How to remove the wheels from the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: instructions with photos and videos

Why would you need to remove the wheels from the robot vacuum cleaner?

Xiaomi robot vacuum wheels are one of the most heavily loaded components of the design, and over time they become contaminated, wear out, or slip, causing navigation errors, a drop in suction power, or a complete shutdown of the device.

First, for cleaning and lubrication, hair, thread and dust accumulate in the mechanism, blocking rotation; second, to replace worn parts: rubber linings are washed and plastic gears break; third, the removal of wheels is necessary in the deep diagnosis of engines or chassis sensors; finally, some users modify the wheels to improve the patency on carpets or laminate.

It's important to understand that the wheel design of Xiaomi Mi Robot, Dreame and Viomi models is similar, but there are nuances. For example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro uses a quick-clamping mechanism, and Dreame D9 uses screw mounts. Incorrect dismantling can lead to breakage of mounts or breakage of sensor wires.

Preparation for dismantling: tools and security measures

Before you start removing the wheels, prepare the workspace and tools.

• ✅ Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1)
• ✅ Plastic mediator or spatula for disassembly
• ✅ Tweezers (to extract small details)
• ✅ Wraps and alcohol for cleaning
• ✅ Lubricant (silicon or Teflon)

Also, be sure to disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and remove the battery if possible. It is dangerous to work with the device under voltage - even when turned off, some models retain charge in the capacitors. If the battery is not removable (as in the Dreame D9), just turn off the vacuum cleaner with a button and wait 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to crack plastic clamps, this can cause the case to chip. If the mount fails, check if all screws are twisted.

We recommend taking photos of the disassembly process at each stage, which will help to properly collect the vacuum cleaner back, especially if you are first doing its repair, and prepare containers for small parts (screws, washers) so that you do not lose them.

Step-by-step: how to remove the wheel from the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

The process of dismantling the wheels is slightly different depending on the model, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Remove the side cover. Most models have it mounted on the latches. Carefully apply it to the plastic mediator starting at the back of the vacuum cleaner. In the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, the cover is fixed with an additional screw under the rubber plug.
2. Unscrew the wheel mount screws, usually 2-3 pieces. In some models (for example, the Viomi V3), the screws are hidden under decorative stickers.
3. Disconnect the spin sensor connector, which is located next to the wheel axis, pull the plastic tongue, not the wires!
4. Take the wheel off the axle. Pull it on you, wiggling it a little. If the wheel is not removed, check if there is an undetected screw.

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is off and offline |

Remove the side cover without damaging the latches |

Untwisted all wheel mount screws |

Disconnect the sensor connector (if any)|

Prepare a container for small parts-->

On some models (for example, the Dreame D10 Plus), the wheel is mounted on a quick-clamp mechanism, in which case you just press the lock on the inside and pull the wheel on yourself. If the wheel is "stuck" due to dirt, you can gently squeez the WD-40 on the axle, but do not overdo it - the liquid should not get on the electronic components.

Cleaning and lubricating the wheel mechanism: what you need to know

Once the wheel is removed, you're likely to find a buildup of dirt, hair and dust in the mechanism, and you'll need to clean it up in several steps.

1. Remove the big garbage. With a pince or a toothpick, remove the hair and threads wrapped around the axis. Don't pull them sharply, so you can damage the plastic gears.
2. Wash the parts. Use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) and alcohol. Don't wash the wheel under running water, it can deform the rubber elements.
3. Dry the mechanism. Let the parts dry naturally or use a dryer in cold mode.
4. Apply the lubricant. You can use a silicone or Teflon lubricant (like Liquid Moly Silicon-Spray) and apply it in a thin layer on the axle and gears.

Pay special attention to rubber pads, which are often worn unevenly. If the tread is more than 50% erased, the wheel should be replaced. Also check the plastic gears for chips. If the teeth are damaged, the wheel will bounce when moving, which will lead to navigational errors.

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If the wheel is still creaking after cleaning, check the bearing. In some models (for example, the Dreame D10), it is removable and must be replaced.

Don't use WD-40 or machine oil for lubrication, they attract dust and thicken over time, and avoid lithium lubricants: they are aggressive to plastic and can eat gears.

Common mistakes when removing wheels and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔧 Too much effort when you remove the wheel. If the wheel is not removed, don't pull it "spanning" - you can break the plastic mounts or axle. Check if all the screws are twisted, and try to gently sway the wheel from side to side.
• 🔌 Damage to the sensor connector, and many users pull wires instead of plastic tongue, which causes the contacts to break or short.
• 🧲 Loss of small parts. Screws, washers or springs are easily lost. Use a magnetic mat or containers with lids.
• 💧 When cleaning the wheel, don't let the liquid drain onto the board or sensors. It's better to take the wheel off over the table than over the bathroom.

Another common mistake is the wrong assembly, for example, if you mix the left and right wheels (they are often asymmetrical), the vacuum cleaner will "take" away, and some users forget to plug the sensor connector back in, causing the vacuum cleaner to emit a Wheel Error error.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner moves in jerks or makes unusual sounds after assembly, turn it off immediately, which may indicate that the wheel is not installed correctly or that foreign objects have entered the mechanism.

When should the wheel be replaced and when is cleaning enough?

It is not always necessary to buy a new wheel - sometimes thorough cleaning and lubrication is enough.

• 🔄 The rubber is worn to the base, and if the tread is more than 70 percent missing, the wheel will slip even on smooth surfaces.
• 🔊 Constant squeaking or knocking, which may indicate wear on the bearing or cracks in plastic parts.
• 📉 The vacuum cleaner doesn't pull up. The worn-out wheels don't provide enough traction, and the robot can't get through the rapids.
• ⚡ Wheel Error error after cleaning: If the rotation sensor is faulty or the wheel is spinning unevenly, replacement is required.

The cost of a new wheel for robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model. For example, the original wheel for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro will cost ~ 1,500 rubles, and for Dreame D9 - ~ 2000 rubles. You can find cheaper analogues, but their quality is often worse: rubber is washed faster and plastic breaks.

If you decide to replace the wheel, buy a part of the same item as the original. For example, for the Viomi V3, a wheel with the number ZNMS15WM is suitable, and for the Dreame D10 Plus, a DM-D10-WHEEL. Check the compatibility with the seller or in the documentation for the vacuum cleaner.

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If the wheel is externally whole, but the vacuum cleaner is moving unevenly, the problem may be in the rotation sensor or motor, in which case a diagnosis with a multimeter is required.

How to extend the life of the robot vacuum cleaner wheels?

To keep the wheels running longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Lubricate the axle periodically. Just do this every 3-6 months, depending on the intensity of use.

Also avoid cleaning in areas with fine debris (sand, building dust), as it acts as an abrasive and accelerates rubber wear. If the vacuum cleaner is often used in the kitchen, install restrictive strips (virtual walls) in areas with crumbs or liquids.

If you notice that one wheel wears out faster than the other, check the vacuum cleaner balance. It's possible that the battery or garbage container is unevenly installed, which causes the load to be misallocated, and in some cases, reinstallation of the side brushes helps, so they can cling to the wheel as they spin.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the wheels of robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi