Removing the casts from the steering wheel of a Xiaomi scooter is a task that every owner sooner or later faces. Whether you want to replace worn overlays, install more ergonomic models or simply clean the steering wheel of dirt, the process requires accuracy and knowledge of nuances. Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to the steering wheel, cables inside or even loss of warranty (if the scooter is still in warranty service).
In this article, we will take a step-by-step guide to all popular Xiaomi models (M365, Pro 2, Essential, 1S, etc.), tell you what tools you will need, and warn you against typical errors, and learn how to avoid damage to the wiring inside the steering wheel, the most common problem when self-repairing.
What tools will be needed to remove the grips
Before you start, prepare everything you need, and if you don't have the right tools, you can make a simple procedure a pain.
- 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat sting (preferably thin, so as to tuck in the grips without damage).
- 💨 Hair dryer or hot air (will help soften the glue and make it easier to remove).
- 🧴 Alcohol or solvent (to remove glue residues from the steering wheel).
- 🧤 Gloves (will protect your hands from sticky glue and possible burrs on metal).
- 📦 Plastic mediator or credit card (alternative to screwdriver for neat tweaking).
If you are planning to install new grips, buy them in advance, taking into account the steering diameter of your model. For example, for Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 will fit the linings with a diameter of 22-24 mm, and for Essential – 20-22 mm. Check this setting before buying to avoid returns.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use a knife or sharp metal objects to smack the grips! The risk of scratching the steering wheel or cutting wires inside is extremely high.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the grips from the scooter Xiaomi
The dismantling process is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the type of attachment (glue or mechanical lock).
- Turn off the power. Turn off the scooter and wait for the display to be completely turned off (if any) to prevent short circuits from accidentally coming into contact with the wires.
- Heat the casts. Use a dryer at medium power, directing the flow of hot air for 30 to 60 seconds, which will soften the glue and make the material more elastic.
- Put the edge of the cast on the floor. Carefully insert a flat screwdriver or mediator between the cast and the steering wheel from the end. Try not to push too hard to deform the plastic.
- Pull the cast over yourself. Once the edge is gone, slowly pull the pad down the axis of the steering wheel, and if you feel resistance, warm up the problem area again.
- Remove the glue residue. Rub the steering wheel with alcohol or solvent to remove the sticky layer. Don't use acetone - it can damage plastic parts.
If the grips are fixed mechanically (like a bolt inside), first unscrew the lock and then remove the pad. Xiaomi Pro 2 and 1S models often have a combined fastening: glue + plastic stopper. In this case, first remove the stopper, and then warm up and remove the grips.
Check the model of the scooter and the type of fastening of the grips
Prepare tools (driver, hairdryer, alcohol)
Shut off power to the scooter
Wear gloves to protect your hands
Provide good lighting of the work area-->
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced scooters sometimes make mistakes when removing the casts, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using a knife instead of a screwdriver | Cuts on the steering wheel, wire damage | Use a plastic mediator or a dull screwdriver |
| Too much heat by a hair dryer | Melting plastic, deformation of gryps | Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 15-20 cm, no more than 1 minute |
| The sharp twitching of the grips | The rupture of the material, the remains of glue on the steering wheel | Shoot slowly by scrolling the grip along the axis |
| Ignoring wires inside the steering wheel | Cable break, failure of buttons or display | Before removing, study the wiring scheme for your model |
Pay special attention to the wires if your scooter is equipped with a display or control buttons on the steering wheel (as in Xiaomi Pro 2 or 1S). In these models, the cables run inside the steering wheel and can be damaged if you are not sure about the location of the wires, take a picture before dismantling or find a diagram for your model in the official manual.
Xiaomi M365
Xiaomi Pro 2
Xiaomi Essential
Xiaomi 1S
Another model-->
How to remove plaster from the scooter Xiaomi M365: features of the model
The Xiaomi M365 is one of the most popular models, and its casts are removed slightly differently from the newer versions. The main feature is that it often uses two-part glue, which eventually becomes very durable. If your scooter has been in use for more than a year, be prepared for the fact that the casts will be difficult to remove.
The algorithm for the M365:
- Warm up the dryer for 1-1.5 minutes (longer than for new models).
- Tap the edge from the end of the steering wheel, where there are no control buttons (usually on the right).
- If the grips do not lend themselves, use a special detachment (sold in bicycle shops) or a thin screwdriver wrapped in tape (so as not to scratch the steering wheel).
- After removal, clean the steering wheel with alcohol and check the integrity of the wires leading to the power button.
In the M365, the power buttons run under the cast, so it's easy to touch them when you take them down, and if the switch stopped working after the casting, the contact probably went away, and you'll need to take the steering wheel apart and check the connections.
What to do if the grips broke during removal?
Installation of new plasters: tips and recommendations
When the old plasters are removed, you can start installing new ones, here are some tips to help you do it right:
- 📏 Check the size. Make sure the new grips fit the diameter of the steering wheel. Too narrow will slide and too wide will tear when installed.
- 🧴 If the grips are not self-adhesive, apply a thin layer of glue (like Loctite 401 or Moment Super) to the inside.
- 🌀 Wear the grips evenly. Start at the end of the steering wheel, gradually scrolling the grips to avoid creases.
- ⏳ Don't use a scooter for 2-3 hours after installation so that the glue is fully grasped.
If you install anti-vibration plasters (such as those from Lizard Skins or ODI brands), consider that they are thicker than standard ones. This can affect ergonomics, especially if you have small hands.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use superglue or cyanoacrylate glue to fix grips! these compounds can damage the plastic steering wheel and make future dismantling almost impossible without damage.
How to clean the steering wheel of a scooter after removing the grips
After removing the casts, the steering wheel often has traces of glue, dirt and too fat deposits. To prepare the surface for the installation of new linings, follow the following steps:
- Remove the glue residues. Use alcohol, white spirits, or a special cleaner (such as WD-40). Apply the product on the rag and wipe the steering wheel.
- Clean the dirt. Take a wet microfiber wipe and remove dust, sweat and other contaminants. For hard-to-reach areas, use cotton swabs.
- Degrease the surface. Rub the steering wheel with alcohol or degreasing (e.g. 99% isopropyl alcohol) to ensure better grip on the new adhesive.
- If there is rust on the metal parts of the steering wheel, remove it with fine sandpaper (grindness 400-600) and cover it with anti-corrosion compound.
If the steering wheel has rubber inserts (as in some versions of the Xiaomi Pro 2), clean them separately so as not to damage. For rubber, do not use aggressive solvents - a soapy solution and a soft brush are enough.
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If the steering wheel remains sticky after cleaning, wipe it with a solution of vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water), this neutralizes the glue residue and eliminates the stickiness.
When to contact the service center
While it is a procedure that can be done on your own, in some cases it is better to trust professionals.
- 🔌 The wires inside the steering wheel are damaged (the scooter does not turn on, the buttons do not work).
- 🔧 The steering wheel is deformed after unsuccessful dismantling (cracks, dents).
- 📉 The scooter is warranty and you are afraid to lose it due to self-repair.
- ⚡ No experience with electronics, and power or control cables are in the steering wheel.
The cost of replacing plasters at a Xiaomi service center or bike master’s is usually 500-1500 rubles (depending on the model and region), which is inexpensive, but you will get a guarantee for the work done. If you decide to act on your own, but something went wrong (for example, the wires broke off), do not try to fix them yourself, this can lead to a short circuit.
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Self-repair is justified only if you are confident in your skills. In case of doubt or complex breakdowns (wire breaks, cracks on the steering wheel), it is better to consult specialists.