Whether you need to replace a punctured tire, upgrade to solid wheels, or perform routine maintenance, doing it correctly is crucial to avoid damaging the motor or suspension. In this article, we will discuss the process Step-by-step, taking into account the features of popular models: M365, Pro 2, 1S and Essential. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the wheel is “stick” to the axle.
Many owners are afraid to disassemble the scooter themselves for fear of damaging electronics or disrupting the balance, but with the right approach, the procedure takes no more than 30-40 minutes, even for a beginner, the main thing is to take your time and follow a clear algorithm, and we will also reveal several professional life hacks that are used in service centers, but rarely mentioned in standard instructions.
In the article you will find:
- 🔧 Complete list of tools with alternatives for home conditions
- 📸 Step-by-step photos of key stages (with a description of nuances for different models)
- ⚠️ Critical errors that lead to bearing failure or wire breakage
- 🔄 Comparative table of the complexity of dismantling for M365, Pro 2 and 1S
- 💡 Tips for maintenance after removing wheels (lubrication, backlash check)
1.Preparation: tools and safety
Before you start dismantling, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can turn a simple procedure into anguish.
- 🔨 Hexagonal key 5 mm (required! for wheel mount bolts)
- 🔧 End key or head for 14-15 mm (for axis nut)
- 🛠️ Flat screwdriver (for slashing the engine cover or lock rings)
- 🧲 Magnet (so as not to lose small details: washers, stopper)
- 🧴 WD-40 Or similar spray (if the wheel is stuck»)
- 🧤 Gloves (protection against dirt and sharp edges of metal)
Xiaomi Pro 2 and 1S models may additionally require a dynamometer key (for precise tightening of the axle nut with a moment of 40-50 Nm). If it is not, use a standard end key, but do not drag the nut - this leads to bearing deformation and vibrations when driving.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to remove the wheel without first turning off the power. Even if the scooter is off, the capacitors in the controller can retain charge).
Removal of the front wheel: step-by-step instructions
The front wheel on Xiaomi scooters is easier to remove than the rear, as it is not connected to the engine. However, there are nuances here, especially if you plan to replace the tire or bearings.
Step 1: Free access to the mounts. Turn the scooter upside down (better put on a soft surface so as not to scratch the handle). If you have a wing on the wheel, unscrew it by unscrewing 2-3 bolts with a hexagon.
Step 2. Unscrew the axis nut. Use the 14-15mm end key (depending on the model). On the M365 and Essential, the nut can be "grabbed" -- if it doesn't respond, apply the WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes. Turn counterclockwise.
Power is disconnected (battery disconnected)
Scooter overturned and fixed
Wing (if any) removed
Axis nut treated WD-40 (if necessary)-->
Step 3. Remove the wheel from the axle. After unscrewing the nut, gently pull the wheel over you. If it doesn't come off, knock a little bit on the axis with a plastic hammer (not a metal hammer!). Some scooters have a locking puck under the nut -- don't lose it!
⚠️ Attention: If the wheel is not easily removed, do not apply excessive force. The bearings may have been jammed due to corrosion. WD-40 Try again in 15 minutes, and forced withdrawal could damage the seats.
Rear wheel removal: engine operation
The rear wheel on Xiaomi is complicated by the electric motor, so it requires a lot of precision, and the main challenge is to unplug the wires properly without damaging the connectors.
Step 1. Open the engine cover. On the M365 and Pro 2, it is attached to 4 bolts (a 5 mm hexagon). On the 1S and Essential, the cover can be on the latches - tuck it in with a flat screwdriver. Be careful: there are 3 wires (phase) and a thermal sensor inside.
Step 2. Disconnect the connectors. Gently unplug the connectors by pulling the plastic locks (not the wires!). If the connectors are "stiffened," don't pull them, drop a little alcohol solution (not WD-40!) and wait.
What happens if you damage the motor wires?
