Replacing the wheel on a Xiaomi electric scooter is a challenge that every owner sooner or later faces. The front wheel suffers more often than the rear wheel: it takes the main blows from pits, curbs and roughness of the road surface. If you notice that the tire has flattened, there are cracks in the tread tires or the wheel has begun to “eight” when driving, it is time to think about replacing. In this article, we will discuss the process of replacing the front wheel on the popular models of Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, 1S and Essssential, and also talk about the nuances that will help to avoid errors.
Many users are afraid to disassemble the scooter themselves for fear of damaging electronics or disrupting the balance. However, with the right approach and a minimum set of tools, the procedure for replacing the wheel takes no more than 30-40 minutes. The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions. We will also consider what tools you need, how to choose the right tire and camera, and what to do if the wheel spins unevenly after replacing.
What tools will be needed to replace the wheel
Before you start, prepare everything you need, and without the right tools, it can take a long time or damage parts, and here's the minimum set you'll need:
- 🔧 End key 14 mm (or head with a collar) - to unscrew the wheel axis.
- 🔨 Hexagon by 5 mm - for removal of brake disc (if it is installed).
- 🔧 Carrot key 10 mm - for fixing the nut when unscrewed.
- 🛠️ Installation blades (2-3 pieces) - for removing the tire from the rim.
- 🔧 Dynamometer key (optional) - for precise nut tightening.
- 🧴 Soap solution or WD-40 - to facilitate installation of the camera.
- 📦 New tire and camera are suitable for your scooter model.
If you have a disc brake model (such as the Xiaomi Pro 2), you will need brake fluid. DOT 4 and a pumping key (in case you have to take off the caliper). M365) that's not necessary.
Important: do not use screwdrivers or other improvised tools instead of mounting blades, which can damage the rim or the camera, and avoid excessive force when unscrewing the nuts so as not to break the thread.
How to remove the front wheel from the Xiaomi electric scooter
The process of removing the wheel begins with preparing the scooter, placing it on a flat surface and fixing it so that it does not fall during operation. If you have an electronic brake model (E-ABS), turn off the power to avoid accidental activation.
Follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Unscrew the brake cable attachment (if any) and on drum brake models, the cable is attached to the lever on the fork.
- Remove the protective casing (if you have one), which is usually fixed with latches or screws.
- Unscrew the wheel axis nut with a 14mm end key. Hold on the other side with a 10mm carob key so that the axis doesn't scroll.
- Carefully remove the wheel from the fork by pulling it on you. If it sits tight, you can slightly tap on the axis with a rubber hammer.
On models with disc brake (Pro 2, 1S) before removing the wheel, you need to disconnect the brake caliper.
- 🔧 Unscrew two bolts of the caliper attachment by a hexagon 5 mm.
- 🚫 Do not press the brake lever after removing the caliper - this may push the pistons out, and the brake system will have to be pumped.
- 🔄 Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or rope so it doesn't hang on the brake hose.
☑️ Preparation for the removal of the wheel
If the wheel is not easily removed, don't use excessive force - check if all nuts are unscrewed and there are no hidden locks. On some models, the axle may have an additional counternut.
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Before you remove the wheel, take a picture of all the cables and mounts, which will help you get everything back together, especially if you are doing repairs for the first time.
How to remove the wheel and replace the tire or camera
Once the wheel is removed from the scooter, you have to disassemble it to get to the camera and the tire, and this process requires care, because the rim is easily damaged.
- Pull the air out of the chamber by pressing the nipple. If the camera is already deflated, skip this step.
- Insert a mounting blade between the rim and the tire, starting on the opposite side of the nipple.
- Carefully tuck the edge of the tire and take it out of the rim. Repeat the procedure on the other side.
- Remove the camera from the nipple. Be careful not to tear it.
- Check the rim for burrs or rust that could damage the new camera.
If you only change the camera, check the tyre from the inside for foreign objects (nails, glass) that may have pierced it. If the tyre is worn or has cracks, it is better to replace it with the camera.
When installing a new camera:
- 🔄 Start with a nipple by squeezing it into the rim hole.
- 🧼 Lubricate the chamber with soap solution so that it can enter the tire more easily.
- 🚫 Do not twist the camera, as this can cause premature wear and tear.
- 🔧 Carefully refill the edges of the tire back into the rim, starting on the side opposite the nipple.
If the tire sits tightly on the rim, you can use mounting blades, but without excessive effort. After installation, make sure that the camera is not squeezed between the rim and the tire.
What to do if the tire does not sit on the rim?
