Self-disassembly of the wheel of the Xiaomi electric scooter can be required for various reasons, from a banal puncture and replacement of the camera to the need to lubricate the bearings or replace the worn tire. Owners of popular models such as the Mi Electric Scooter 1S, Pro 2 or Essential, often face a situation where maintenance in the workshop takes too much time or is unreasonably expensive. Understanding the design of the chassis will save you budget and time.
The dismantling process does not require complex specialized equipment, but it requires accuracy and a certain sequence of actions. Improper handling of electronic components or power elements of the frame can lead to damage to the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely remove and disassemble the wheel to carry out the necessary repairs.
Safety is essential before any work is done, and the scooter should be completely turned off, and ideally the battery should be turned off if the design of the model allows it to be done quickly, and handling high-voltage cells requires caution, even if the voltage seems low.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting disassembly, be sure to wait for the engine to cool completely if the scooter has just been operated. The motor wheel can heat up to high temperatures, which can cause burns.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To successfully complete the wheel dismantling task, you will need a basic toolkit that most home craftsmen will find, the main tool being the Allen keys, which are the keys that hold most of Xiaomi’s design elements, and you may also need flat and cross screwdrivers, and in some cases, a special tyre remover or plastic mounts to keep the disc from being damaged.
The organization of the workspace is critical. You need a smooth, well-lit surface, covered with soft cloth or mat, and this will prevent the loss of small parts, such as screws, washers and nuts, which tend to run away at the most inopportune moment. Prepare containers for sorting the fasteners, because the screws of different knots can vary in length and diameter of the thread.
Depending on the specific model of the scooter, the toolkit may vary slightly. Pro models often require larger keys than the base version of Essential.
- 🔧 Set of hexagonal keys (the main tool for all screws).
- 🔨 Hammer (for gently knocking out axles or bearings if necessary).
- 🧤 Protective gloves (to protect the hands from grease and sharp edges).
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (WD-40 oxid).
If you plan to not only remove the wheel, but also disassemble it, you will also need to be able to use a stowaway blade.The use of metal tools to remove the tire from the disc is highly discouraged, as you can easily damage the sealed layer of the camera or scratch the disc itself, which in the future will lead to camera injuries.
Dismantling of the front wheel
Removing the front wheel is generally less time-consuming than the rear, as there is no complex drive system. The first step is to flip the scooter over or securely lock it upright so that the front wheel is in the air. Make sure the device is stable and does not fall during operation.
The main fastener here is the axle that runs through the fork and hub of the wheel. On most Xiaomi models, it is fixed by nuts on both sides. Use the appropriate key to loosen and unscrew the nuts. Sometimes the thread can be tight due to factory fixation or dirt hitting, so applying penetrating lubricant in advance is a sensible move.
⚠️ Attention: When unscrewing the axle, be careful of washers and bushings. They can fall out and get lost, and their absence during assembly will lead to backlash of the wheel and rapid wear of bearings.
Once the fastener is removed, the wheel can be carefully pulled out of the fork. Pay attention to the position of the brake disc if it is installed. When installing a new or assembled wheel, it is important not to confuse the side of the installation so that the brake disc enters the caliper correctly. Also check the condition of the bearings: they must rotate smoothly, without crunching or jamming.
Removal of the rear motor-wheel
Rear wheel disassembly is more challenging because it is combined with an electric motor and a recovery system. Access to fasteners often requires the removal of the engine cap or brake caliper. On Xiaomi Mi Scooter Pro 2 models, access to the wheel mount bolts can be partially hidden by frame elements.
The process starts with a power outage. Find a connector that runs from the motor wheel to the controller, and gently disconnect it. It's usually located inside the deck or under a close axle protective cover. You can then start dismantling the mechanical mounts. You need to unscrew the bolts that hold the motor axis to the scooter pendulum.
The important thing is to work with the brake mechanism. Before removing the wheel, you need to remove the brake caliper or pull the brake pads so that they do not interfere with the removal of the disc. Do not try to pull the wheel with force, if you feel resistance, check if all the wires and cables are disconnected.
When working with the rear wheel, pay special attention to the condition of the wires. They pass inside the axle and can be damaged if you do not handle it carefully. The insulation should be intact, without cracks and scuffs. Any damage to the insulation in the area of the motor wheel can lead to a short circuit in subsequent operation.
☑️ Checklist before removing the motor wheel
Disassembly and camera replacement
Once the wheel is removed from the frame, the rubber phase begins. To replace the camera, you need to remove the tire from the disc. This process requires physical strength and accuracy. First, completely flush the air out of the chamber by twisting the nipple. If the nipple has gone inside the tire, gently push it back in order to be able to blow the air.
Using a tar blade, you can tuck the tyre side over the edge of the disk, move around, gradually freeing one side of the tyre, and then you can remove the camera, and when you install a new camera, you can slightly pump it up so that it takes shape and doesn't get pinched between the tyre and the disc.
| Parameter | Front wheel. | Rear wheel (Motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre size | 8.5 x 2.0 inches | 8.5 x 2.0 inches |
| Pressure (PSI) | 50-60 PSI | 50-60 PSI |
| Type of camera | With an L-shaped nipple. | With a straight/curved nipple |
| Difficulty replacing | Low. | High (because of wires) |
When you build, make sure the camera is flat, without creases. Inflate the wheel gradually, checking if the tire fits evenly on the disc. A sharp set of pressure can cause the camera to explode or the tire to skew, which will cause the wheel to beat when driving.
The secret of light carriage
Bearing and axle maintenance
Inside the wheel hub are bearings that keep the rotation smooth, and over time, they get lubricated, dust and moisture, which causes a backlash or a hum when driving, and to maintain the bearings, you have to remove them from the seats, and this is done with a bumper and a hammer, knocking them out from the opposite side.
Once removed, the bearings should be washed with a solvent (such as Kalosha gasoline or a special cleaner) to remove old dirt. If the bearing has protective washers, they can be neatly removed with a needle, washed the ball bearing assembly and laid down a new lithium lubricant. In some cases, it is easier and more reliable to replace the bearings with new ones by selecting them by marking.
The axis of the wheel also requires attention. Check it for curvature or corrosion. A flat axis is the key to the correct alignment of the wheel. If the axle is damaged, its replacement is mandatory, as it affects the safety of the ride and the safety of other components.
⚠️ Note: When installing new bearings, do not strike the inside of the bearing with a hammer directly.
Assembly and final inspection
The assembly is done in reverse disassembly. Place the wheel in place, making sure that all the wires (in the case of the rear wheel) are laid correctly and not clamped. Tighten the fastening axle with the recommended force. Inadequate puffing will lead to backlash, and excessive puffing will damage the thread or deformation of the fork.
After mechanical assembly, plug the motor connectors (if you removed the rear wheel). Turn on the scooter and check the engine's performance on weight. The wheel should rotate freely, without any extraneous sounds. Also check the braking system - braking should be smooth and efficient.
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After the first wheel is assembled, drive a short distance in a safe place and re-check the tightening of all bolts. Vibration in the first kilometers can weaken the freshly twisted fastener.
The final step is to check the tire pressure. For Xiaomi models, the optimal pressure is in the range of 50-60 PSI (3.5-4.0 Bar), but the exact values are better specified in the instructions for a particular model or look at the sidewall of the tire.
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Good assembly and proper tightening of the fastener are more important than speed of work.