Step 3: Unscrew the axle nut and remove the wheel. The process is similar to the front wheel, but it's important to not lose the gasket between the motor and the frame. The Pro 2 and 1S also have a brake drum installed - it needs to be carefully removed along with the wheel.
| Model scooter | Difficulty removing the rear wheel (1-5) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 | 3 | Motor cover on bolts, wires are short - it is difficult to maneuver |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | 4 | Additional brake drum, high probability of "fixing" axis |
| Xiaomi 1S | 4 | Cover on latches, fragile thermal sensor connectors |
| Xiaomi Essential | 2 | Simplified design, but weak bearings (often require replacement) |
4. Typical problems and how to avoid them
Even with a careful dismantling, Xiaomi scooters face typical difficulties, with the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔧 «The "stiff" axis nut - treat it WD-40 Use a key extension cord (lever) beforehand, and don't hit the key with a hammer, you're at risk of ripping the thread.
- 🔌 The engine connectors are jammed, don't pull the wires! Use a plastic blade to gently disconnect.
- 🌀 Damaged bearings – if the wheel is spinning with difficulty, replace the bearings with a pair (even if one looks serviceable).
- 🛑 Mistake. E014 after assembly - check the correct connection of the phase wires (confused phases lead to engine error).
⚠️ Warning: If the scooter twitches at start or makes a grind, stop using immediately, this is a sign of misalignment of bearings or axle skewing. Take the wheel apart again and check for alignment.
💡
Apply a thin layer of lithium lubricant (e.g. LIQUI MOLY LM 47) to the axle before assembly, which will prevent corrosion and facilitate the next dismantling.
5. Replacement of the tire vs. installation of "Velcro": which to choose?
Removing the wheel, you may face a dilemma: restore a regular tire or install a tubeless "Velcro" (for example, from Hiboy or Gotway), each option has pros and cons:
| Parameter | The tire's on duty. | The cameraless Velcro. |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of repair | 1 500–3 000 ₽ (camera-replacement + tires) | 3 000–5 000 ₽ (kit + installation) |
| Puncture resistance | Low (frequent punctures on gravel) | High (gel filler) |
| Comfort of driving | Soft suspension, good grip. | Hard, worse depreciation. |
| Complexity of installation | Medium (needs a tool for installation) | High (experience required) |
If you're driving on asphalt and want maximum comfort, re-establish your regular tire. For gravel, crushed stone or winter driving, you'd better choose Velcro, which will last longer, despite the higher cost.
Important: When installing a tubeless tire, be sure to use a rim band (protects the camera from friction on the spoke). Without it, the risk of puncture increases 3-4 times.
6.Assembly and check: how not to make mistakes
Installing the wheel is a reverse-removal process, but there are critical points here that are often missed:
- 🔩 Axle nut tightening. On the front wheel, the tightening moment is 30-35 Nm, on the rear (with the motor) - 40-50 Nm. Without the dynamometer key, focus on "arm strength" - the nut should be tightened tightly, but without fanaticism.
- 🔌 Connect the motor connectors. Check that the phase wires (usually black, green, blue) are connected in the correct order. E014.
- 🌀 Backlash check. After assembly, swing the wheel in different directions. A backlash of more than 1-2 mm indicates improper bearing installation or axis wear.
- 📱 Test run, scooter on and check the smoothness at minimum speed, and extraneous sounds (squeaking, knocking) signal to re-disassemble.
⚠️ Warning: If the scooter doesn't go backwards or "dumbs" when overclocking after assembly, you've probably confused the polarity of the motor connectors. Turn off the power and check the connection circuitry (it's usually applied to the engine cover).
💡
The most common assembly error is a pulled axle nut, which causes bearing deformation and vibrations above 20 km/h. If the wheel rotates with force after assembly, loosen the nut by 1/4 revolution.
7. Wheel-removal maintenance: what to check?
Removing the wheels is a great reason to do a full scooter maintenance.
- 🔄 Bearings. If they make noise or they have a backlash, replace them. 6004-2RS (front wheel) and 6902-2RS (posterior).
- 🔋 Motor wires. Check the integrity of the insulation. If the wires are rubbed, insulate them with shrink tube.
- 🛡️ Brake system, on the Pro 2 and 1S If the brake pads are less than 1.5 mm thick, replace them.
- 🧴 Lubrication. Apply silicone lubrication to the axle and bearings (don't use litol - it collects dirt).
Also note the condition of the frame in the mounting areas of the wheels. Cracks or corrosion are an excuse to contact the service. Xiaomi scooters with an aluminum frame (M365, Essential) are especially prone to fatigue damage after 2-3 years of use.