How to remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi electric scooter: disassembly without errors

Removing the front wheel on a Xiaomi electric scooter is a task that every owner faces sooner or later. Whether you plan to replace the tire, fix the puncture, update the bearings or conduct a deep cleaning of the mechanisms, properly dismantling the wheel will eliminate the risk of damage to the braking system, wiring or mounts. Unlike the rear wheel, where the main difficulty is associated with the drive, the front requires accuracy due to the integrated disc brake and possible nuances with the fork mounting.

In this article, we will analyze the process on the example of popular models – Xiaomi M365, Pro, Pro 2 and Essential, focusing on the unique features of each modification. For example, the Pro 2 uses a reinforced axle with an additional nut, and the base one. M365 You will often have trouble sticking the brake disc to the caliper, and you will also learn what tools are really needed (spoiler: a 5 mm hexagon is not always the best choice), and how to avoid typical errors leading to expensive repairs.

If you've never disassembled an electric scooter before, don't worry: our guide is for beginners, but includes expert advice for experienced users, for example, we'll tell you why you can't remove the wheel without first fixing the fork and how to "past" the brake pads if they interfere with dismantling. Get the tools ready and get going!

Preparation: security tools and measures

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Not even one tool can turn a simple procedure into an hour-long torture. Here is the minimum set that most Xiaomi models will need:

• 🔧 Hexagonal key for 5 mm (for the wheel axis) - mandatory for all models.
• 🔧 End key or head at 14 mm (for axle nuts in Pro 2 and Essential).
• 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for slashing the brake caliper cap or fixing the cable).
• 🔧 The squirrels (to remove the locking rings or if the nut is "ripped").
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar lubrication (if the mounts are rusted or the wheel is not removed).
• 🛠️ Kit for repair of bicycle cameras (if you plan to work with a tire).
• 📦 Plastic container or bag for small parts (nuts, washer, spring).

Pay special attention to fixing the scooter. Put it on a flat surface, flipping it upwards (on the steering wheel and footrest), or use a special rack. If the scooter is unstable, the risk of damaging the brake disc or bending the axle increases significantly. Also turn off the power - remove the battery or make sure that the scooter is turned off to avoid accidental start of the engine (rele to models with the power button on the steering wheel).

⚠️ Attention: If you've recently ridden a scooter, let the wheels cool down. Heated tires and brake discs can deform when dismantled, and the hot axle can burn your hands. Optimal temperature for work: room temperature.

Step 1: Remove brake pads (if they interfere)

On most Xiaomi models, the front wheel is equipped with a disc brake, and often the pads can block access to the axle. Before you unscrew the wheel, check if they rest against the disk. If so, they will have to be temporarily removed.

The process of de-shoeing:

1. Find two bolts fastening the brake caliper to the fork (usually a hexagon of 3 or 4 mm).
2. Keep them in the right place without losing their sleeves and sleeves.
3. Remove the caliper and put it aside without pulling the brake cable (so as not to knock the setting).
4. If the pads are "stuck" to the disc, gently put them with a flat screwdriver, but do not use force - they are fragile!

In the Pro 2 and 1S The caliper can be fixed with an additional locking ring, and if you don't plan on changing the pads, just spread them out (like a screwdriver) so that they don't touch the disc, which makes it easier to remove the wheel.

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If the brake cable is interfering with work, stick it with tape or plastic clamping to the frame. Don't clamping the cable too hard, it could damage its squirt.

Step 2: Wheel axis spinning – nuances for different models

This is where the basic differences between the models begin. M365 And the Essential axis is fixed by one nut (a hexagon by 5 mm) and a locking ring. In Pro and Pro 2, a second nut is added on the other side, and in the 1S You can see an eccentric. Let's look at each case:

The algorithm for most models:

1. If there is a locking ring, remove it with pliers.
2. Holding the axis on one side (for example, a hexagon), unscrew the nut on the other.
3. For the Pro. 2: First, loosen both nuts on the 1-2 turn, then unscrew completely.
4. If the axis does not come out, tap it with a hammer through a soft pad (for example, a wooden bar).

