Electric vehicle operation often faces the realities of our roads, where sharp objects and uneven asphalt can damage the tire. Owner Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter or Xiaomi M365 Pro sooner or later faces the need to replace the camera or fix a puncture. Wheel disassembly is a procedure that requires not only certain tools, but also an understanding of the design of the mechanism. Wrong actions can lead to damage to the motor wheel or deformation of the rim, so it is important to approach the process as carefully as possible.
Unlike bicycles, where it takes a couple of minutes to remove the wheel, Xiaomi’s electric scooter has a more complex hub design and braking system. Before starting work, you need to assess the scale of the problem: whether you need a full tire replacement, install a new camera or just a lift of spokes. In Xiaomi M365 models, the rear wheel is a motor-wheel, which requires special care when working with wiring. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of dismantling, replacing consumables and reverse assembly to keep your vehicle on the go again.
Many users are afraid to start repairing themselves for fear of breaking the warranty or breaking the plastic. However, with a basic set of tools and following the instructions, you can successfully maintain the chassis. It is important to understand that sealing and proper tension of the camera are key factors in the long service of the tire. Next, we will consider the necessary tools, preparation steps and the technology of disassembly for the front and rear wheels.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Well, you can't disassemble the wheel properly without a specialized tool. The standard keyset that comes with the scooter won't be enough. You'll need more powerful tools that can withstand high loads, because the rubber on the scooters fits very tightly. Workplace preparation is also important: provide good lighting and a clean surface so that the small parts don't get lost.
To start your maintenance work on the Xiaomi M365 or Mi Scooter 1S, prepare the following set:
- 🔧 Set of hexagonal keys (mandatory keys for 4, 5 and 8 mm)
- 🔨 Plastic mounts for removing tires (2-3 metal can damage the rim)
- 🔌 Heating hair dryer or building hair dryer (for softening rubber)
- 🛢️ Soap solution or special lubricant for installation of the camera
- 🧤 Tight work gloves to protect hands from cuts and dirt
Special attention should be paid to installations. The use of screwdrivers or metal blades is strongly discouraged, as they easily pierce a new camera or scratch aluminum rim. If you do not have professional plastic mounts, you can use old plastic tool handles sharpened at an angle. Also remember to prepare a pump with a pressure gauge to control the pressure during assembly.
⚠️ Warning: Before any work begins, be sure to completely discharge the battery or disconnect it from the controller, if the design allows.
The workplace needs to be sustainable. The best thing to do is to turn the scooter upside down, putting soft fabric under the steering wheel and platform so you don't scratch the plastic parts of the body. If you're changing the camera on the rear wheel, make sure that the motor wiring isn't tightened and doesn't interfere with access to the axle.
Dismantling the front wheel: a step-by-step algorithm
The front wheel is usually easier to disassemble because there is no electrical part, but the design of the axle mount has its nuances. The first step is to remove the decorative reflector if it is installed on the fork, carefully tuck it in with a plastic map or a thin mount.
The process of removing the wheel is as follows:
- 🔩 Relax the bolt of the front wheel axis using a hexagonal key (usually 8mm)
- 🛑 Remove the brake disc (caliper) by unscrewing two fastening bolts on the fork
- 🔄 Remove the axle completely and carefully remove the wheel from the fork
- 💨 Release the air from the chamber, completely unscrewing the nipple
Once the wheel is removed from the frame, the most time-consuming step is to remove the tire from the rim. Xiaomi rubber is known for its hard compound, which is difficult to manipulate. Use a hair dryer to warm the sidewall of the tire in a circle, which will make the rubber more elastic and easier to work.
Insert the first mount between the rim and the tyre, bend the side outwards. Lock it (some mounts have a spoke hook) and insert the second in 5-10 cm. Move around, gradually releasing one side of the tyre. Be careful not to damage the camera if you plan to use it again. After removing one side, pull out the camera and remove the other side of the tyre.
☑️ Pre-assembly check
Removal of the rear wheel and work with the motor-wheel
The rear wheel in Xiaomi's electric scooters is a drive wheel, and there's an electric motor inside, which puts restrictions on disassembly methods, and you need to remove the wheel from the frame carefully so that you don't damage the wiring going through the axle to the controller.
