Xiaomi’s scooter steering wheel may need to be disassembled for many reasons, from simple folding brushing to bearing replacement, control button repair, or backlash removal. However, this procedure requires care — wrong actions can damage the wiring, sensors, or even the controller. In this article, we’ll go through the entire process in detail, from tool preparation to back-assembly, taking into account the nuances of different models (M365, Pro, 1S, 3, 4 Lite).
We'll focus on the common mistakes that beginners make, like forgetting to disconnect the battery before work, which can lead to short circuits, or trying to force the sour bolts to unwind, breaking plastic parts, and showing you how to avoid these problems and make everything as safe as possible, even if you've never repaired machinery before.
Important: The instruction is universal for most Xiaomi models, but in some versions (for example, the Pro 2 or 4 Pro) there may be minor differences in the mounting of the wires or the location of the sensors. If your scooter is modified (for example, an external controller or a larger battery is installed), the disassembly process can be complicated.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and security measures
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and without the right tools, you risk ripping off the bolt heads or damaging the fragile plastic elements.
- 🔧 Hexagons (sizes 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm - depends on the model). M365 and 1S Most often, you need 2.5 mm.
- 🔨 Torch screwdrivers (usually) T10 and T15 — handle-holder).
- 🔩 Cross screwdriver (for some screws on the steering column).
- 🧲 Magnetic holder or tray - so as not to lose small screws and washers.
- 🔌 Multimeter (to check wiring and sensors, if planned diagnostics).
- 🧴 WD-40 or similar spray - will help unscrew sour threaded connections.
- 📸 Smartphone – take pictures of each step of disassembly so as not to confuse the order of assembly.
Also, make sure that the workplace is flat, lighted, and has enough space to lay out parts. Never disassemble the scooter on the floor, and you're at risk of losing or damaging small parts.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start, be sure to turn off the battery. 4 If you skip this step, you can close the wires when you disassemble the steering wheel, which will cause the controller to fail or the steering wheel to fail. BMS-pay-off. 📊 What model of Xiaomi scooter you repair?M365Pro/Pro21S3/3 Pro4 Lite/4 Pro Other Removal of the steering wheel: Step-by-step, Start with the removal of the steering column. This process is the same for most Xiaomi models, except for some nuances in the mounting of the wires. 1. Removal of handles and buttons. 🔹 Carefully place the plastic plugs on the ends of the steering wheel (you can use a plastic blade or a knife with a blunt end. 🔹 Unscrew the screws with a torx screwdriver (T10 or T15). 🔹 Take the handles off by pulling them over you. Be careful, there may be wires inside that go to the buttons and the display. Step. 2. Disconnection of wiring. 🔌 And you'll see on the steering column a bunch of wires going down to the base of the scooter, and they're attached to the frame with plastic screeds -- cut them with cutters. 🔌 Disconnect the connectors (usually them) 2-3: For display, buttons and brake sensors, remember or take a picture of which one is connected to. 🔌 If the wires are soldered (occurring in older models), they will have to be soldered off. 30 Watts, so you don't damage the board. 3. Dismantling of the steering column. 🔧 You'll see at the base of the steering wheel. 4 hexagon (2.5 mm 3 Unscrew them. 🔧 Pull the steering wheel up carefully. If it doesn't lend itself, sway slightly from side to side, sometimes the column sticks to the bearings. 🔧 After removing, check the bearings and the glands, if they're worn out or contaminated, they should be replaced.|The wiring connectors are photographed|Tools prepared (hexagons, torxes)|Workplace freed from foreign objects|Checked the absence of corrosion on the bolts--> If the steering wheel is not removed even after the bolts are unscrewed, don't put too much effort into it. Perhaps the problem with the guide pipe souring is a typical problem for scooters that have been used in the rain. WD-40 and wait 10-15 With a light rubber hammer, knock the steering wheel from top to bottom. Repeat the removal attempt by swaying the steering wheel from side to side. Disassembly of the folding mechanism The folding mechanism is one of the most vulnerable parts of the Xiaomi scooter. Over time, it builds up dirt, rusts springs, or breaks the lock, and we'll figure out how to properly disassemble and clean it. Step 1. Dismantle the folding mechanism. 