How to change the camera on the front wheel Xiaomi: detailed instructions with photos and nuances

The puncture or wear of the camera on the front wheel of Xiaomi is a problem that every owner of an electric scooter or a brand bicycle sooner or later faces. Unlike the rear wheel, the front tire requires special attention: it is more likely to suffer from shocks, sharp objects and uneven wear. Many users mistakenly think that replacing the camera is a task for a service center, but in practice you can cope with it yourself with a minimum set of tools and 30-40 minutes of free time.

In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of replacing the camera on the front wheel of Xiaomi devices (including Mijia M365, Pro 2, 1S, Essential and QiCycle bikes). You will learn how to properly remove the wheel, dismantle the old camera, install a new one without skewing and avoid the typical errors that lead to repeated punctures.

⚠️ Important: If your scooter or Xiaomi bike is warranted, self-repair may void it. Check warranty conditions before you start work.

1 What tools and materials will be needed

Before you start replacing your camera, prepare everything you need, and not even having one tool can make it difficult or impossible. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Set of hexagons (required to have a key of 5 mm for most Xiaomi models).
• 🔨 Installation blades (2-3 pieces, plastic or metal with rounded edges).
• 🚲 Pump with pressure gauge (for precise pumping of the wheel after installation).
• 🧴 Soap solution or special lubricant (facilitates the installation of the camera in the tire).
• 📏 New camera (of the right size, we will discuss the choice below).
• 🔍 A flashlight or table lamp (to inspect the tire for sharp objects).

You can also use a rubber hammer (for a tidy fit) and sandpaper (if the wheel rim has burrs). If you change the camera for the first time, take gloves, this will save your hands from dirt and minor cuts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use screwdrivers or other sharp objects instead of mounting blades! They can damage the tire or the camera.

2.How to choose the right camera to replace

One of the key points is to buy a camera that is right for your model. Xiaomi devices have front wheels that are usually a standard size of 8.5" (inches), but there are nuances:

• 📌 Size: For Mijia M365, Pro, 1S and Essential, a 8.5 × 2.125 camera is suitable. For QiCycle bicycles, 16 × 1.75 or 20 × 1.95 (depending on the model).
• 🔄 Valve type: Make sure the camera valve matches the hole in the rim (usually an autonipple or Presta).
• 🛡️ Material: Butyl cameras are more puncture resistant, but heavier. Latex is lighter, but require frequent puncture.

If you're not sure about the size, look at the markings on an old camera or tire. For example, an 8.5-2 1/4 sign means that an 8.5×2.125 camera will fit.

💡 Tip: When buying a camera, pay attention to the presence of anti-piercing tape (for example, Slime or Stop Flat), which prevents minor punctures and prolongs the life of the camera.

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If you often drive on broken asphalt or gravel, choose cameras labeled "Puncture Proof" or "Anti-Puncture" - they have an additional protective layer.

Step-by-step instruction: removal of the front wheel

The wheel must be dismantled before changing the camera, a process different for Xiaomi scooters and bicycles, but the common steps are as follows:

1. Turn off the power. Turn off the scooter or the bicycle to avoid accidental engine start.
2. Turn the device over. Put it on the steering wheel and saddle (if any), pre-plugged with soft cloth so as not to scratch.
3. Remove the brake cable (if any) on some models, it attaches to the plug and prevents the dismantling.
4. Unscrew the wheel mounts. Use a 5mm hexagon for bolts and nuts. Xiaomi scooters usually have 4 bolts.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi scooters, the front wheel is often connected to the wiring of the motor. Don't pull the wheel by force - first gently unplug the connector (it's usually near the fork).

After removing the wheel, check the rim for burrs or rust, and if you have any, clean the surface with sandpaper, or the new camera will quickly puncture.

4. Dismantling of old chamber and tire

The most important step is to carefully remove the tire and remove the punctured camera, where it is important not to damage the rim and not to tear the new camera during installation.

Algorithm of action:

1. Pull the air out of the chamber by pressing the nipple.
2. Put the edge of the tire in. Put the mounting blade between the rim and the tire, then hook it by the spoke. Repeat with the second blade at a distance of 10-15 cm.
3. Take off the tire. Carefully shovel along the rim, freeing up the edge of the tire. When one side is free, pull out the camera.
4. Check the tire. Check it from the inside for sharp objects (glass, nails) that could cause a puncture.

🔍 Important: If an object is stuck in the tire, don't pull it out with your bare hands -- use pliers. Look at the puncture site on the camera: if the hole is closer to the nipple, there may be a problem in the rim (e.g., the sharp edge of the nipple hole).

If the tire is worn out (cord, deep cracks), it is better to replace it too, otherwise the new camera will quickly damage.

5. Installation of a new chamber and assembly of the wheel

Now we move on to installing a new camera, and it requires care to avoid skewing and jamming.

Procedure:

1. Check the camera. Inflate it a little (to a rounded shape) to make sure there are no defects.
2. Insert the nipple into the rim hole. It should sit flat, without any distortions.
3. Place the camera inside the tire. Start on the opposite side of the nipple, evenly spreading the camera around the rim.
4. Put on a tire. First, fill the side without a nipple, then with a nipple. Use mounting blades if the tire is tight.
5. Check the position of the camera. It should not be twisted or sandwiched between the tire and the rim.

💦 Trick: If the tire doesn't fit well, lubricate the edges with soapy solution or special lubrication, which will make the process easier and reduce the risk of damage.

After installation, blow the camera up a little (up to 0.5-1 bar) and check if it spreads evenly. If there are bulges or skews, blow the air and adjust the camera.

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Never pump the camera to the end if the tire is not fully sat down on the rim! this can cause the camera to explode or damage the tire.

Installation of the wheel in place and final checks

When the camera and tire are installed, it remains to assemble the wheel and check its performance.

Act in reverse order:

1. Put the wheel on the fork. Make sure it's up straight, without any skewing.
2. Connect the motor connector (for electric scooters) and make sure the contacts are clean and tight.
3. Twirl the fasteners. Tighten them cross-to-cross so that the wheel sits evenly.
4. The pressure should be in line with the guidelines for your model (usually 2.0-2.5 bar for scooters and 3.0-4.0 bar for bicycles).
5. Check the brakes. Make sure the wheel rotates freely and doesn't hit the brake pads.

⚠️ Warning: After you change the camera, do a test run at low speed, check if there's any vibration or noise, and if the wheel hits, the camera is uneven or the tire is not fully flat.

Critical! On Xiaomi scooters, the ABS system calibration (if any) can be lost after the wheel is replaced. To avoid errors, after the wheel is installed, turn on the scooter, accelerate to 10 km / h and brake sharply. Repeat 2-3 times - this will help the system recalibrate.

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with a careful camera change, you can make mistakes that will cause the wheel to puncture again or malfunction.

• 🔧 Camera skewed. If the camera is unevenly mounted, it will wash off the rim and quickly puncture. Solution: Before pumping, make sure that the camera is exactly all over the rim.
• 🚫 Getting dirt or sand, fine particles between the camera and the tire can wipe the hole. Solution: Before installation, wipe the rim and the inside of the tire.
• 💥 Excessive pressure. If you pump the camera, it can burst. Solution: Use a pressure pump and watch the recommended pressure.
• 🔄 Camera size is wrong. Cameras too big or small will warp. Solution: Always check the markings on the tire and camera.

🔍 Tip: If the camera is constantly deflecting after the replacement, check:

• The density of the nipple to the rim (sometimes helps to tighten the nut of the nipple).
• rim integrity (burrows or cracks can let air through).
• The quality of the camera itself (failed cameras are found even in well-known brands).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)