Xiaomi’s electric scooters, including the popular Mi Electric Scooter 1S, Pro 2 and Essential series, have proven to be reliable urban vehicles. However, even the highest-quality vehicles require regular maintenance to extend their lifespan. One critical node that users often ignore is the folding mechanism and friction of moving frame parts, often referred to as “tracks” or “strips” of folding.
Timely lubrication of these elements avoids unpleasant squeaking, jamming of the fixing mechanism and excessive backlash of the steering rack. Many owners are faced with a situation when after the winter season or active driving through the dust, the mechanism begins to work tightly or, conversely, too freely, which creates a feeling of instability when driving.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the maintenance process of the sliding elements of your gadget’s design. You will learn what types of lubricants are suitable for aluminum alloy and plastic, how to properly prepare the surface before applying the composition and what common mistakes should be avoided so as not to damage electronics or rubber seals.
Diagnostics of the state of the folding mechanism
Before you start active action on the application of lubricants, you need to conduct a thorough visual and tactile diagnosis of the unit. Often the problem lies not in the lack of lubrication, but in the accumulated dirt, which acts as an abrasive. Carefully examine the area of the connection of the steering rack to the deck, paying attention to the presence of rust, deep scratches or deformation of metal surfaces.
Try folding and unfolding the scooter several times. The mechanism should move with moderate force, fixing with a characteristic click. If you feel jamming, hear a metal grinding or notice that the lock hook is tight, these are direct signs of maintenance. It is also worth checking the condition of the silicone anthers, which protect the inner cavities from moisture.
⚠️ Warning: If you hear a loud crunch or see a sparkling metal against the metal, the operation of the device should be stopped immediately until the fault is completely eliminated, as this may lead to breakage of the hook or the response part.
Pay special attention to the state of the spring mechanism. It should not be stretched or corrosion covered. In some models, such as the Mi Scooter Pro 2, the spring is hidden inside the body, but access to the guides remains open. It is these guides, which the user often calls "track", that are the main load when the device is transformed from operating state to transport.
Selection of suitable lubricants
The right chemistry is 90% of the success in electric vehicle maintenance. Xiaomi frame and folding elements are not suited to thick, consistent lithium or solidol lubricants, as they collect street dust, turning into an abrasive paste. The best choice is special sprays or liquid oils with anti-corrosion properties.
Specialists of service centers recommend using the following types of compositions:
- 🛠️ Silicone Spray Lubricant: Perfect for plastic elements and rubber seals, non-aggressive to materials, creates water-repellent film.
- 🛠️ Teflon lubricant (PTFE): It has excellent penetrating ability, creates a slippery layer to which dirt does not stick, works perfectly in metal-metal friction nodes.
- 🛠️ Graphite lubricant: A classic solution for rubbing surfaces, resistant to high pressures, but can stain clothes when applied carelessly.
It's important to avoid using conventional motor oil or WD-40 in its pure form. The classic WD-40 is more of a rust solvent and moisture dislodger than a lubricant. It evaporates quickly, leaving surfaces dry, which in a week will lead to even stronger creaking. If you use the WD-40 Specialist line, choose the ones with Teflon or silicone content.
Tools and workplace preparation required
You don't need a sophisticated professional tool to perform the procedure, you can do it at home, you can prepare a clean and well-lit place, and you should do it outside or in a well-ventilated garage, because the spray cans have a pungent smell and create a light suspension in the air.
You will need the following tools and supplies:
- 🧹 A set of clean microfibre wipes (without pile).
- 🧹 Degreasing agent (isopropyl alcohol or special contact cleaner).
- 🧹 Toothbrush with soft bristles or a small brush to clean hard-to-reach places.
- 🧹 Gloves (nitrile or latex) to protect hands from chemistry.
Before you start, be sure to turn off the scooter. By pressing the power button, make sure the lights are out. Although we don't directly touch the high-voltage parts of the battery, accidentally shorting a metal tool in the area of the control board (located near the rod) can cause the controller to fail. Put the scooter on its side or flip it up with the wheels, locking it so that it doesn't swing.
☑️ Preparation for lubrication
Step-by-step instructions for lubricating the node
The maintenance process of the folding mechanism requires consistency. First, remove the old dirt and the residue of waste materials. Take a rag moistened with a degreaser and thoroughly wipe all available folding surfaces, hook, feedback loop and the rod itself. Use a toothbrush to clean the dirt from the corners and threaded joints.
After the surfaces are cleaned and dried, you can start applying a new composition:
- Shake the grease can for 1-2 minutes for even mixing of the components.
