Xiaomi vacuum cleaners are some of the most popular cleaning robots on the market, but even they require regular maintenance. The turbobrush (or main rotating brush) is the most clogged element, which loses its effectiveness over time due to coiled hair, dust and small debris. Many users are afraid to disassemble it themselves, fearing breaking the latches or losing parts. In fact, the process of disassembly is easier than it seems β the main thing is to know the exact pressure points and the sequence of actions.
In this article, we will discuss how to carefully dismantle the brush on different Xiaomi models (including the Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame and Viomi), what tools you will need, and how to avoid typical errors. You will also learn how to clean the shaft and bearings when you need to replace the brush whole, and what to do if it does not rotate after assembly, if your vacuum cleaner becomes worse collect garbage or makes foreign sounds, most likely, the problem is in the brush.
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1. What tools will be needed to disassemble
For most Xiaomi models, a minimal set of tools is enough, but some brushes (such as from the Dreame Bot Z10 Pro) may require more slimmer work.
- βοΈ Flat screwdriver (preferably with a thin sting - suitable for smartphones or watches)
- π§ Cross screwdriver (size) PH0 or PH1 for screws in some models)
- π§² Magnet or tweezers (so as not to lose small parts, such as springs)
- π§΄ Silicone lubricant or WD-40 (shaft-cleaner)
- π§Ό Toothbrush or cotton swabs (to clean hard-to-reach places)
If you have a brushless motor in your brush (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), you donβt need any additional tools, itβs about removing the lid, but older versions (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum 1S) may require a knife with a thin blade to slap the latches.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use metal objects with sharp edges (knives, blades) to disassemble plastic parts - they leave scratches and can break the locks.
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2.Preparation of the vacuum cleaner: how to remove the brush from the body
Before you disassemble the brush, it must be carefully removed from the vacuum cleaner.
- π€ For the Xiaomi Mi Robot robot vacuum cleaner, flip the vacuum cleaner upside down (buttons down). Find a lever or button on the side of the brush (usually marked in red or orange). Press the lock and pull the brush over yourself.
Dreame
Viomi
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- Press the lock button on the brush (located closer to the handle).
If the brush fails, donβt apply force β you may have missed the hidden lock. On Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P models, you additionally need to disconnect the water supply hose (it is attached to the brush with a small plastic clip).
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3. Step-by-step disassembly of the turbobrush: from the lid to the shaft
Now, to the brush itself, let's look at a universal algorithm that works for 90% of Xiaomi models (except for motor brushes, which are disassembled differently).
βοΈ Preparation for disassembly
Step 1: Removal of the upper cover
Most brushes have the lid attached to the latches to remove it.
- Put the brush down with your bristles.
- Insert a flat screwdriver into the groove between the lid and the body (usually it is closer to the shaft).
- Press carefully until you hear a click, which means that the first latch has opened.
- Repeat the action from the opposite side.
Step 2: Removing the shaft and brushes
After removing the cover, you will see:
- π Shaft (metal or plastic rod on which brushes are attached).
- π Brushes (usually two of them - left and right, sometimes one whole).
- π Spring mechanism (responsible for fixing brushes on the shaft).
To take the shaft out:
- Pull it carefully to the side (it can be fixed with a locking ring).
- If the shaft does not lend itself, check if there are hidden screws under stickers or rubber plugs.
- Remove the brushes from the shaft, remembering their orientation (they can be asymmetrical).
Step 3: Cleaning and inspecting details
Now we can start cleaning:
- π§Ή Remove the wound hair and threads from the shaft and brushes (use tweezers or scissors).
- π¦ Wipe the parts with a wet wipe (do not use aggressive detergents!).
- π οΈ Check the bearings on the shaft - if they catch up, drop some lubricant.
β οΈ Warning: If there are rust marks or severe scratches on the shaft, it is better to replace it. A damaged shaft can cause vibration and noise when the vacuum cleaner is operating.
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4. Features of disassembling brushes with the motor (Dreame, Viomi)
Some vacuum cleaners (such as the Dreame Bot Z10 Pro or Viomi V3) have brushes with an electric motor built in, and are more difficult to disassemble, but the principles are similar:
| Model vacuum cleaner | Type of brush | Features of disassembly |
|---|---|---|
| Dreame Bot Z10 Pro | Turbobrush with motor | The lid is mounted on 4 screws (under the cross screwdriver), the engine unit is indissoluble, only the outer part is cleaned. |
| Viomi V3 | Hybrid brush (motor + brushes) | You need to remove the rubber cover to get to the shaft, and the engine compartment is sealed, and the disassembly voids the warranty. |
| Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | brushless | The lid is removed without tools (latch), the shaft is removed after the locking ring is removed. |
If your brush is motorized, remember:
- π Do not disassemble the motor unit - this can lead to a short circuit.
- π‘ Clean only the available parts: shaft, brushes and external body.
- π Check the contacts on the motor - if they are oxidized, wipe with alcohol.
What to do if the motor of the brush is not working?
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5.Typical problems after disassembly and how to avoid them
Even if you carefully disassemble the brush, after assembly, there may be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- π Brush rattles or vibrates: Reason: shaft or brushes are not installed correctly. Solution: make sure that all the parts are symmetrical and fit tightly.
- π The brush doesn't rotate: The reason is: a jammed bearing or a piece of debris hitting the engine. Solution: disassemble the brush again and check the shaft's progress.
- π Vacuum discharges quickly: Reason: increased engine load due to a snagging brush. Solution: lubricate the shaft and check the balance of the brushes.
To avoid problems:
- Collect the brush in the reverse sequence of disassembly.
- Do not apply force when installing the shaft - it should enter smoothly.
- After assembly, check the brush at minimum power.
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If the brush after cleaning still does not collect garbage, try to change the brushes in places - sometimes they wear out unevenly.
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6. When is it time to change the whole brush
It's not always cleaning that helps your brush get back to its previous efficiency, but here are some signs that it's time to consider replacing it:
- π§Ή The bristles were worn to the base (length less than 5 mm).
- π Constant creaking or grinding while working, even after lubrication.
- π The shaft is twisted with difficulty or stings.
- π₯ Cracks on the body of the brush or broken fixers.
The service life of the brush depends on the intensity of use:
| Type of coating | Average life of brush |
|---|---|
| Laminate/parquet | 1-1.5 years |
| Carpet/carpet | 6β12 months |
| Tile/linoleum | 1.5-2 years |
Original brushes for Xiaomi cost from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, but you can find quality analogues (for example, from Baseus or Roborock) cheaper.
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If the brush has started to slip on the carpet, it's a sure sign of bristles wear, and it's cheaper to replace it than to repair the vacuum cleaner engine because of the increased load.
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7. Alternative methods of cleaning without full disassembly
If the brush is not heavily contaminated, you can do without completely dismantling it.
- π§Ό Wet cleaning: Remove the brush from the vacuum cleaner and rinse it under warm water with soap.Dry for at least 24 hours before installation!
- π§² Magnetic cleaning: Use a magnet to pull metal particles (scraps, pins) from the brush.
- π Compressed air purge: A compressed air canister will help blow dust out of bearings and shaft.
For prevention, clean the brush every 1-2 weeks (depending on the intensity of use). If there are pets in the house, it is better to clean weekly - the wool is quickly wound on the shaft.
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