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

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

Xiaomi vacuum cleaners are reliable cleaning assistants, but even they require periodic maintenance. Wheels (or, as they are also called, drive rollers) are one of the most loaded parts of the device. Over time, they get clogged with hair, threads, dust or begin to slip on smooth surfaces, in some cases, the wheel may stop spinning altogether due to foreign objects entering the mechanism.

Removal of wheels is required in several situations:

• 🧹 Cleaning – removal of wound hair, animal hair or dirt that interfere with normal rotation.
• ⚙️ Replacement – if the wheel cracks, deforms, or wears out (for example, a tread is worn out).
• 🔧 Repair – check gears, bearings or drive motor if a breakdown is suspected.
• 🛠️ Prevention – lubricating axles or replacing rubber linings to improve adhesion.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to remove wheels from the popular models Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum, Viomi V2/V3, Dreame D9 And others without damaging the plastic latches or mounts, and you'll also learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if the wheel is stuck to the axis.

What tools will you need?

You don't need professional tools to dismantle the wheels, you can find enough tools in every home, but some models, like the Dreame, are not. D9) They may require a more accurate approach.

Here is a complete list of what might be useful:

• ✔️ A flat screwdriver (preferably with a thin sting) - for licking the latches.
• ✔️ Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1) — to the stainless stains, if any).
• ✔️ Plastic mediator or spatula - so as not to damage the body during disassembly.
• ✔️ Tweezers – to extract small details or hair from the mechanism.
• ✔️ Lubricant (e.g. silicone or WD-40) — if the wheel is stiff.
• ✔️ Cloth or wipes - to clean the parts from dirt.
• ✔️ Hair dryer (optional) – if you need to warm up the plastic to facilitate dismantling.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (knives, scissors) to tuck in plastic latches - this can lead to cracks on the body or chips!

If you plan to completely disassemble (for example, to replace the wheel motor), additionally prepare:

• 🔧 Torx screwdriver set (usually) T5 or T6).
• 🔧 Multimeter – to check the integrity of the wiring.
• 🔧 soldering iron – if you need to disconnect contacts (in rare cases).

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Before starting work, take a picture of the location of all the parts and wires - this will help to properly assemble the robot back.

Step-by-step: how to remove the wheel from Xiaomi Mi Robot

Let’s look at the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum. 1/2 It's one of the most common models, and other devices, like the Viomi or the Dreame, have the same principle, but they may have different attachments.

Step 1: Preparing the robot

• 🔌 Turn off the vacuum cleaner and remove the battery (if possible) or at least disconnect the contacts to avoid short circuiting.
• 🧹 Turn the robot upside down on a soft surface (such as a towel) so as not to scratch the body.
• 📸 Take a picture of the wheel and the surrounding parts.

Step 2: Dismount the protective cover

Most models have a plastic lid that's attached to the latches, and you can gently put a plastic scapula on one side, and then gradually slash it around the perimeter. Don't use excessive force, because the plastic can crack!

Is the robot vacuum cleaner off?|Is the battery disconnected?|Is there a screwdriver and plastic spatula at hand?|Is the initial state photographed?-->

Step 3: Removal of the wheel axis

When you take the lid off, you'll see a metal or plastic axis that holds the wheel, and depending on the model, it can be fixed.

• 🔩 Screw (must be unscrewed with a cross screwdriver).
• 🔗 Latch (push the screwdriver and pull up).
• 🔄 With a threaded connection (scroll counterclockwise).

On the Xiaomi Mi Robot, the axis is usually fixed with a plastic latch. Carefully press on the side and pull the wheel over you. If it doesn't, you can sway slightly from side to side.

⚠️ Warning: If the axle is stuck to the wheel, don't try to pull it out by force! WD-40 or silicone lubricant, wait 5-10 minutes and try again.

Step 4: Remove the wheel from the axle

Once the axle is removed, the wheel should be easily removed, but sometimes it sits tight because of the accumulated dirt.

• Try to spin the wheel in different directions, at the same time pulling on yourself.
• If it does not help, gently tuck it on the inside with a flat screwdriver.
• In extreme cases, use a hair dryer – heat the plastic wheel for 1-2 minutes (do not overheat!) so that it expands.

Step 5: Cleaning and inspection

After the wheel is removed:

• 🧼 Remove all dirt, hair and debris from the axle and inside of the wheel.
• 🔍 Check the condition of the bearings (they should rotate smoothly, without backlash).
• 🛠️ Lubricate the axis with silicone lubrication if necessary (do not use oil-based oils!).

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If the wheel is removed for replacement, be sure to check the compatibility of the new part with your model of robot vacuum cleaner!

