The Xiaomi M365 lineup, including the updated Pro 2 and the popular 1S, has proven to be a reliable means of getting around the city. However, like any transport, they are subject to natural wear, especially in the chassis. The rear wheel takes the main load when accelerating and braking, which often leads to punctures, cuts or thinning of the tread. Owners have to think about replacing the tire or wheel assembly.
The process of replacing the rear wheel with the Xiaomi M365 1S is technically more difficult than replacing the front, due to the design of the motor wheel and the presence of wiring. Wrong actions can damage the tightness of the engine or break contacts. This article is designed to describe in detail each step of work so that you can safely perform the replacement on your own, saving on the services of the service center.
Before you start, you need to make sure you have a suitable room with good lighting and a level surface, you need not only physical strength, but also accuracy when working with electronics, ignoring safety rules or using inappropriate tools can cause the scooter to fail, and we will look at all the nuances from the preparation of tools to the final run-in of a new tire.
Necessary tools and preparation for repairs
The success of a wheel replacement operation depends on 80% on the quality of the work place preparation and the availability of the right tool. For a Xiaomi electric scooter, a standard set of home craftsmen may not be enough, since some bolts have specific hats and require a special approach.
You will definitely need a high-powered dryer or a construction dryer to heat the rubber if you plan to change only the tire, not the wheel assembly.You will also need a set of hexagonal keys (usually 4 mm and 5 mm), flat and cross screwdrivers, and plastic mounting blades to work with the tire. Metal tools can damage the disc or motor body, so be careful.
- 🛠️ A set of hexagonal keys and screwdrivers (including Torx) T20 for some modifications)
- 🔥 Building hair dryer or powerful household hair dryer with narrow nozzle
- 🧤 Protective gloves and rags to clean contacts
- 🔋 Insulation or shrinkage for insulating compounds
- 🔧 Plastic blades for tyre installation (2-3 stuff)
Pay special attention to the cleanness of the hands and tools. Inside the motor wheel are magnets and windings, where metal shavings or dirt should not get into. Before starting disassembly, it is recommended to blow the area around the axis of the wheel with compressed air, which will help to avoid getting abrasive particles into the airtight assembly.
☑️ Preparation for wheel replacement
Rear wheel removal from frame
The first step is to physically separate the wheel from the scooter frame, by flipping the vehicle over or locking it firmly upright, starting with power outages if possible through the application, although with the wheel completely disassembled, the electrical circuit will still be severed.
You need to remove the motor cover on the left side (wiring side) and it's attached to several screws that are often tightened or contaminated. Use the right bit to keep the hats from licking. Once the lid is removed, you can access the contact group and the wire that goes inside the axle.
⚠️ Warning: Before disconnecting the wires, be sure to take a picture of the connection circuitry or draw the contacts colors.
Next, unscrew the wheel that holds the axle. On the Xiaomi 1S, it can be closed with a decorative cap. Use a key of the appropriate size while holding the wheel with the other hand. After removing the nut and the puck, carefully stretch the axle. The power wire will need to be passed through the hollow axle hole, which requires a certain dexterity.
Remove the brake disc (caliper) by unscrewing the two caliper mount bolts. Don't hang the caliper on the brake line wire, put it on a wire or rubber band to the frame. Now the wheel is free and you can take it off the pendulum. Be prepared for the fact that it is heavier than the front one because of the built-in electric motor.
Disassembly of the motor-wheel and removal of the old tire
If you change the wheel assembly, you can skip this step by going straight to the installation. However, most owners change only the rubber tire and the camera, leaving the metal disc of the engine. It is a more time-consuming process, requiring heating the rubber. The tire on the Xiaomi M365 sits very tightly, and without heating it is almost impossible to remove without damaging the disk.
Heat the tire around the perimeter with a construction hair dryer for 5-10 minutes. Rubber should become soft and elastic. Don't overheat the disc metal so as not to damage neodymium magnets, which lose properties at high temperatures. Keep the hair dryer in constant motion, focusing on the sidewalls of the tire.
