Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save you time cleaning, but even they require periodic maintenance. One of the most common problems owners face is improperly installing brushes. Side or main brushes can fall out, creak or not rotate at all if inserted incorrectly. In this article, we’ll look at how to properly mount brushes in popular Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame and Viomi models, avoiding typical errors.
You will learn not only the basic instructions, but also the nuances for different types of brushes (rubber, bristling, combined), as well as what to do if the brush does not fix even after the correct installation. We will also discuss the issue of compatibility - whether you can use brushes from other models and how this will affect the vacuum cleaner.
Types of brushes in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners: what are and what are responsible for
Before you start installing it is important to understand what brushes are in your model at all. Most Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners use two main varieties:
- 🌀 The main (central) brush is located in the center under the body, responsible for collecting debris from the floor).
- 🔄 Side brush - rotates around the edge of the body, sweeps debris to the main brush, usually one, but in some models (for example, Dreame). Z10 Pro) two of them.
Some advanced models (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) may also feature a combined brush that combines rubber and bristling elements, which is versatile but requires special attention when installed.
If you're not sure which brush is in your vacuum cleaner, look at the labels on the case or in the instructions. For example, side brushes are often labeled Side Brush, and the main ones are called Main Brush or Rolling Brush.
Preparation for installation: what to do before installing brushes
Before inserting brushes, follow a few mandatory steps, which will help to avoid damage and ensure the proper operation of the vacuum cleaner:
- Turn off the vacuum cleaner – disconnect it from the charging station and press the power button (if any).In some models (for example, Dreame D9), when power is on, the brushes can automatically start rotating, which is dangerous when installed.
- Turn the robot over – place it on a soft surface (such as a towel) so as not to scratch the body.
- Clean the mounts -- remove dust and debris from the grooves where the brushes are fixed. Use a dry brush or compressed air.
If you install brushes after cleaning them, make sure they are completely dry. Wet brushes (especially rubber ones) can slip through the mounts and not fix.
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Compare it to the old one before installing a new brush – sometimes even the original parts can have small differences in the shape of the mounts.
Step-by-step: how to insert a side brush
Side brushes are most likely to fall out or break, as they are most vulnerable to collisions with furniture. their installation seems simple, but there are a few tricks.
In most Xiaomi models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum 1S or Dreame F9), the side brush is attached to a special pin with a latch.
- Put the brush on the pin so that the hole in the brush coincides with the protrusion on the pin.
- With a light press, push the brush to the end - a click should be heard.
- Check the locking: pull the brush over you. If it's not off, the latch has gone off.
If the brush is not fixed, try the following:
- 🔧 Check if the pins are bent (this is a common problem after vacuum falls).
- 🧹 Make sure there is no debris or hair in the groove blocking the latch.
- 🔄 Try turning the brush to 180.° — sometimes protrusion on the pin is asymmetrical.
☑️ Checking the installation of the side brush
⚠️ Attention: If the side brush clings to the body when it's rotating, it's curved. Remove it and re-mount it, aligning the pin in the center.
Installation of the main (central) brush: nuances for different models
The main brush is responsible for the bulk of the cleaning, so installing it properly is critical. Depending on the Xiaomi model, the process may be slightly different.
The general scheme for most robot vacuum cleaners:
- Remove the cover covering the brush (usually it is fixed with latches or screws).
- Remove the old brush by pulling it up or pressing the locks on the sides.
- Install a new brush so that the grooves on its ends coincide with the guides in the body.
- Press until you click or lock with screws (in some models, for example, Viomi V3).
Features for popular series:
| Model | Type of attachment | Features of installation |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum 1/1S | Latchers | The brush is inserted at an angle, then pressed until the click. It's important not to confuse the side - there's a FRONT tag on the brush. |
| Dreame D9/F9 | Screws. | It requires a screwdriver. The screws don't have to tighten too much -- it can warp the plastic. |
| Viomi V2/V3 | Button-holders | Press the buttons on the sides of the brush to release it. When installed, the buttons should automatically snap. |
| Redmi 1C | Magnetic latches | The brush is attracted by magnets - it is enough to combine the grooves and fix it with a light press. |
If the brush does not rotate after installation, check:
- 🔌 Are the contacts connected correctly (in models with electric brush drive).
- 🧲 Is there any garbage in the gears of the drive.
- 🔄 Does the brush shape match the grooves (sometimes brushes from other models are visually similar, but do not fit).
What to do if the brush is rotating in jerks?
Frequent errors in brush installation and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakages or poor operation of the vacuum cleaner.
- Installing the brush "upside down" - this causes the vacuum cleaner to not pick up garbage or even toss it away. Always check the TOP or FRONT tags on the brush.
- Use of non-original brushes – cheap analogues may not fit in size or material, which leads to increased wear of the engine.
- Ignoring backlash -- if the brush dangles, it will eventually break the mount. Always check the fixation.
- Install a dirty brush - coiled hair or threads may block rotation. Clean the brush after each cleaning.
Another common problem is the skewed brush, and if it's curved, it leads to:
- 🔊 Increased noise during operation.
- 🔥 Overheating of the engine due to increased load.
- 🚫 Automatic stop of vacuum cleaner (in models with protection against overloading).
⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner starts to squeak high after installing the new brush, turn it off immediately, which is a sign that the brush is touching the body and may damage the engine.
Compatibility of brushes: can you use spare parts from other models
Many owners of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are wondering: can you save money by buying brushes from another model? The answer is ambiguous - sometimes it is possible, but with reservations.
Here are the basic rules of compatibility:
- 🔄 Side brushes are often interchangeable between models of the same series (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1 and the other two). 1S). But Dreame brushes are not usually suitable for Viomi due to varying lengths.
- 🌀 The basic brushes are almost always unique to each model, and even if they are visually similar, they may differ:
If you are still trying to experiment, pay attention to:
- 📏 Sizes – Measure the length and diameter of the old brush.
- 🔌 Type of fastening - latches, screws or magnets.
- 🔍 Marking – the original brushes usually have a part number (e.g., part number, MDZ-16-DJ For the Mi Robot Vacuum).
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Using unoriginal brushes can result in a loss of warranty if a breakdown occurs because of them.
Caring for brushes: how to extend their service life
The right installation is only half the success. To make brushes last longer, follow these guidelines:
- 🧹 Clean after each cleaning - remove the animal's wound hair, thread and fur. use scissors or a special cleaning tool (comes complete with some models).
- 💧 Wash rubber brushes - they can be washed with warm water and soap (but not boiled!). bristle brushes can not be wet - they deform.
- 🔄 Check wear – if the bristles or rubber blades are worn by more than 50%, it is time to replace the brush.
- 🛒 Keep spare brushes - on average they are enough for 6-12 It's better to have original parts in stock.
To clean hard-to-reach places, you can use:
- 🪛 Toothbrush (for bristling brushes).
- 🧴 Alcohol wipes (for rubber brushes).
- 💨 Compressed air (to remove dust from bearings).
If you notice that the vacuum cleaner has become worse at collecting garbage, don't be quick to blame the brushes.
- 🔋 discharged battery (vacuum cleaner loses suction power).
- 🗑 Clogged dust collector or filter.
- 🤖 Worn wheels (vacuum cleaner not pressed against the floor).