Features of wheel removal on different Xiaomi models

While the principle of wheel dismantling is similar for most Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners, there are nuances that depend on the model, and the table below shows the key differences:

For example, Dreame. D9 The wheel axis is reverse-carved, so you have to unscrew it clockwise (unlike most other models that use standard threads). If you try to spin the other way, you can rip the thread or break the plastic.

Viomi. V3 There is a small Torx screw under the wheel cover. T5, We recommend that you unscrew it over the table or use a magnetic screwdriver.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple process of removing wheels, many users make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.

1. Use of excessive force

Often the wheel doesn't go because of dirt or corrosion, and users start pulling it with effort, which can lead to:

• 🔧 Axle thread failure.
• 💥 Cracks on the plastic wheel case.
• ⚡ Damage to the wiring inside the robot.

How to avoid: Use WD-40 or silicone lubricant, let it soak for 5-10 minutes, and then gently sway the wheel from side to side.

2 Loss of small details

It's easy to lose when disassembling:

• 🔩 Fixing screws.
• 🧲 Magnetic plugs.
• ⚙️ Bearings or washers.

How to avoid: Work on a table with high sides or use a magnetic tool mat. Put all the parts you take in a separate box.

3. Wrong assembly

After cleaning or replacing the wheel, many people forget:

• 🔌 Connect the motor contacts (if they are disconnected).
• 🔄 Correctly orient the wheel (some models have labels "left" / "right»).
• 🔧 Tighten the screws with the right effort (too weak – the wheel will dangle, too strong – you will tear the thread).

⚠️ Attention: If the robot vacuum cleaner starts walking in a straight line or twisting in one direction after assembly, it is likely that the wheel is installed asymmetrically or the chassis sensor is damaged!

4. Ignoring engine inspection

If the wheel is tight or not spinning at all, the problem may not be with the wheel itself, but with the drive motor, and many users change the wheel without checking the motor, and they face the same problem.

How to check:

• 🔌 Disconnect the wheel from the axle and try to turn the axle manually. If it's not rotating, the engine is a problem.
• 📊 Connect the robot to the Mi Home app and check for errors (code 10 or 11 often indicates a malfunction of the chassis).

Cleaning and maintenance of wheels: tips for care

To make the wheels of the robot vacuum cleaner last longer, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:

1. Regular cleaning

The optimal frequency is once every 1-2 weeks (or after every 5-10 cleaning).

• 🧹 Remove hair and threads from the axle and tread of the wheel (tweezers or toothpicks can be used).
• 🧼 Wipe the wheel with a wet wipe soaked in soapy solution.
• 🌬️ Dry parts before assembly (moisture can cause axis corrosion).

Lubrication of moving parts

If the wheel starts to creak or spin tightly, use:

• 🛢️ Silicone lubricant (does not attract dust).
• 🚫 Avoid Lithol, Solidol or petroleum-based oils – they collect dirt and spoil plastic.

3. Replacement of rubber linings

The tread of the wheel wears off over time, and the robot begins to slip on smooth surfaces (tiles, laminate).

• 🔄 Buy a remake of linings (sold for most Xiaomi models).
• 📏 Check compatibility by size (diameter and width of wheel).

4. Wheel pressure check

If the robot walks in a straight line or doesn't get through the thresholds well, it may have broken the wheel pressure. D9) it can be adjusted:

• 🔧 Relax the axle attachment screw.
• 📏 Adjust the position of the wheel so that it does not touch the body.
• 🔩 Tighten the screw back.

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If a robot vacuum cleaner often gets stuck on carpets, try to reduce the pressure of the wheels - this will improve patency.

When should I contact the service?

Not all wheel failures can be repaired by yourself.

• 🔧 Broken axis of the wheel or its thread.
• ⚡ The robot does not turn on after disassembly (maybe the control board is damaged).
• 🔄 The wheel rotates in jerks or with extraneous sounds (motor replacement may be required).
• 📡 Mi Home App App Appendix: Error 10 ("Chasing Fault") that doesn't disappear after cleaning.
• 💥 The wheel itself or its plastic body cracked.

The cost of repair in official Xiaomi services:

• 🔧 Replacement of wheels - from 800 to 1500 rubles.
• 🔄 Replacement of the motor chassis - from 1500 to 3000 rubles.
• 🛠️ Diagnosis – usually free (if repairs are performed in the same center).

If your robot vacuum cleaner is still warranty-worthy, don't disassemble it yourself, which can cause a denial of free repairs, and the warranty card is valid provided that the case hasn't been opened.

⚠️ Note: Some services may refuse to repair the robot if it is not original parts (for example, wheels from AliExpress!

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