🔧 Unscrew 2 screws on the side covers of the mechanism (usually under a hexagon 2 mm). 🔧 Remove the lids and remove the spring with the lock. Be careful, the spring is in a tense state! 🔧 Clean all parts of old lubrication and dirt with a rag and alcohol.Step 2. Diagnostics and repair. 🔍 Check the integrity of the spring. If it is stretched or broken, replace it. M365: L8G6302TN). 🔍 Look at the plastic fixator. It often cracks, and you'll need a replacement: L8G6303TN). 🔍 If the mechanism creaks, apply a new lubricant (such as lithium or silicone). WD-40 — Step 3: Assembly of the machine. 🔧 Put the spring and lock in place. Make sure the locker is moving freely. 🔧 Apply a little lubrication to rubbing surfaces. 🔧 Close the machine with the lids and twist the screws. Don't pull them over -- moderate enough effort. What do you do if the lock breaks and there's no new one? The temporary solution is to use epoxy glue to glue the plastic parts together. 1-2 The locker will fail again in a month, and you'd better order an original spare part or an analogue (like a Ninebot if it's the right size) and check the mechanism after assembly: the steering wheel should be fixed clearly, without backlash, and fold smoothly, without jamming. If the backlash is left, the bearings in the steering column may be worn out, and they will have to be replaced, too. Diagnostics and replacements of steering column bearings Bearings in the steering column wear out over time, especially if the scooter often drives on rough roads. Signs of malfunction: 🔄 Luft steering wheel (it "wanders" from side to side). 🔊 Screaming or crunching when turning. 🛑 The steering wheel is difficult to rotate, and the bearings will need to be replaced: 🔧 Bearings lifter (or flat screwdriver and hammer if no detacher is available). 🔧 New bearings (for Xiaomi) M365 — 608 RS, size 8×22×7 mm). 🔧 Lubricant (e.g. Litol)-24). Replacement process: Remove the steering column (as described in the previous section). Remove the old bearings. If they are "stook", use a receiver or gently beat them with a hammer through a mandrel (for example, an old bolt of suitable diameter). Clear the seats of dirt and old lubrication. Install new bearings. They must come in tightly, without skewing. Use a hammer if necessary, but only hit the outer ring of the bearing! Apply lubrication to the bearings and collect the steering column back. 💡If the bearings are not worn out, you can not change them, but simply wash them in gasoline or kerosene, then lubricate them, which will temporarily restore their performance. If it remains, perhaps the steering pipe itself is worn out - in this case, its replacement will be required (which is economically inexpedient for budget models). Button and steering wheel repairs The control buttons and the display on the Xiaomi steering wheel often fail due to moisture or mechanical damage. Let's figure out how to disassemble and repair them. Step 1. Disassembling the handle with the buttons. 🔧 Unscrew the screws on the handle (usually) 2-3 torx-screw T10). 🔧 Carefully separate the two halves of the body. Be careful - there may be thin wires inside! 🔧 Remove the board with the buttons. It's mounted on the latches or small screws. Step. 2. Diagnosis of malfunctions. Symptoms Possible cause Solution buttons do not react Oxidation of contacts or breakage of wiring Clean contacts with alcohol, check the integrity of wires with multimeter Display does not include Damage to the plume or board Check connection of the plume, if necessary replace the display spontaneously turn on/off Closing on board due to moisture Dry the board with a hairdryer (temperature not higher) 60°C), treat contact cleaner Not working backlight display Burned LED or damaged resistor Replace LED (if you have soldering skills) or the entire board If the buttons do not work due to oxidation, they can be restored: Soak the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean the contacts on the board and buttons. 10-15 Take the handle and check the buttons, and if the board is damaged (for example, a resistor or chip has burned), it's easier to replace it completely. Original boards for Xiaomi M365 can be found by the article L8G6305TN (buttons L8G6306TN (display). 