Using plastic blades, gradually push the tyre side off the disc. Move around in a circle, Step-by-step releasing one side. When the side is removed, you can remove the camera. Removing the tyre itself from the disc can take a lot of physical effort. Some craftsmen use a special lubricant (soap solution) to facilitate slip.
When removing old rubber, carefully examine the inner surface of the disc. There should be no residue of glue, dirt or corrosion. Any irregularity will cause the new camera to quickly fail. Also check the condition of the nipple and the holes for it in the disk.
What do I do if there's no hair dryer?
Installation of a new tire and camera
The process of installing new rubber is a mirror image of removal, but it has its own critical features. Before installation, be sure to check the new camera for factory defects, slightly pumping it with air. It should take a smooth round shape without bloating.
First, insert the camera nipple into the disc hole and nut it so it doesn't fall in. Then evenly spread the camera inside the rim. It's important that the camera isn't twisted and lies loose. Then start putting on the tire starting on the opposite side of the nipple.
- 🎈 Lubricate the camera with talc or soap solution for better slippage
- 🔩 Make sure the nipple is perpendicular to the disc.
- 🔄 Heat a new tire before installation as you removed the old one
- 👀 Make sure that the camera does not fall under the tyre during installation
When filling the sides of the tire, use plastic blades. Carefully avoid squeezing the camera between the disc and the side of the tire. This is the most common cause of hernias and instant punctures after assembly. Once the tire is put on, pump it to 1.5-2 atmosphere pressure to straighten it out, and check the density of fitting in a circle.
Critical: Make sure the direction of rotation of the tire matches the pointer of the arrow on the sidewall.In the rear-wheel drive of the Xiaomi 1S, the wrong direction of the tread will lead to deterioration of the grip and rapid wear.
Assembly of the unit and connection of electricians
Once the rubber is successfully installed, you need to mount the wheel back onto the scooter. You need to insert the wheel axis into the seat of the pendulum. You need to extend the motor wire through the hollow axis. This is the most delicate point: the wire should not be pulled or twisted.
Connect the motor connectors. They're shaped and usually connected with a characteristic click. Make sure that the rubber seal connector (if you have one in your version) is in place, providing moisture protection. Twirl the locking nut of the axle with the necessary force.
| Component | Action. | Reference parameter |
|---|---|---|
| Axis of wheels | Plugging the nut. | No backlash, but not overstretched. |
| Motor contact | Chip-to-chip coupling | Before you click, without gaps. |
| Brake disc | Fitting of the caliper | Parallel to the disc, no friction. |
| Engine cover | Installation of screws | Uniform fitting |
Put the engine cap in place and twist all the screws. Check the brakes: the wheel should rotate freely in the raised state and brake confidently when the trigger is pressed. If you hear the grinding, maybe the caliper has got crooked and needs adjustment.
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Use a thread lock (blue Loctite) on the engine and axle cover screws. The vibration when riding an electric scooter is very strong and can weaken the attachments over time.
Initial start-up and testing
Before you get on the road, do a static test. Put the scooter on and smoothly add the gas while holding the vehicle on weight. The rear wheel should start spinning smoothly, without jerking, beating or extraneous sounds. Any vibrations may indicate a wrong alignment of the tire or imbalance.
Take a few meters on a flat surface. Pay attention to the behavior of the scooter: it should not be sideways, and the braking should be symmetrical. If you only changed the camera, let it sit down for the first 10-15 minutes of driving, periodically checking the pressure.
In the early days of operation, try to avoid sharp starts from the spot and maximum speeds. The new tyre should work, and it is also recommended that after 10-20 km of running, you recheck the tightening of all the screws that you have unscrewed, especially the axle nut and engine cover screws.
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Proper installation of the camera and the absence of pinches is the key to the long service of the wheel. 90% of repeated punctures occur due to errors in installation, not due to the quality of the rubber.