- Put the compound on the rubbing surfaces in a thin layer. Don't pour the knot abundantly, excess lubrication will only harm.
- Pay special attention to the inner surface of the hook and the area where it goes when fixing.
- Fold and decompose the mechanism several times so that the lubricant is evenly distributed throughout the volume of friction.
- Remove the excess lubrication with a dry clean wipe. Only thin greasy film should remain on the surface, not droplets.
If your scooter is equipped with ABS (regenerative braking), make sure that the lubricant does not fall on the mechanical brake cable (if you have one in your modification) or on the wheel rim. Getting Teflon spray on brake pads can significantly reduce the effectiveness of braking, which is life-threatening.
⚠️ Warning: Never direct the jet directly to electronic components, speaker or power button. Gas pressure can drive the liquid inside the housing, causing a short circuit.
Maintenance of additional friction nodes
While the main issue is the folding track, other friction-prone components are also worth looking at for a comfortable ride on Xiaomi, especially wheel bearings and forks. If the scooter is rolling or crunching, the bearings also require attention, although their lubrication requires more complex disassembly.
It is also worth checking the condition of the shock absorber (if the model is equipped with rear cushioning, for example, M365 Pro). The oval of the shock absorber rod can be slightly wiped with silicone grease to prevent rubber from drying out, but it is absolutely impossible to pour oil inside, this will lead to loss of properties of the shock absorber and its flow.
For clarity, compare the characteristics of various lubricants in the context of servicing an electric scooter:
| Type of lubricant | Water protection | Dust collection | Durability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Tall. | Low. | Medium | Rubber, plastic |
| Teflon (PTFE) | Medium | Minimum | Tall. | Metal, chains. |
| Lithium (thick) | Tall. | Very tall. | Long-term | Not recommended |
| Graphite | Medium | Medium. | Tall. | Heavy knots |
The regularity of maintenance depends on the operating conditions. If you are riding exclusively on dry asphalt in the summer, it is enough to perform the procedure once a season. For those who use a scooter all year round or in wet weather, the interval should be reduced to once a month.
The secret to a quiet ride
Frequent errors and security measures
Beginners often make mistakes that can nullify all efforts or even damage the device. The most common mistake is using a graphite lubricant in the form of a powder or a spray with large particles next to open charging contacts. Graphite is a conductor of electricity and can cause a circuit in the charging port Xiaomi.
Another mistake is overzealousness: when the lubrication is too much, it starts to leak out when the knot is heated (for example, after an active ride or in the sun) and drip on the asphalt or soil the owner's clothes. In addition, excess lubrication attracts insects and small debris, which clogs the mechanism.
Follow the following safety rules:
- 🛑 Only work when the device is switched off.
- 🛑 Do not use gasoline or aggressive solvents to clean plastic, they can melt it.
- 🛑 After lubrication, let the device stand. 10-15 minutes before the first trip, so that the solvent from the spray evaporates.
⚠️ Warning: If the mechanism is too light after lubrication and no longer fixes in the closed position, you may have used too slippery or excessive composition. Remove the excess and check the spring tension.
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The main principle of maintenance is cleanness before lubrication, and applying the lubricant to a dirty surface turns it into an abrasive paste that accelerates the wear of parts.
Weather impact on services
Climate conditions play a crucial role in choosing a maintenance strategy. In winter, at negative temperatures, many lubricants thicken and lose their properties. For winter operation, Xiaomi is best suited synthetic lubricants based on PTFE, which retain fluidity up to -40 degrees Celsius.
In summer, especially in the heat, it is important to use heat-resistant compounds that do not drain when the frame is heated in the sun.The temperature of black aluminum in the sun can reach 50-60 degrees, which is a critical threshold for some cheap aerosols.
If your scooter is often caught in the rain, after each trip, it is advisable to wipe the folding assembly dry and apply a light layer of water-repellent spray once a week, which will prevent corrosion on the steel hook elements, which in the M365 and Pro models do not have full paint inside the mechanism.
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After washing the scooter at a high-pressure wash, be sure to blow the compressed air folding mechanism and lubricate it again. A powerful stream of water washes out all the factory and applied lubricant.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Regular maintenance of the folding mechanism is an easy way to extend the life of your Xiaomi electric scooter and ensure safety of the ride. Correctly selected lubricant and compliance with cleaning technology make it possible to forget about creaks and backlashes. Remember, timely maintenance is cheaper than replacing the entire folding unit or repairing the frame.
Do not neglect visual inspection before each trip. If you notice rust or a change in the movement, do not delay the service. Your transport should be a reliable partner in the urban jungle, not a source of problems.