How to replace bearings on the Xiaomi electric scooter: a detailed guide with photos and nuances

The bearings in the wheels of the Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, Essential or 1S electric scooter are consumables that wear out faster than you think. Extraneous noises, backlash wheels or uneven tire wear signal that it is time to change them. Many owners are afraid to take up repairs themselves, fearing damage to electronics or not cope with disassembly. In fact, the procedure is easier than it seems - provided that you know the key nuances and take your time.

In this article, we will discuss the entire process: from fault diagnosis to final assembly. You will learn what tools are really needed (and what you can do without), how to properly press old bearings without damaging the axle, and why using a bearing removable on Xiaomi M365 can lead to a deformation of the wheel if used incorrectly. We will also reveal the secret of how to extend the life of new bearings in 2-3 times - this trick is known not all masters.

If your scooter has traveled more than 3,000 kilometers or you often ride on wet roads, checking the bearings should be a regular procedure. Ignoring the problem leads not only to discomfort when driving, but also to accelerated wear of the engine due to increased resistance to rotation. Even if you do not hear the creaks, a small backlash already indicates the need for replacement.

Important: the process of replacing bearings on Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 models is almost identical, but there is one critical difference in the design of the rear wheel of the Pro 2 - we will discuss this in the corresponding section. If you have Xiaomi Essential or 1S, the instruction will also work, but you will need to take into account the nuances with the brake disc mounting.

Signs of wear bearings: when it is time to change

The first symptom is not always squeaking. Many owners miss the point where bearings are just starting to fail because they expect to hear a distinctive metallic sound.

🔹 Uneven tire wear: If one side of the tire is washed faster than the other, it is often due to the back lift of the bearing, which causes the wheel to rotate not strictly perpendicular to the axis.

🔹 Eight as you rotate. Pick up the scooter and spin the wheel -- if it starts to walk side to side (even by 1-2 mm), that's a sure sign of wear.

🔹 High resistance: The wheel rotates tighter than normal, especially at low speeds, which is noticeable when compared to a new scooter or another wheel.

🔹 Steering vibrations: When driving at high speed (25+ km/h), there can be tremors that are transmitted to the steering wheel, and many people blame this on roughness of the road, but often the reason is because of bearings.

🔹 Extraneous sounds. Here, it's important to distinguish between types of noise:

• 🔊 Script - more often speaks of a lack of lubrication, but if not eliminated in time, will lead to the destruction of the separator.
• 🔊 Crunch is a sign that the balls are already deformed or painted.
• 🔊 Hum - indicates backlash or deformation of treadmills.

💡 A simple test: grab the wheel and try to sway it perpendicular to the axis. If you feel the backlash, the bearings need to be replaced. Even the minimum gap of 0.5 mm is already critical.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse bearing wear with brake disc problem. If the creak only appears when braking, it's likely that the pads need cleaning or replacement, not the bearings. To diagnose accurately, unwind the wheel manually without pressing the brake -- if the noise remains, the bearings are to blame.

What bearings to choose for Xiaomi: sizes, brands and nuances

The Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, Essential and 1S wheels use standard size bearings 6004-2RS (for the front wheel) and 6902-2RS (for the rear wheel).

🔧 Front bearings (6004-2RS):

• 📏 Sizes: 20×42×12 mm (internal)×external×width).
• ⚙️ Double-sided rubber seal (2RS) – protects against dust and moisture.
• ⚠️ Important: Some craftsmen put one-way (Z or RS) for "better cooling," but this shortens the life of 3-4 times due to dirt.

🔧 Rear bearings (6902-2RS):

• 📏 Dimensions: 15×28×7 mm.
• 🔋 They have a lot of load because of the engine, so you can not save on quality.
• ⚡ In the Xiaomi Pro 2, the rear wheel has an extra sleeve – this makes it harder to replace, but does not change the size of the bearings.

