Replacement of the wheel on the scooter Xiaomi: understand from scratch to pro

A broken or worn-out Xiaomi scooter wheel is not a sentence, but an excuse to understand the device. Many owners fear self-replacement for fear of damaging electronics or improperly assembling the structure. In fact, the procedure is easier than it seems: with the right tools and step-by-step instructions, even a beginner can cope with the task.

In this article, we will look at all the stages of wheel replacement, from diagnosis of the problem to final check, with a special emphasis on the typical errors that lead to an early re-repair, and hidden nuances (for example, why the scooter may start to twitch after replacing). The information is relevant for popular models: Mijia M365, Pro 1/2, 1S, Essential and their clones.

⚠️ Important: If your scooter is warranty, a self-replacement of the wheel may invalidate it.

Don't rush to the workshop, 80 percent of the time, it's 30 to 60 minutes at home, and the key is to keep the critical moments that are often hidden in short video instructions.

1.Diagnosis: When the wheel really needs to be changed

Before disassembling the scooter, make sure that the problem is in the wheel.

  • πŸ”΄ Visible cracks or tears on the tire – even minor damage over time leads to bloating and rupture on the go.
  • πŸŒ€ Uneven tread wear (one side is β€œbald”, the other is whole) – a sign of improper pressure or curvature of the axis.
  • πŸ”Š Extraneous sounds: creaking, knocking or β€œcrunch” when the wheel is rotating often indicate the destruction of bearings.
  • πŸ›‘ The scooter "leads" to the side without pressing the gas handle - possible rim deformation or problems with the brake system.

Not all defects require a complete wheel replacement, such as a camera puncture repair kit in 10 minutes, and bearing wear is repaired by washing or replacing them, and if the rim (aluminum wheel disc) or motor-wheel (rear-wheel drive models) is damaged, a complete replacement is essential.

πŸ” How do you check bearings? Take the scooter behind the wheel and spin the wheel with your hand. If it stops in 1-2 seconds or spins with jerks, the bearings are worn out. Normally, the wheel should spin smoothly 5-7 seconds.

πŸ“Š What is the problem with your scooter wheel?
Puncture/tyre damage
Tread wear
Knocking or creaking while driving
Scooter pulls aside
Another problem.

2. Which wheel to buy: original vs analogues

The choice of wheel depends on the model of the scooter and your budget.

Type of wheelModels of scootersPlusesConsPrice, β‚½
Original XiaomiM365, Pro 1/2, 1SPerfect compatibility, long service lifeExpensive, long delivery3 500–5 000
Analogues (e.g. Huanxin)All models with a diameter of 8.5"Cheaper by 30-50%, quick availabilityThe quality of the rubber is worse, there is a possible imbalance.2 000–3 500
Pro-piercing (with gel)M365, EssentialNot afraid of nails and glassHeavier by 10-15%, more expensive4 000–6 000
Motor wheel (rear)Pro 2, 1S (rear-wheel drive)Restores tractionComplicated installation, requires setting up the controller5 000–8 000

πŸ’‘ Tip: When buying an analogue, check the diameter (8.5" for most Xiaomi) and the width of the rim (standard - 2.125"). For models with disc brakes (Pro 2), it is important to have landing holes under the brake disc.

⚠️ Wheels from Ninebot (even with the same diameter) are not suitable for Xiaomi due to different bearing mounts.

πŸ’‘

If you buy a motor wheel (for the rear axle), check with the seller the version of the controller firmware. ERROR 21 on display.

3. Tools: What will be needed to replace

Without the right tools, you run the risk of tearing the threads or damaging the plastic parts.

  • πŸ”§ End key for 5 mm (for axle bolts) - better with a rattle.
  • πŸ”¨ Hexagon 2.5 mm (for braking disc attachment, if any).
  • πŸ› οΈ Bearing Remover (optional, but will speed up the process).
  • 🧲 Store keys or pliers for nut retention.
  • πŸ”₯ Dryer or construction dryer (to remove boiling rubber).
  • 🧴 WD-40 Or similarly, if the bolts are rusty.
  • πŸ“¦ New bearing lubricant (e.g. Liqui Moly) LM 50).

πŸ”§ Professional life hack: If you don't have a bearing removable, use two screwdrivers and a neat hammer on the rim (through a wooden pad!) but this method is risky for beginners - you can bend the axis.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for wheel replacement

Done: 0 / 5

4. Step-by-step instruction: remove the old wheel

The process is different for the front and rear wheels. Let's start with the front (simple):

  1. Unscrew the brake disc bolts (if any) with a 2.5 mm hexagon. Do not lose washers!
  2. Remove the brake pads by pulling them aside. In Pro 2 models, you may need to loosen the handbrake cable.
  3. Unscrew the axis nuts with the end key 5 mm. Attention: the left nut has reverse thread (unscrewed clockwise)!
  4. Remove the wheel from the axle. If it is "feeling", heat the rim with a hairdryer (not higher than 60).Β°C, so as not to damage the rubber).
  5. Remove the bearings with a removable or screwdriver, and look at them for backlash or rust.

⚠️ Note: On the rear wheel Xiaomi Pro 2 and 1S extra:

  • πŸ”Œ Disconnect the motor connector (take care of the plastic locker).
  • πŸ”„ Remove the sensor ABS (if installed without damaging the wiring.

What to do if the nut does not unscrew?
If the axis nut is "stuck", moisten it. WD-40 And wait 10 minutes. Then try to unscrew with force, holding the key to the opposite nut. Don't put too much force, you can rip the thread off the axle!