⚠️ Note: In models with electronic ABS (For example, Pro 2, you can have a speed sensor on the axle. Don't pull the wheel with force if the axle doesn't come out, check first if the cable is connected to it!

Step 3: Removing the wheel from the fork – how to avoid jamming

When the axle is unscrewed, it may seem like the wheel will be removed easily, but here many people are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: the wheel jams in the fork due to corrosion, deformation of the axle or brake disc.

• 🔄 If the wheel does not move from place, swing it from side to side, at the same time pulling up.
• 💧 Put it on. WD-40 on the axis and place of connection with the fork, wait 5-10 minute.
• 🔨 Carefully tap on the axis through a wooden gasket (not on the brake disc!).
• 🔧 If the wheel is "stuck" to the bearings, try to turn it around by pressing on the axle.

In models M365 And Essential is a common problem with axle skewing when you build it, so to avoid this when you reverse-mount it, you should look at the slots under the locking ring, which should match the notches on the plug. If the wheel is removed too tightly, check if the brake disc is bent (this is a common cause of jamming).

Step 4: Remove the tire and the camera (if required)

If your goal is to replace your tire or repair your camera, you have to take it off after removing the wheel. Xiaomi scooters use tubeless tires (in new models) or classic with a camera (in the new model). M365 You'll need a Pro to work with:

• 🔧 Installation blades (2-3 (a) or plastic disassemblers.
• 💨 Pump with pressure gauge (to check pressure after assembly).
• 🧴 Soap solution (for tubeless tires - checking the tightness).

Step-by-step:

1. Lower the air from the chamber (if any) by pressing the nipple.
2. Insert the mounting blade under the edge of the tire and gently dent it, then fix the second blade.
3. Walk around, pulling the edge of the tire out of the rim, starting with the side opposite the nipple.
4. For tubeless tires: after removing one edge of the tire, remove the rim tape and examine it for damage.

One important caveat: Xiaomi scooters often use a reinforced rim with extra stiff ribs. When disassembling, don't force the spokes, they can bend. If the tire is stuck to the rim, use a soap solution to make it easier to slide.

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When installing a new tire, always check the direction of rotation (indicated by the arrow on the sidewall). Failure to follow this rule leads to rapid tread wear and deterioration of the grip.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when removing the front wheel on Xiaomi, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Loss of small parts (locking rings, washers, brake springs) Solution: use a magnetic pallet or a storage buckle.
• 🔄 Axle skewing during assembly, leading to wheel beat. Solution: before tightening the nuts, scroll the wheel and check if there is a backlash.
• 🔥 Solution: Never use metal tools to open pads, just plastic or wood.
• ⚡ Forgetting to turn off the power, which causes the motor to start accidentally, solution: always take the battery out or turn off the scooter with a button.

Another common problem is the wrong nut tightening. 2 and the Essential nuts of the axis must be tightened with effort 20-25 UH (use a dynamometer key if you have one) Too little puff leads to a backlash, too much leads to a deformation of the axis (1S) Check that the lever is tightly fixed in the closed position.

If the wheel rotates tightly after assembly, the probable causes are:

• The brake pads touch the disc (you need to adjust the caliper).
• The axis is set curve (check the alignment of the grooves).
• Bearings are contaminated or damaged (requires cleaning/replacement).

Build and Check: How to Make Sure Everything Is Done Right

Putting the wheel back in is a reverse dismantling process, but with a few critical checks. Here's a checklist for successful assembly:

After assembly, it is mandatory:

1. Scroll the wheel manually - it should rotate silently, without touching the fork or caliper.
2. Check the brake: press the handle and make sure the pads are pressed evenly against the disc.
3. Connect the power and test the scooter at low speed, listening to extraneous sounds.

If you have replaced a camera or a tyre, 10-15 Check the tire pressure for miles, new tires are often "squashed" in the first days of operation. 2, 1S) after installation, balancing may be required (add loads to the rim) if vibration is felt at high speed.

⚠️ Attention: If the scooter starts to take the wheel sideways when riding after assembly, it is likely that the wheel is skewed or the bearing is damaged. Don't ignore this symptom - it leads to uneven wear of the tire and increased load on the steering column.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the front wheel