The Xiaomi M365 is popular for its reliability, but its tubeless tires are often a source of puncture problems. Unlike classic bicycles, it uses a tight fit, making the process of replacing a camera or tire a real challenge for an untrained owner. Many face situations where the wheel simply does not remove or rubber does not degrade from the rim without the use of brute force.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly and safely dismantle the wheel so as not to damage the engine, the Hall sensors or the frame itself. You will learn about the specific nuances of the Mi Electric Scooter design that are not obvious at first glance. Understanding the mechanics of the process will save you hours of pain and save you from costly mistakes.
Before you start the active phase of work, you need to prepare the workplace and free up space around the scooter. Dismantling requires not only physical effort, but also the right sequence of actions. Ignoring the preparatory stage often leads to the craftsmen tearing the thread or losing important fasteners in the process.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To do this successfully, you'll need a set of specialized tools that will make the process torture, and the standard hexagon kit that comes with a scooter is not enough to work with sour bolts and tight rubber, and you'll need powerful passages, mounting blades and, preferably, an electric screw with the right heads.
Safety is a high-pressure and metal-based work, and you should use protective gloves to avoid cutting the sharp edges of a disc or a slipping tool, and work best on a flat surface with good lighting, spreading a soft mat so you don't scratch the scooter body.
- 🛠️ Set of six-sided keys (Allen keys) sizes 4, 5 and 8 mm.
- 🔧 Dilution key or set of cap heads for 8, 10 and 12 mm.
- 🔨 Rubber bladder and flat screwdriver for tweaking elements.
- 🧴 Soap solution or special lubrication (WD-40) ease-up.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the scooter through the application and physically disconnect the battery connectors if you plan to disassemble the motor-wheel in depth to avoid short circuits.
It is important to have a bolt folding tank on hand, as small screws tend to roll in the most unexpected places. Some craftsmen recommend that you warm up the area around the axis with a hairdryer beforehand if you have been using a scooter in winter, since the metal can shrink from the cold.
Dismantling the front wheel: an algorithm of actions
The process of removing the front wheel on the Xiaomi M365 is technically easier than the rear, since there is no connection to the controller. The first step is to completely relieve the pressure in the tire by twisting the nipple or simply pressing it to get out of the air unimpeded. This is critical, since the inflated tire creates a huge voltage that prevents disassembly.
Then you unscrew the bolts that attach the wheel axis to the fork, which are usually two bolts under a hexagon that can be pulled very hard from the factory. If the key is rolled but the bolt is standing, use the WD-40 and give it time to penetrate the thread before applying excessive force that can tear the edges off.
☑️ Checklist of dismantling of the front wheel
When the fasteners are loosened, carefully remove the axle and remove the wheel from the fork. Pay attention to the brake disc: try not to touch its working surface with oily hands or drop it on a hard coating so as not to disturb the geometry. The braking system requires careful care to maintain braking efficiency.
If the wheel doesn't come out, it might be the remnants of rubber or dirt that gets stuck in the gaps. A slight sway from side to side will help to shake the jammed knot. Don't hit the hammer directly on the axis or disk, use a wooden pad or a rubber hammer.
Removal of the rear motor-wheel and switching off electronics
Rear wheel disassembly is a more complex process that requires electrical components, and it's a motor-wheel that transmits traction to the road, and it's approached by wires from the controller, and you start by removing the protective cover that blocks access to the electrical connectors and mount bolts.
Inside the lid, you'll find connectors connecting the engine windings to the controller, which you need to carefully separate by remembering or photographing the connection, and often these connectors sit very tightly, and you have to squirt them with a thin screwdriver to avoid damaging the plastic latches.
The nuances of wire connection
After the electronics are turned off, unscrew the bolts that hold the motor axis to the scooter pendulum.The weight of the rear wheel is significantly larger than the front wheel due to the built-in engine, so hold it with the second hand when removing the axle. A sharp breakdown can lead to a heavy knot falling on the leg or damage to the frame.
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the chips of the wires without pulling the cables themselves.
- 🔩 Use the 10mm key for the motor cover bolts.
- 🛑 Check the condition of the coils and the insulation of the wires with the removed wheel.
⚠️ Warning: Never pull the wires to pull them out of the lid - they can come off inside the insulation, which will require complex soldering and restoration of tightness.
Camera replacement and tire disassembly
The most time-consuming part of the process is removing the tire from the disc, because the factory landing is very tight, and even after you flush the air, you find that the rubber is held tight on the rim, and you first need to completely squeeze the tyre side from the disk around the perimeter, pressing the thumb or using a special tool.
Then the mounting blades come in, and they need to be inserted between the disc and the side of the tire, gradually moving around, and you need to be careful not to damage the camera (if it's still intact) and not to scratch the disk. Often, you need to use considerable physical force or help from a second person.
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Heat the tire with a construction hair dryer or lower the wheel into hot water for 10-15 minutes – the heated rubber becomes more elastic and removes much easier, reducing the risk of rupturing the new camera.
Once one side of the tyre is removed, you can remove the camera and completely remove the tyre. When you install a new camera, be sure to sprinkle it with talc or baby powder so that it does not rub against the tyre wall from the inside, which will prolong the life of the new part and prevent scuffling.
When you reverse assemble, it's important to place the camera nipple in the disc hole correctly, it should be perpendicular to the plane of the wheel. Curl the wheel gradually, making sure that the camera is not sandwiched between the side of the tire and the disc, otherwise a puncture will occur when pumped.
Table of parameters and (FAQ by size)
It is important for Xiaomi M365 owners to know the exact size of the tires, as the market offers many modifications. Using improper rubber can lead to rapid wear or installation problems.
| Type of tire | Size | Features | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi staff | 8.5 x 2.0 | High wear resistance, tough | Very high. |
| Kenda | 8.5 x 2.0 | Softer than the original, better clutch. | Medium |
| Michelin | 8.5 x 2.0 | Premium quality, durability | Tall. |
| Pneumatic | 8.5 x 2.0 | Requires a camera, comfortable driving | Tall. |
When choosing new tires, consider that softer models are easier to install, but wear faster. Hard tires last longer, but require more effort to replace and provide less comfort when riding over irregularities.
Assembly, installation and performance check
After successfully replacing the camera and assembling the wheel, the assemblage step comes back to the scooter. For the front wheel, the process is reversed to removal: insert the axle, gain bolts and tighten them cross-to-cross for even distribution of pressure. Make sure that the brake disc is correctly hit the caliper and does not rub against the pads.
With the rear wheel, the situation is more complicated: you first need to carefully stack the wires into the seat so that they do not fall under the rotating parts. Then connect the connectors, combine the tags, and the wheel is placed in place. The axle bolts should be tightened with the force specified in the specification, so that the wheel does not dangle.
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The main criterion for correct assembly is the absence of axle backlash and free rotation of the wheel without the sounds of wire friction or brake disc.
The final step is to pump the tire. Do this gradually, checking whether the tire fits evenly on the disk. A characteristic click in a circle means that the board has stood in place. After pumping, be sure to check the engine and brakes on weight before putting the scooter on the ground.
- ✅ Check the tightening of all bolts after the first trip.
- ✅ Make sure the engine cover is sealed.
- ✅ Check the pressure in the tires with a pressure gauge.
⚠️ Attention: After the first trip (5-10 km) be sure to repeat the pull of the axle mount bolts, as new rubber and metal may shrink, which will lead to weakening of the joint.