Algorithm for the rear wheel:
- 🔋 Turn off the battery and remove the controller charge (if access to wires inside the axle is required)
- 🔌 Disconnect the motor-wheel connector from the main board
- 🔧 Unscrew the axle bolt and remove the brake caliper
- 🚲 Remove the wheel by gently running the wires through the pendulum fork
Removing the tire from the rear wheel requires even more care. There are magnets and windings inside the hub. Overheating when using a hair dryer can damage the insulation of wires or magnets. Grease the rubber in short series, constantly checking the temperature of the hub with your hand. If the wires inside the axle overheat, the insulation can melt, which will lead to a short circuit.
When reassembling, make sure that the wiring is not clamped by the rim or tire. The wires should lie freely in the axle channel. After installing the new camera and tire, before the final axle tightening, it is recommended to connect the scooter and check the engine's operation at weight to make sure there are no errors.
⚠️ Warning: Never use an open fire to heat a tire.Open flames can instantly melt rubber, damage plastic scooter elements or ignite the camera.
Replacement of the camera and elimination of punctures
Choosing the right camera is key to driving comfortably. The Xiaomi M365 and Pro models use 8.5 x 2 inches cameras. It is important to pay attention to the location of the nipple: it should be pointed in a side that is easy to swap, usually at an angle or straight, depending on the design of the disk.
Before installing a new camera, be sure to treat it with talc or soap solution inside the tire, which will prevent the rubber from friction against the rubber, which leads to rapid wear and hernia. Put the camera inside the tire, before pumping it up quite a bit so that it straightens and does not fold.
The process of placing the tire in place:
- 💧 Lubricate the sides of the tire with soap solution for slipping
- 👐 Fill one side of the tire on the rim around the perimeter
- 🔩 Insert the camera nipple into the rim hole and twist the fixing nut
- 🛠️ Fill the second side, starting from the nipple and moving in opposite directions
The most difficult part is filling the last inches of the tire, which may require installation, and be careful not to pinch the camera on the side of the tire, otherwise it will burst when pumped, and after installation, make sure that the camera does not look out from under the tire.
What to do if the camera is constantly down?
Wheel assembly and final inspection
After successful installation of the camera and tire, the wheel must be pumped to operating pressure. For Xiaomi scooters, the recommended pressure is 45-50 PSI (3-3.5 Bar). Insufficient pressure will lead to rapid wear and risk of breakdown, and excessive pressure will lead to rigidity and the risk of exploding the camera in the sun.
When you build the rear wheel, pay attention to the centering. The wheel should rotate freely without touching the brake disc or the frame elements. If after assembly you hear a foreign noise or feel a beating, the tire may have stood unevenly, in which case, lower the air, lubricate the sides and try to distribute the tire evenly around the rim.
Table of the main parameters for wheel maintenance:
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Camera size | 8.5 x 2 inches | Use the original or quality analogues |
| Tyre pressure. | 45-50 PSI (3.0-3.5 Bar) | Check before each trip |
| Moment of axis tightening | Medium (no bigotry) | Controlling the absence of backlash |
| Heating temperature | Not more than 60-70°C | Warm the dryer carefully, do not overheat the engine |
The final step is to put the wheel on the frame, tighten the axle, set the brake caliper and check it, the brakes should not rub against the disc in a free state, if everything is assembled correctly, you can conduct a test trip.
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To extend the life of the cameras, use a tubeless tire sealant (anti-puncture) that is poured into the chamber through a nipple and automatically tightens small punctures while driving.
Frequent errors and operating tips
When self-repairing, beginners often make mistakes that negate all effort. One of the most common is the use of inappropriate tools, which leads to camera cuts. Another mistake is ignoring the heating of the motor wheel. Overheating can irreversibly damage the magnets, and the motor loses power.
Another important aspect is balancing: if you have a speed beat after you replace the camera, it may be that the new camera is uneven or the tire is defective, and some cases require balancing loads, although this is rarely done on scooters and is usually solved by the correct installation.
The main recommendations for owners:
- 🚫 Do not use oil-based car sealants – they corrode the rubber of the cameras
- 🌡️ Avoid sudden temperature changes when storing a scooter
- 🔍 Regularly inspect the tread for stuck stones and glass
- 🔋 Monitor the condition of the wiring in the axis of the rear wheel
⚠️ Warning: If the wheel makes a strange hum or there is resistance to rotation after assembly, stop immediately, this may indicate improper installation of bearings or damage to the engine winding.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to self-service the electric scooter, saving time and money on service. Properly maintained wheel is the safety and comfort of each trip.
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The secret to success is patience and accuracy when working with rubber. Don't try to tear the tire with force, you better warm it up again.