How to remove the wheel on the electric scooter Xiaomi

Dismounting the wheel on Xiaomi electric scooters is a basic but critical procedure for any owner facing puncture, tread wear or bearing maintenance. Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, the process requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions, since inept intervention can damage the electric motor or break the fork mounts. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to unscrew the bolts, but there are a number of nuances that make a simple replacement a difficult engineering task.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the mechanics of mounting wheel units on popular models such as the M365, Pro and Pro 2. You will learn what tools are necessary for safe work, how to fix the frame correctly and why it is important to consider the condition of the brake disc before disassembling.

Before you start to physically affect the scooter nodes, you need to make sure that the workplace is fully ready and all components are available. The lithium-ion battery should be turned off or discharged to the minimum voltage values if possible structurally, although in most cases, for mechanical removal of the wheel, a power outage is not required unless you plan to remove the motor-wheel completely with the disconnection of the wires. The main focus should be on fixing the vehicle in a stable position.

Tools and workplace preparation required

Quality and speed of work depends on the right toolkit. For Xiaomi M365 models and their modifications, the standard set of keys that comes with a scooter is often not convenient for regular maintenance. You will need a set of hexagonal keys, the 8 mm key is the main one for dismantling the wheel axis. It is also highly recommended to have mounting blades made of durable plastic or metal if you plan to replace the rubber, and a special detacher for bearings or hub covers.

Space management is as important as tools, and you should work on a flat, clean surface where you can't fall into small parts like washers, nuts and locking rings, and you need to flip the scooter or securely hold it upright to allow free access to the wheel arches, and remember that the weight of the device is significant, and accidental fall can damage the display or body.

⚠️ Warning: Before any disassembly work begins, be sure to disconnect the scooter from the charger and make sure it is off. Although we remove mechanical units, the risk of short circuit in the wiring of the motor-wheel during careless handling remains.

For convenience, it is recommended to prepare a container for folding fasteners so as not to lose them during operation. Using a magnetic pallet or organizer with cells will help to maintain order. If you are planning to replace a camera or tire, prepare a soap solution or a special lubricant in advance to facilitate the installation of new rubber.

Specificity of the design of the wheel units Xiaomi

Understanding the chassis is key to successful repairs. In most Xiaomi models, the front wheel is passive and is mounted through the fork with a single long axle passing through the hub. The rear wheel is typically an integrated motor-wheel, making it much more difficult to remove, as it requires disconnecting electrical contacts and carefully extracting from the pendulum.

The M365's early versions used a system where the axle was nutted on both sides, whereas newer versions like the Pro 2 can be reinforced with additional stoppers. The front wheel braking disc is often mounted on six bolts, and its geometry should remain ideal for effective braking. Any curvature of the disc when the wheel is removed can lead to a brake beat.

An important element is the damping system and bushings. When removing the wheel, you often find wear on the rubber fork dampers, which are recommended to be replaced simultaneously with the maintenance of the wheels, which will eliminate backlashes and improve the rolling of the scooter. The design of the bearings in the hub also requires verification: they must rotate silently and without jamming.

Step-by-step: dismantling the front wheel

The process of removing the front wheel is technically simpler than the rear wheel, but requires attention to the details of the braking system. The first step is to free access to the axle by removing the decorative caps if they are present on your model. Then, using the 8 mm key, twist the nuts that hold the wheel axis in the fork. In some cases, the nuts can be tightened by the manufacturer with great effort, so you may need to use a lever.

When the nuts are loosened, you need to carefully disconnect the brake caliper. On Xiaomi models, it is usually attached with two bolts. You should not leave the caliper hanging on the brake hose, this can damage the hydrline or the cable. You should tie the caliper with a soft wire or a rubber harness to the elements of the frame. Now, when nothing interferes, you can completely remove the axle and remove the wheel.

If you want to replace the camera, you need to deflate the air after the wheel is removed and use the mounting blades to side the tire. Put the tool between the rim and the side of the tire, gently snapping the rubber around. Be careful not to damage the camera with sharp edges of the tool, especially if you plan to use it again.

⚠️ Warning: When installing a new wheel or assembly, make sure the direction of rotation of the wheel matches the arrow on the sidewall of the tire. placing the wheel in the opposite direction will worsen the coast down and may cause rapid tread wear.

Removal of the rear motor-wheel: nuances and risks

Rear wheel removal on Xiaomi is a high-complexity operation involving the risk of damage to electrical components. The motor wheel is mounted in the pendulum and connected to the controller via a cable running inside the axle. The first step should always be to turn off the power supply and remove the decorative cover on the end of the axle where the connector is located.

To access the contacts, you must carefully drill or knock out the lock pin (depending on the version of the scooter) holding the plug. Once you access the wires, they must be soldered off or disconnected (if the connector is installed). It is strictly forbidden to pull the wires when the wheel is removed, this will lead to a break in the insulation and the motor will fail. The wire should freely leave the axis as the wheel is removed.

Mechanical removal is similar to the front wheel: unscrew the axle nuts, remove the brake disc (if not integrated) and the brake caliper. When pulling the motor-wheel from the pendulum, act smoothly, controlling the output of the cable. After removal, it is recommended to immediately isolate the motor contacts to prevent oxidation or short circuit.

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Use shrinkage or high-quality insulation to isolate motor-wheel contacts immediately after shutdown, and moisture and dust are the main enemies of electrical connections in this area.

Bearing maintenance and rubber replacement

While the wheel is removed, this is the perfect moment to carry out preventive maintenance. Bearings in the hub Xiaomi usually closed type (608ZZ), but over time the lubrication in them is washed out or contaminated. If you hear a crunch or a backlash, the bearings need to be replaced. This uses a remover or neat knocking out of an old part and then pressing a new one.

Replacing rubber is the most common cause of disassembly. When installing a new camera, it is recommended to slightly pump it to take shape, and be sure to sprinkle it with talc or treat it with soap solution, this will prevent the camera from pinching between the tire and the rim, which is the main cause of repeated punctures immediately after repair. Make sure that the camera nipple stands in the rim hole strictly perpendicular.

After the wheel assembly is complete, but before you finally get on the scooter, check the balance. Although the imbalance is not as critical at scooter speeds as it is on a car, a strong beat can destroy bearings and bushings. Scroll the wheel with your hand and make sure it runs smoothly. Lack of vibrations is the key to comfortable driving and longevity of the chassis.

Assembly and final system inspection

The wheel is put in reverse order. Insert the axle through the fork (or pendulum) and the wheel hub. Tighten the nuts evenly, making sure the wheel is placed strictly in the center and not swayed. Excessive tightening can lead to bearings clamping and their rapid failure, so maintain a reasonable balance of effort.

Pay special attention to the brake disc installation. The mount bolts should be tightened cross-to-cross for even fit. After installing the wheel, be sure to check the brakes: they should not rub against the disc when free, but should instantly grasp when pressed. If necessary, adjust the caliper.

The final step is to test the scooter, check for error on the display (especially if you took off the rear motor wheel), take a short trip at low speed, listening to outside sounds, if it went well, your electric scooter is ready for operation again.

⚠️ Warning: After the first trip, be sure to check the tightening of all the bolts of the axle and brake disc. Under load, the new fastener may weaken slightly, which will require repeated stretching.

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Good assembly and proper tightening of fasteners are more important than the replacement of the part itself. An untied axle can lead to an emergency on the road.