5. Installation of a new wheel: nuances and errors

Installation of the new wheel is the reverse process, but with important features:

  1. Check the bearings: even if they look normal, rinse them in gasoline and add a new lubricant, which will extend the life of the wheel by 30-40%.
  2. Set the wheel on the axle, combining the holes under the brake disc (if any).
  3. Tighten the nuts of the cross-cross axis to avoid skewing. The optimal tightening moment is 25-30 Nm (don't pull!).
  4. Connect the motor connector (for the rear wheel) before clicking. Check that the wires are not twisted.
  5. Adjust the brakes: the pads should touch the disc evenly, without distortion.

πŸ”΄ Typical Beginner Mistakes:

  • πŸ”„ The confused sides of the nuts - left and right carvings are different!
  • πŸ›‘ Insufficient puff - the wheel will "luft", which will lead to wear of bearings.
  • πŸ”Œ Damaged engine connectors - the scooter will not go or will twitch.
  • 🧲 Lost washers - without them, the brake disc will dangle.

πŸ’‘

After replacing the rear motor-wheel, be sure to calibrate the controller! To do this, turn on the scooter, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds until the sound signal appears.

6.Verification and Test Drive: What to Do After Replacement

Take your time to go outside, and do the check first.

  1. Rotating the wheel: lift the scooter and spin the wheel with your hand. It should rotate smoothly, without noise for 5-7 seconds.
  2. Brake: Check the hand and electronic brake (if any) and the pads should not rub against the disc in a neutral position.
  3. Electronics: Turn on the scooter and check: πŸ”‹ There are no errors on the display (for example, ERROR 21 or ERROR 22). πŸš€ The engine reacts to the gas smoothly, without jerks. πŸ”Š No extraneous sounds from the wheel when moving.

Test drive.

  • πŸŒ€ Beating the steering wheel - a sign of improper centering of the wheel.
  • πŸ›‘ Spontaneous braking – a possible problem with the sensor ABS.

πŸ’‘

After replacing the wheel, check the pressure in it! M365 β€” 2.5-3.0 bar Under-inflated wheel wears out faster, and over-inflated reduces driving comfort.

7 Care after replacement: how to prolong the life of a new wheel

To make the new wheel last longer, follow the following simple rules:

  • 🚿 Wash the wheel after riding on mud - abrasive particles break down rubber and bearings.
  • πŸ› οΈ Check your blood pressure once every 2 weeks. Use a pressure gauge, not an eye gaugeΒ».
  • πŸŒ€ Avoid sharp braking - this deforms the rim and accelerates the wear of the tread.
  • πŸ”§ Lubricate bearings every 3-6 months (depending on the intensity of use).
  • 🚫 Do not store the scooter in the cold - rubber loses elasticity, and bearings rust.

πŸ“Š Wheel service life depending on conditions:

Conditions of drivingService life, km
Urban roads (asphalt)3 000–5 000
Parks and bike lanes5 000–8 000
Gravel, primers1 500–3 000
Aggressive driving (sharp braking, jumping)1 000–2 000

πŸ’‘

Use silicone lubricant for rubber bearing seals - this will prevent moisture from entering and prolong their service life by 2 times.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can I put a larger diameter wheel (e.g. 10) on Xiaomi? M365?
Technically yes, but it will require a modification of the frame and could lead to a: πŸ›‘ Reduce clearance (the lower part of the scooter will catch irregularities). πŸ”‹ Increased load on the battery and motor (reduced range). πŸš€ Change the geometry of the steering column (the scooter will become less manageable). For experiments, it is better to choose models with an adjustable fork, for example, the Ninebot Max. G30.
❓ Why after replacing the wheel scooter became slower to accelerate?
The reasons could be: Controller calibration is wrong, reset (press the power button for 10 seconds); Motor connector is damaged, oxidation contacts are checked; wheel pressure is too high, lower to 2.5 bar. Wear of motor brushes (relevant for scooters with mileage) > 10,000 km).
❓ How often should the bearings be changed?
The service life of bearings depends on the conditions: 🌧️ Driving on puddles / mud - replacement every 1,000-1,500 km. πŸ™οΈ Urban conditions - once in 3000-5000 km. 🏞️ Ideal conditions (dry asphalt, regular lubrication) - up to 10,000 km. πŸ” Signs of wear: backlash wheel, noise during rotation, heating axles after the trip.
❓ Can I drive with a punctured wheel?
🚨 Absolutely not! It's dangerous for a number of reasons: πŸ’₯ Risk of tire rupture at speed (especially if the wheel is tubeless). πŸ”₯ Overheating of the engine (for the rear wheel) due to increased friction. πŸ›‘ Loss of control in abrupt descent of the wheel. Temporary solution - repair kit (patch) + glue) or sealant for tubeless tyres (e.g. Slime).
❓ Where to buy original wheels for Xiaomi cheaper?
Official Xiaomi dealers often overprice.Alternative options: 🌍 AliExpress – original wheels from 1,800 β‚½, but delivery 3-4 weeks. πŸ›’ Local shops of electric scooters - check reviews so as not to run into a fake. πŸ”„ Used market (Avito, Yula) - you can find wheels with a mileage of 500-1000 km for half the price. ⚠️ Beware of fakes! original Xiaomi wheel has: 🏷️ The Mi logo on the rim. πŸ”’ Serial number matching the number on the box. πŸ“¦ Hologram package.