommendations:

1. Avoid cleaning on wet surfaces. Moisture penetrates the wheel mechanism and accelerates axle corrosion. If the vacuum cleaner supports wet cleaning (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), use only special wipes and do not exceed the recommended volume of water.
2. Install virtual walls in the Mi Home app for areas at high risk of wheel contamination: long-pile carpets, animal fur sites, or construction debris, which will reduce the load on the mechanism.
3. Check the pressure of the wheels. In spring-operated models (such as the STYJ02YM), the tension weakens over time, causing the wheel to slip. Adjust the spring or replace it (article: ZNMS18WM).
4. Use protective covers. For models with rubber wheels (such as the MiJia 1S), silicone linings are sold that reduce wear and make it easier to clean, mounted on top of standard wheels and cost about 300-500 rubles.
5. Update the firmware. In newer versions of the robot vacuum cleaner software, Xiaomi often optimizes its motion algorithms, which reduces the load on the wheels. For example, the 3.5.8_003239 firmware for the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro has added a smooth acceleration mode, which reduces the snatch at start.

📌 Useful life hack: If you often clean animal hair, vacuum the carpets with a regular brushed vacuum cleaner before cleaning, which will reduce the number of hairs that wind up on the robot wheels and prolong their life by 2-3 times.

Frequent mistakes when cleaning wheels and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that harm the machine instead of being useful, and here are the most common ones:

• 🧴 Using the wrong lubricant: Oil lubricants (like Lithol or graphite lubricant) thicken and attract dust over time, turning into an abrasive. Use only water-based silicone lubricants.
• 💦 Washing the wheels under running water. If water gets into the bearing or into the engine contacts, it will cause corrosion or short circuit. Better use wet wipes.
• 🔧 Excessive tightening of screws. Don't pull the fasteners when you assemble them, which can deform the plastic wheel case or damage the thread.
• 🧹 Metallic objects, needles, knives, or screwdrivers scratch the rubber coating of the wheels, which impairs grip. Use only plastic or wooden tools.
• 🔥 Drying the wheels with a hair dryer in hot mode. High temperature deforms rubber and plastic. Dry the wheels at room temperature or use a hair dryer in cold mode.

⚠️ Warning: If after cleaning, the wheel starts vibrating or the vacuum cleaner moves in an arc, chances are you've got the mechanism wrong.

• Is the stainless stainless stainless stainless?
• Whether the shaft bends axles.
• Is the sleeves properly installed (if the gearbox is disassembled).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions