Disassembly of the car vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi car vacuum cleaners are popular in-car cleaners, but even they require periodic maintenance. Over time, dust accumulates inside the drive, filters clog, and the engine can start to work intermittently. Disassembling the device is a necessary step for deep cleaning or repair, but without design knowledge, it is easy to damage fragile parts or lose small mounts.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of disassembling the most common models of Xiaomi car vacuum cleaners (including Mi Car Vacuum Cleaner, Mi Portable Electric Vacuum Cleaner and Deerma VC20), point out typical errors and give recommendations on tools.

If your vacuum cleaner began to suck worse, emits extraneous sounds or simply requires a planned cleaning - this guide will help you do everything carefully and without unnecessary costs for a service center.

Preparation for disassembly: tools and precautions

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. Most Xiaomi models are disassembled using standard tools, but some mounts may require specific screwdrivers.

• 🔧 Screwdrivers: cross-haired (PH0, PH1) and flat (2-3 mm) - for screws of the body and filter fixtures.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or bowl: so as not to lose small screws and springs.
• 📸 Smartphone: Take photos of each stage of disassembly – it will simplify the reverse assembly.
• 🧤 Gloves: inside the vacuum cleaner accumulates not only dust, but also small debris that can injure the hands.
• 🔌 Multimeter (optional): to check the chains if the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after disassembly.

Important: Never disassemble a vacuum cleaner connected to a grid or battery. Even when it's off, the capacitors can keep a charge. Unplug the power cord (or remove the battery if the model is wireless) and wait 10-15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi vacuum cleaner is warranty, disassembly will cancel it. In case of factory defects, it is better to contact the service center.

Step-by-step disassembly of the body: from fasteners to insides

Xiaomi car vacuum cleaners are typically designed in two main parts: the engine top and the garbage container bottom, and disassembly begins with the separation of these parts.

Algorithm of action:

1. Remove the nozzle: pull it on yourself - it is attached to latches or threads (depending on the model).
2. Unscrew the screws on the bottom of the case, usually 4 to 6 of them, hidden under rubber legs or stickers. Use a PH1 cross screwdriver.
3. Separate the halves of the body: gently tuck the gaps with a flat screwdriver or a plastic card. Don't force it, the plastic is fragile!
4. Disconnect the wires (if any): in wireless models, these are battery contacts, in network models, engine power.

When you disconnect the case, you'll see the turbine, the filters and the control board. Don't touch the board with your bare hands, static electricity can damage the chips.

Power out/removed battery |

I took a picture of the screws.|

Prepared the container for small parts |

Wearing gloves and glasses (optional)-->

Cleaning and Diagnostics of Key Nodes

The main problems of Xiaomi car vacuum cleaners are related to filter contamination, wear of engine brushes or turbine locking.

1. Filters (HEPA and pre-cleaning)

Filters are the first cause of the suction power drop, and most models have two:

• 🔄 Pre-filter (net or foam) - traps large debris, it can be washed under running water and dried.
• 🌬️ HEPA-filter, which is responsible for fine cleaning. You can't wash it, just purging with compressed air or replacing it.

Turbine and impeller

If the vacuum cleaner is buzzing but not suctioning, the problem may be blocking the turbine.

• 🌀 Does the impeller rotate freely? If not, remove the wound hair or threads with tweezers.
• 🔧 Integrity of blades: chipped blades reduce efficiency and can damage the body.

Engine and brushes

In collector-powered models such as the Mi Car Vacuum Cleaner, graphite brushes wear out over time, and should be at least 5 mm long. If the brushes are worn, replacement is required.

Common Mistakes in Disassembly and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to a vacuum cleaner breakdown.

1. Loss of screws or springs: always use a magnetic mat and sort the mounts by size. In some models (for example, the Deerma VC20) screws of different lengths - it is easy to confuse them.
2. Damage to sealing rubber bands: they keep the body tight, so if the rubber band breaks, replace it or use a silicone sealant.
3. Incorrect turbine assembly: the impeller must be installed strictly by the marks (usually there are grooves or color marks), otherwise the balancing will break, and the vacuum cleaner will vibrate.
4. Ignoring lubrication: After cleaning, the bearings of the turbine should be lubricated with silicone grease (1-2 drops). Do not use WD-40 or engine oil!

⚠️ Warning: If after assembly, the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner starts to smoke or smell like a burn, turn it off immediately! This is a sign of a short circuit in the engine.

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Before final assembly, turn on the vacuum cleaner for 10-15 seconds with an open case (no filters).

Disassembly of battery models: nuances

Xiaomi’s wireless vacuum cleaners (such as the Mi Portable Electric Vacuum Cleaner) have a removable lithium-ion battery, and it requires special care to disassemble:

• 🔋 Disconnect the battery terminals first – even a disconnected battery can discharge when a circuit is closed.
• 📉 Check the voltage with a multimeter: the norm for Li-ion is 3.6-4.2 V per can. If below 3.0 V, the battery requires replacement.
• ♻️ Don't disassemble the cans, it's dangerous, if the shell is damaged, fire is possible.

If the battery is swelling, don't try to repair it. Dispose of it according to local regulations (at the battery reception points). 2200mAh 3.7V).

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Xiaomi battery models often use a charge controller with overdischarge protection.If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after replacing the battery, check the integrity of the controller (it can be soldered into a board).

Cleaning the vacuum cleaner: how to avoid mistakes

The assembly is as important as the dismantling. Here are the key points:

1. Check the seals: the rubber bands must lie flat, without gaps, otherwise the dust will seep back into the cabin.
2. Tighten the screws cross-cross to avoid distortion of the body.
3. Make sure the filters are dry: wet HEPA-filter may become moldy.
4. Test the vacuum cleaner at minimum power before full use.

If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after assembly, check:

• 🔌 Connecting wires to a board (especially in network models).
• 🔋 Battery Contacts (in wireless versions).
• 🛠️ Safety lock on board (sometimes burns out with a short circuit).

Where to buy spare parts for the vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

If you find faulty parts in the process, you can replace them.

When buying parts, pay attention to compatibility with your model. For example, the turbine from Mi Car Vacuum Cleaner is not suitable for the Deerma VC20 - the shaft diameter is different.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells low quality, non-original parts. Read reviews and check seller ratings before buying.

FAQ: Frequent questions about dismantling vacuum cleaners Xiaomi