Installation of the wheel back to the electric scooter
After you replace your tire or camera, you need to put the wheel back on the fork, and this process requires attention, especially if you have a model with a brake system.
- Put the wheel on the fork axis, aligning the holes. Make sure the wheel is flat, without skewing.
- Twirl the axis nut with the end key by 14 mm. Tighten it evenly so as not to skew the axis.
- Set the brake caliper (if it was removed) and lock with bolts. Make sure that the brake disc does not touch the pads.
- Connect the brake cable (for models with drum brake) and adjust its tension.
- Pump the wheel to the recommended pressure (usually 35-50 PSI, see the instructions for your model).
Pay special attention to the moment of tightening of the axle nut. If you pull it, the wheel will rotate with difficulty; if you do not pull it, you will get a backlash that will lead to a beat. The optimal timing for most Xiaomi models is 40-50 Nm. If you do not have a dynamometer key, tighten the nut tightly, but without fanaticism.
After installing the wheel, check:
- 🔄 Ease of rotation – the wheel should be rotated freely, without jamming.
- 🚫 No beat – if the wheel is eight, check the correct installation and balancing.
- 🛑 Brake operation: The brake disc must not rub against the pads, and the drum brake must operate clearly.
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After changing the wheel, be sure to check the balance. If the scooter vibrates at speed, this may indicate a wrong installation or a damaged tire.
Frequent mistakes when replacing the wheel and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can cause the scooter to break or malfunction, and here are the most common ones and ways to avoid them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Axis nut pull | Difficult wheel rotation, wear of bearings | Use a dynamometer key or tighten without undue effort |
| Incorrect camera installation | Punctures, rapid wear, "eight" | Check the absence of torsion and the correct position of the nipple |
| Ignoring balancing | Vibration at high speed, uneven wear | Check the wheel for beat after installation |
| Damage to the brake disc | Scream, ineffective braking | Remove the caliper before dismantling the wheel, do not drop the disc |
Another mistake is using inappropriate tires or cameras, such as a Pro 2 tire on a Xiaomi M365, which can cause problems with the rim or incompatibility with the brake system, and always check the markings on the tire and check them against the manufacturer's recommendations.
⚠️ Warning: If the scooter starts to steer away from the wheel after the wheel has been replaced, this may indicate improper installation or damage to the bearings, in which case the wheel should be removed and checked again.
How to Choose a Replacement Camera and Replacement Tire
Choosing the right tire and camera is key to a long and safe operation of the scooter. There are many options on the market, but not all of them are suitable for Xiaomi models.
- 🔍 Wheel size: For most Xiaomi models, it's 8.5" (216 mm). Check the markings on the old tire.
- 🏔️ Tread type: Slick for smooth roads (shoot down better, but less grip); Half-plate is a universal option for the city; Winter with spikes or a deep tread for snow and ice.
- 🛡️ Puncture protection: Look for tires labeled Puncture Proof or reinforced cord.
- 🔄 Brake compatibility: for disc brake models, the tire must have a special groove for the disc.
Some of the popular brands that make tires for Xiaomi are Kenda, CST, Innova and Chaoyang. Cameras are usually versatile, but it is better to choose those designed for high pressure (up to 100 PSI).
If you're a frequent rider on bad roads, consider tubeless tires, which are less prone to puncture, but require special sealants and skills to install, and also look at colored tires, which not only improve the appearance of the scooter, but can also have a reinforced rubber composition.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install tires on the electric scooter for bicycles or gyroscooters, which are not designed for the loads and speeds typical of scooters, and can burst while driving.
When to use the service instead of a self-replacement
While replacing the wheel on a Xiaomi electric scooter is a procedure that even a beginner can handle, in some cases it is better to trust the professionals.
- 🔧 You have never repaired machinery and are afraid of damaging the scooter.
- 🔄 Once replaced, the wheel spins unevenly and you can't find the cause.
- 🛠️ You have a model with hydraulic brakes (Xiaomi Pro 2), and after removing the caliper brakes stopped working.
- 💥 You have found damage to the fork, axle or bearings.
- ⚡ The scooter, after the wheel was replaced, began to spontaneously brake or make extraneous sounds.
The cost of a wheel replacement in the service is usually from 500 to 1500 rubles (depending on the region and the complexity of the work), which is not so expensive when compared with the risk of damage to the scooter due to lack of experience.
If you do decide to do it yourself, but something went wrong, don't try to "fix" the repair by force. You'd better seek help from specialists to avoid aggravating the situation. For example, if the wheel starts to "eight" after replacing, this may indicate rim damage or improper balancing, which is difficult to fix at home.