Why self-replacement of tires on a Xiaomi scooter is profitable and not as difficult as it seems
Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but even the most reliable models (M365, Pro 2, 1S, 4 Pro) wear tires over time. Puncture, cut or simply bald rubber - and now the trip turns into torture, and the risk of falling grows at times. Many take the scooter to service, spending on the replacement of the wheel from 1500 to 3000 rubles, although in fact the procedure takes 30-60 minutes and requires a minimum set of tools.
In this article, we will discuss how to change the tire on the Xiaomi electric scooter with your own hands - from choosing a new tire to the final assembly. You will learn what tools you really need (spoiler: not all of what is recommended in the YouTube video), how to avoid the common mistake with bearing pulling, and why some scooters after changing the wheel begin to "wag" when driving, and also - a table of compatibility of tires for different models and FAQ answers to the most common questions.
What tools will be needed: minimum and extended set
If you see instructions online that recommend 10 different keys and a bearing removable to replace the wheel with the Xiaomi M365, don't believe me. In practice, 3-4 tools are enough, and here they are:
- π§ A 5mm hex key (required! for unscrewing motor-wheel bolts) will do both L-shaped and T-shaped.
- π¨ Flat screwdriver (medium size, for slashing the wheel cover and fixing the tire).
- π οΈ Installation blades (2-3 You can use plastic spoons as a last resort, so you don't damage the camera when you dismantle it.
- π© 13mm end key (needed for models with nuts instead of eccentrics, for example, Xiaomi Pro 2).
The extended set is useful if you plan not only to change the tire, but also to service bearings or motor:
- π§² Magnet (so as not to lose bearing balls during disassembly).
- π’οΈ Lubricant for bearings (e.g. Liqui Moly) LM 50 or Castrol LMX).
- π Lighting (lighting makes it easier to work with small details).
- π rod (to check the backlash of bearings if the wheel "hitsΒ»).
β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal mounts or chisels to remove the tire - they will cut through the camera or damage the rim of the wheel.
Which tire to choose: comparison of options for different models
Not all tires fit all Xiaomi scooters, the main parameters to look out for are:
- π Size: Most models use 8.5-inch wheels, but Xiaomi 4 Pro and Essential have 10-inch wheels.
- π Tread type: "slick" (smooth) for asphalt or "toothed" for off-road.
- π‘οΈ Protection against puncture: tires with a gel layer (Kenda) K1167) or the re-energized cord last longer.
- π Weight: heavy tires (CST C1408) Increase the load on the battery, reducing the power reserve.
The table below shows the compatibility of tires with popular models of scooters:
| Model scooter | Wheel size | Recommended tire | Price, β½ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365, Pro, 1S | 8.5" | Kenda K1167 or CST C1408 | 1200β1800 | Standard tread, suitable for the city |
| Xiaomi Pro 2, Pro 3 | 8.5" | INNOVA 8.5x2 or CHAOYANG H-5168 | 1500β2200 | Reinforced cord, better for weight up to 120 kg |
| Xiaomi 4 Pro, Essential | 10" | Kenda K1183 or CST C1896 | 1800β2500 | Higher load capacity, soft stroke |
| Xiaomi Air 12 | 12" | INNOVA 12x2.125 | 2500β3500 | Off-road only, rare size |
If you are not sure about the choice, look for the Kenda K1167 universal tires β they fit 80% of Xiaomi models and have an optimal price/quality ratio. For riding on wet asphalt, it is better to choose a silicone version (for example, the CST C1408S), which slides less.
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Before buying, check the markings on the old tire - it shows the exact dimensions (for example, 8.5x2.0).If there is no marking, measure the diameter and width of the wheel with a ruler.
Step-by-step: how to remove the old wheel from the scooter
Before you start dismantling, disconnect the scooter from charging and make sure it's off. Follow the algorithm:
- Remove the wheel cover. On the M365/Pro/1S, it is mounted on the latches. Put it on the side with a flat screwdriver (not in the center so as not to break!). On the Pro 2 and 4 Pro, the lid can be on the bolts - unscrew them with a hexagon.
- Unscrew the eccentric or the nut. Most scooters hold the wheel with an eccentric clamp (the lever in the center of the axis). Pull it up and turn it counterclockwise. If you're not eccentric, use a 13 mm end key.