💡Before assembling the handle, make sure all wires are connected correctly and the board does not touch the metal parts of the case - this can cause a short circuit.Checking and replacing the wire wiring in the Xiaomi steering column often rubs or breaks due to constant bends. This causes the display to be unstable, the buttons to be unstable, or even completely lost control, and we'll figure out how to diagnose and fix wiring problems. Step 1. Visual inspection. 🔍 Check the wires for scuffs, tears or melted areas. 🔍 Pay special attention to the places where the wires pass through the steering tube, where they are most often rubbed. Step 2. Multimeter vertebrae. 🔌 Transfer the multimeter to the chain integrity check mode (diode or sound signal icon). 🔌 Roll each wire in turn from the steering wheel jack to the controller jack. 🔌 If the device shows a break (OL), The wire is damaged and needs to be replaced. Step 3. Repair or replace the wires. 🔧 If the wire is torn, it can be sealed, pre-cleaned and isolated the connection site shrinkage. 🔧 If the insulation is damaged, wrap the problem area with tape or use a heat shrink tube. 🔧 If the wires are worn out, it is better to replace the entire tourniquet. M365 — articular L8G6307TN. When replacing wires, pay attention to their color markings.Standard stitching for Xiaomi: 🔴 Red is food (+5V). ⚫ Black is land (GND). 🟢 Green: Turn on button signal. 🟡 Yellow: Brake sensor signal. 🔵 Blue: Display data. ⚠️ Note: When soldering wires, use a low-power soldering iron (up to) 30 W) and flux (e.g. LTI)-120). Overheating can melt the insulation or damage the controller board. Steering assembly and performance checks Once the repair is complete, it is necessary to properly assemble the steering wheel back. This stage is as important as disassembly - errors here can lead to new breakdowns. 1. Check all connections. 🔌 Make sure all connectors are tightly connected, without distortions. 🔌 Check if the wires are clamped when assembled - this could lead to a cliff. 2. Assembling the steering column. 🔧 Put the steering wheel in place and tighten the bolts. Tighten them cross-haired to avoid skewing. 🔧 Bolt tightening moment — 5-7 (Don't pull it, or you'll rip the thread!) 3. Test launch. 🔋 Connect the battery back in. 🔋 Turn on the scooter and check: Display and buttons. No backlash in the steering wheel. Correctness of speed and battery charge. 🔋 Take a few meters to make sure there are no extraneous sounds (squeaking, crunch). If after assembly there are problems (for example, the scooter does not turn on or the display shows an error), go back to checking the connections: 🔌 Not tightly connected connectors. 🔌 The confused polarity of wires. 🔌 Damaged insulation causing short circuit. 💡After assembly, be sure to check the brakes! If the brake sensor is connected incorrectly, the scooter may not brake or brake spontaneously. FAQ: Frequent questions about the dismantling of the steering wheel Xiaomi Can you disassemble the steering wheel without special tools? Theoretically yes, but it is risky. For example, instead of a hexagon, you can use a flat screwdriver, but there is a great chance to tear the heads of the bolts. The torque screws are almost impossible to unscrew without a screwdriver. If you don't have tools, you should contact the service. What to do if the steering wheel starts to luft after dismantling? Causes of backlash: The steering column mount bolts are not tight enough (tighten them with a moment). 5-7 Worn bearings (replacement required) Steering pipe damaged (replacement of column needed) Start by checking the tightening of the bolts. If that doesn't help, take the steering wheel apart again and inspect the bearings. How do you protect the steering wheel from moisture? Moisture is the main enemy of the scooter's electronics: 🌧️ After driving in the rain, dry the scooter in a warm room. 1-2 hour. 🛡️ Apply silicone lubrication to connectors and wires in the steering column. 🔌 Use a heat shrink tube for additional connection isolation. 🚫 Avoid washing a scooter under high water pressure.Where to buy Xiaomi steering parts? Original parts can be found: 🛒 On AliExpress (search by articles specified in the article). 🛒 In specialized stores (for example, Xiaomi Store, Mi-Shop). 🛒 On Avito or Yule (used parts from disassembly). The cost of original bearings - from 200 ₽, button boards - from 800 ₽, wire harness -- from 500 ₽. Is it okay to drive with a faulty folding mechanism? Absolutely not recommended! If the lock is broken, the steering wheel can fold during movement, which will lead to a fall. The temporary solution is to lock the steering wheel with ties or tape, but it is not safe.