How to remove the wheels from the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: disassembly without damage

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have become an integral part of the smart home, but even the most reliable appliances have to be maintained. One of the most common procedures is removing the wheels — whether to clean them from wound hair, replace worn rubber tires or repair the drive. However, many users are afraid of damaging fragile mechanisms, especially if it is a model with laser navigation or a complex system of sensors.

In this article, we will learn how to carefully dismantle the wheels on popular Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum, Roborock S5/S6/S7 and others without breaking the warranty and without breaking the mounts. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid typical errors (for example, damage to the flexible loop of the rev sensor), and what to do if the wheel is jammed. And for those who plan a full disassembly, we have prepared a table of compatibility of spare parts and tips for their choice.

What tools are needed to remove wheels

Before you start disassembling, prepare everything you need. Most Xiaomi models have similar wheel designs, but some details (such as the type of axle mount) may differ.

• 🔧 Cross screwdriver (usually size PH0 or PH1 - check the slits on the case).
• 🔨 Plastic mediator or blade for gently grazing latches (metal tools can leave scratches!).
• 🧲 Magnetic substrate or bowl – to avoid losing small screws and washers.
• 🧴 Silicone lubricant or WD-40 (if the wheel is jammed or the axle is rusty).
• 📸 Smartphone for photography – fix the location of parts before disassembling!

For models with quick-removal wheels (for example, Roborock S7 MaxV) may be enough and one mediator, but if your vacuum is from early generations (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1S), you will need a full set.

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

The process of dismantling the wheels on most Xiaomi models is similar, but there are nuances. We will look at the universal algorithm, and then specify the features for specific series. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to damage the Hall sensor (revving control) or the motor gearbox.

Turn off the vacuum cleaner and remove the battery (if possible)

Turn the robot upside down on a soft surface

Clean the wheels and axle of dirt with a dry brush

Prepare tools and containers for small parts-->

Step 1: Dismount side cover

Most models have the wheel attached to a side panel that is held on 2-4 screws and latches. Carefully unscrew the screws (usually under a rubber bumper or sticker). Then take a plastic mediator and, starting at the bottom corner, put the lid on. Carefully - the latches are fragile!

Step 2: Disconnect the wheel from the axle

Once the lid is removed, you'll see the wheel mechanism, and depending on the model, it can be attached to:

• 🔄 On the threaded axis (you need to unscrew the nut or screw on the back side).
• 🔗 On a quick-removal lock (pull the wheel on yourself while holding the axle).
• 🔧 On a slate joint (it is necessary to compress the locks on both sides).

If the wheel doesn't lend itself, don't put too much effort -- maybe the axis is rusty. In this case, apply a little WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Removal of the speed sensor (if necessary)

In some models (like the Roborock S6), the Hall sensor is integrated into the wheel. If you remove it for replacement, disconnect the plume connector from the board. Don't pull the wires! - grab a plastic connector and carefully defile it.

💡

If the wheel is removed for cleaning, take a picture of the gears of the gearbox beforehand. If assembled incorrectly, the vacuum cleaner will "walk" in a straight line or circle in place.

Features of wheel removal on popular Xiaomi models

Xiaomi’s wheel design has evolved with the release of new models, and here are some key differences that will help avoid disassembly errors.

For example, in the Roborock S7, the wheels are removed in literally 10 seconds — just pull them up with a force of ~5 kg. But in the Mi Robot Vacuum 1S you will have to tinker with screws that often “stick” to the plastic. If you are not sure about the model of your vacuum cleaner, look at the sticker on the bottom — there is a precise article (for example, STYJ02YM for Roborock S6).

Cleaning and maintenance of wheels: what to do after removal

Removing the wheels is only half the job, and now you have to properly service them so that the vacuum cleaner works like new.

• 🧹 Remove the coiled hair and threads from the axle and gears. Use tweezers or a toothpick.
• 💧 Wash rubber tires with warm water and soap (do not use aggressive detergents!).
• 🛠️ Grease the axle and gears with silicone lubricant (not lithole or solidol - they collect dust!).
• 🔍 Check the rubber condition. If the treads are more than 50 percent gone, it's time to change the wheel.