🏆 Recommended brands (in terms of price/quality):

⚠️ A critical mistake: Many people buy bearings labeled C3 because they think it's an "improved version." In fact, C3 means an increased internal clearance, which is only necessary for high temperatures (e.g., industrial equipment). For a scooter, this will lead to accelerated backlash and shortened life. Take standard bearings without C3 unless you're riding in +40°C.

🔍 Where to buy:

• 🛒 Official dealers (e.g. Xiaomi Store) are original bearings, but the price is overpriced by 2-3 times.
• 🛒 Specialized stores (for example, BearingShop) - a wide range, you can pick up by brand.
• 🛒 AliExpress is cheap, but it's a high risk of getting a fake. Check the reviews and the seller's rating.
• 🛒 Auto stores (e.g. Exist) – often available but limited selection of brands.

💡

Before you buy, check the bearing for backlash: grab it by the inner ring and swing the outer one. If you feel a gap, it's a marriage, even if it's new.

Replacement tools: what you really need and what you can do without

There are a lot of lists of 10-15 bearing replacement tools on the Internet, and half of them you don't have to buy if you know a few tricks. Here's the minimum set you need:

🔧 Mandatory instruments:

• 🔨 Hexagon 5 mm - for unscrewing wheel bolts (complete with a scooter).
• 🔧 End key 14 mm - for the nut of the rear wheel axis (on the Pro 2 can be 15 mm).
• 🔧 Bearings, not any one! You need a paw model, not a hydraulic one, so you don't deform the wheel.
• 🔧 A hammer is better rubber or soft-blinked.
• 🔧 A flat sting screwdriver is for removing locking rings.

🔧 Desirable but not mandatory:

• 🧲 Magnet - so as not to lose balls from the bearing during disassembly.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or gas burner - to heat the bearing when pressed (simplifies the process).
• 🧴 Litol -24 lubricant or analogues for processing new bearings before installation.
• 📏 A rod is to check the backlash of an old bearing.

🚫 What NOT to buy (common mistakes):

• ❌ A hydraulic removable is too powerful, can bend the wheel disc.
• ❌ Bolt-pressing kit - suitable only for car hubs, inconvenient for scooters.
• ❌ WD-40 or analogues - does not help with pressing, it is better to use a soap solution.
• ❌ Ticks -- you can do without them if you lock the wheel properly.

💡 Lifehack: If you don't have a removable, you can use two big washers and a nut bolt. The bearing is pressed between the washers as you tighten the nut, but this method requires care -- if you skew it, the wheel disc will bend.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a chisel or sharp screwdriver to knock out bearings! This results in bullies on the axles and damage to the landing space. If the bearing does not move from its place, it should be heated with a hairdryer (to 80-100°C) rather than hit with a hammer.

Buy bearings 6004-2RS and 6902-2RS| Check for a hexagon 5 mm| Prepare a 14 or 15 mm end key | Buy a lifter with legs (not hydraulic) | Prepare a rubber hammer or a soft gasket-->

Step-by-step instruction: disassembling the wheel and removing old bearings

So, the hardest part is disassembly, and the rule is, take your time and follow the sequence, and failure at this point can cause damage to the rim or the axle.

🔧 Step 1: Removing the wheel

1. Turn off the scooter from power (remove the battery or disconnect the engine connector).
2. Turn the scooter over and fix it in a stable position.
3. For front wheel: Unscrew two bolts with a 5mm hexagon. Remove the brake disc cover (if any). Carefully remove the wheel from the fork.

rear-wheel

Xiaomi M365/Pro 2

• Unscrew the axle nut with a 14mm key (or 15mm for the Pro 2).
• Remove the locking ring with a screwdriver.
• Disconnect the motor connector (remember the location of the wires!).
• Remove the wheel with the engine.
• 🔨 Rear wheel: Remove the motor cover (3 bolts under the hexagon). Unscrew the bolts that attach the motor to the wheel (usually 4 pcs. Remove the motor shaft - the bearings will remain in the wheel. Use the removable or washer method (described above).