- Disconnect the brake cable (if any). The rear wheel of the Xiaomi M365 and Pro has a disc brake installed. Carefully remove the cable from the mount without damaging the spring.
- Take the wheel off the axle. Pull the wheel over you, it should come off the grooves. If it's tight, wobble slightly from side to side. Don't hit with a hammer!
β οΈ Attention: On motor-wheeled scooters (Pro 2, 4 Pro) there are power wires inside the axle. Don't pull the wheel by force - first disconnect the connector (it is usually secured with a screed). prΓ¨s oxide).
βοΈ Checklist before removing the wheel
How to unpack the tire: secrets without damaging the camera
The hardest part is to separate the tire from the rim without tearing the camera, and here's a proven method that works even for the rubber that's stuck:
- Pull the wheel down. Push the nipple (it can be hidden under the cap) and blow the air. If the camera is already punctured, you can skip this step.
- Insert the mounting blades. Start on the side opposite the nipple. Put the edge of the tire with a spatula and wind it under the rim. Put the second blade 10 to 15 cm from the first. Press the tire carefully to get out of the hook.
- Walk around. Move the shoulder blades around the rim, gradually pulling out the tire. When one side is free, pull out the camera.
- Remove the tire completely. You can now pull the rim out of the tire. If the rubber is boiling, sprinkle the WD-40 edge or soap solution.
The reverse process (boarding) is even easier:
- Put a new tire on the rim, starting on the side opposite the nipple.
- Insert the camera, making sure it is not twisted (the nipple should look outward!).
- Fill the second edge of the tire, starting with the nipple and moving in both directions.
- Inflate the wheel to a pressure of 2.5-3.0 bar (indicated on the tire).
What to do if the tire does not sit on the rim?
Installation of a new wheel and check of performance
When the tire is replaced, you have to put it back together.
- Check the bearings. Scroll the wheel with your hand, it should rotate smoothly, without creaking or backlash. If you hear crunch, the bearings should be lubricated or replaced. To do this, remove the locking rings with a flat screwdriver. Remove the bearings (the two are internal and external). Wash them in gasoline or WD-40, then lubricate them.
Set the wheel on the axle.
Put the wheel on the slots, combining the holes under the eccentric or nut. Make sure that the brake disc (if any) is up straight.
Tighten the mount.
For the eccentric: lock the lever in the closed position. For the nut: tighten the key by 13 mm with a force of 40-50 Nm (do not pull!).
Connect the brakes and wires (if any).
Make sure the brake cable is not clamped and walks freely. For motor wheels, check the integrity of the connector.
After assembly, be sure to test the scooter:
- π² Scroll the wheel manually β it should rotate without resistance.
- π Check the brake - it should be triggered sharply, without delay.
- π Turn on the scooter and drive 5-10 meters at low speed, listening to outside sounds.
β οΈ Attention: If the wheel is pulled sideways after replacing the wheel with an eight, the cause may be due to improper alignment of the rim or wear of the bearings.
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The most common mistake when replacing a tire is the wrong pressure in the chamber. Too low pressure (< 2 bar) leads to "chewed" rubber and the risk of puncture, too high (> 3.5 bar) - to bloating and rupture of the chamber.
Top.-5 Mistakes in Replacement of Tires and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced scooters sometimes make bad mistakes that lead to re-repair.
- Ignore the direction of rotation of the tire. Most tires have a Rotation, which should match the direction of the scooter, and if you put the wheel backwards, the tread will wear out faster and the grip will deteriorate.
- Tighten the eccentric or nut "from the soul." The stretched mount deforms the axle and bearings, which leads to a backlash. The optimal force for the nut is 40-50 Nm, for the eccentric, to snap to the end without jerking.
- Don't check the camera for punctures before you install it. Even a new camera can have microcracks. Pump it separately and immerse it in water -- if there are bubbles, the camera is defective.
- Use a sealant instead of a normal camera. Slime canisters or analogues are a temporary solution. The sealant clogs the nipple and eventually dries, after which the camera still lowers.
- Don't lubricate the wheel axis. Over time, the axis oxidizes and the wheel creaks. Before you install it, apply a thin layer of lithium lubricant to the axis.
If you've made one of these mistakes, don't panic -- most of them are fixable without serious consequences. For example, an inverted tire can be moved, and a pulled nut can be loosened. But you better get it right!