Pay special attention to the gearbox, which is a gear mechanism that transfers torque from the motor to the wheel. If there is dirt, the gears can slip, and the vacuum cleaner will move in jerks. Use alcohol wipes or compressed air to clean the gearbox.

⚠️ Warning: Never lubricate rubber parts of the wheel (such as treads) - this will cause slippage on smooth surfaces.

If you notice that the wheel is spinning unevenly or the vacuum cleaner is "driving" away, the problem may be in the speed sensor. Check its contacts on the board - they must be clean and not oxidized. In extreme cases, the sensor can be replaced (cost ~300-500 rubles for most models).

Replacement of wheels on a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: the choice of spare parts

If the wheels are worn or damaged, they will have to be replaced. The main thing is to choose compatible parts. Original wheels from Xiaomi are expensive (from 1,500 rubles per pair), but there are quality analogues from third-party manufacturers (for example, Baseus or Remax).

• 🔄 Type of fastening (threaded, quick-removal, silk).
• 📏 Wheel diameter and width (e.g., 65×35 mm for Roborock S5).
• 🔧 Hall sensor (if it is built into the wheel)
• 🎨 Color and material of rubber (yellow rubber is softer than black, but wears out faster).

In the table below - proven options for spare parts for popular models:

Before buying, check the reviews on the marketplace (for example, AliExpress or Wildberries) - some cheap counterparts have a backlash in the bearings, which leads to the vibration of the vacuum cleaner. Also pay attention to the package: the set should not only have wheels, but also fasteners / nuts (they are often lost during disassembly).

⚠️ Warning: If you are replacing the wheels on a laser-navigated model (e.g., Roborock S6 MaxV), after installing new parts, you may need to calibrate the sensors. In the Mi Home app, select "Settings → Wheel Calibration" and follow the instructions.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing wheels that lead to breakages, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔩 Disruption of screw screw screws, cause: use of an inappropriate screwdriver or excessive force. Solution: Take a magnetic screwdriver and press strictly along the axis of the screw.
• 🧲 Loss of small parts (pucks, springs). Solution: Work on a table with high sides or use a magnetic mat.
• 🔌 Sensor plume damage, cause: a sharp jig of the wheel. Solution: Only disconnect the connectors after the wheel is completely removed.
• 🔄 Radical gear assembly wrong. Cause: gears are not tagged. Solution: Take a picture of the starting position before disassembling.

Another common problem is tug-of-twisting when you build, which causes the plastic case to deform and the wheel to jam, tighten the pull-on fastener, without fatal effort, and if you feel the screw is tight, you better twist it later.

If after assembly the vacuum cleaner does not go straight or spins on the spot, check:

1. Symmetry of wheels installation (they should be on the same level).
2. The integrity of rubber gaskets on the axle (if they broke, the wheel will backflip).
3. Connecting the rev sensors (the Mi Home application may display the Wheel Sensor Error error).

💡

If after replacing the wheels, the vacuum cleaner behaves inadequately (for example, goes in a circle), reset the settings in the Mi Home application: "Settings → Reset to factory → Reset wheels".

When to contact the service: signs of serious breakdowns

Not all wheel problems can be solved by yourself, but if you notice the following symptoms, you should contact the service center:

• 🔥 The smell of the wheeled motor's burning is a sign of short circuit or wear of the brushes.
• 🔊 Screaming or knocking when the wheel is rotating – the gearbox or bearings may break.
• 🛑 The wheel does not rotate at all, the engine hums - the engine driver on the board burned.
• 📉 The vacuum cleaner is "glutching" -- it's going jerky, it's not listening to the commands -- the problem is with the main board.

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services starts from 1,500 rubles (replacement of the wheeled motor) and reaches 5 000 rubles (repair of the control board). However, if your vacuum cleaner is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. In case of doubt, ask for free diagnostics (many services provide it when recording through the site).

For residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, we have prepared a list of proven service centers:

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions