Xiaomi M365 electric scooters and their modifications (Pro, Pro 2, 1S) have proven to be reliable transport, but even they require periodic maintenance.One of the most common procedures faced by the owner is the need to remove the wheel. This may be required to replace a punctured camera, worn tire, bearing maintenance or replace the motor wheel itself.
The dismantling process does not require a deep engineering knowledge, but requires a basic set of tools and attention to detail. Incorrect assembly can lead to damage to electrical contacts or leakage, which is critical for electric vehicles. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of removing the front and rear wheels, paying special attention to safety and order.
It's worth noting that the front and rear components are very different, and if the front is relatively simple and mechanical, the rear is a motor wheel with phase wires attached, and errors in the rear can cause the controller or battery to fail, so you need to be very careful.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
Before any work is done, it's important to organize the space properly, you'll need a smooth, well-lit surface, preferably a workbench or a wide table, you'll need a scooter that's stable on a stand or upside down so that the wheels rotate freely in the air, and the absence of dust and dirt will reduce the risk of debris getting into the machinery when you open the knots.
The basic toolkit is standard for the Xiaomi M365.You will need a hexagonal key (usually 5 mm or 6 mm, depending on the screws), a cross screwdriver (PH2) and possibly pliers. It is highly desirable to have special mounting blades to work with tires so as not to damage the rubber and rim when removing the tire.
Special attention should be paid to fixing screws. When assembly, the manufacturer often uses a threaded fixator. If you plan to disassemble the knot for the first time, it is recommended to purchase a new thread fixer (for example, Loctite 243) in advance, since the old composition loses its properties after heating and dismantling.
- 🛠️ Set of hexagonal keys (4, 5, 6 mm)
- 🔧 Magnetic-tipped cross screwdriver
- 🔌 Plastic mounting blades for tires
- 🧴 Threaded hold and bearing lubricant
- 🧤 Working gloves to protect your hands
⚠️ Warning: Before starting work, be sure to turn off the scooter with a power button. Working with electrical components under voltage can lead to a short circuit of the controller.
It's important to understand that some screws can be tightened very tightly. Don't push too hard to keep the heads off. If the screw doesn't go, try to gently warm up the joint with a hair dryer or use penetrating lubricant (WD-40) to give it time to act.
Dismantling the front wheel Xiaomi M365
Removing the front wheel is the easiest operation to start with, and it doesn't affect the electrical circuits, which minimizes the risks. The first thing you need to do is turn the scooter over and lock it in a stable position. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't hang around and interfere with access to the nodes.
The process begins by unscrewing the central axis bolt that holds the wheel in the fork. The Xiaomi M365 and Pro models use a hexagon bolt. Some versions may require removing the decorative plug or reflector if it is mounted on the spokes or fork. Once the bolt is unscrewed, the wheel should freely exit the seat.
If the wheel is stuck, don't hammer it directly down the axis. You better sway the fork slightly from side to side or use a wooden parking lot. After removing the wheel, check the condition of the bearings and anthers. Often, it is the front wheel that gets stuffed with dust and moisture, which leads to corrosion.
☑️ Checklist of dismantling of the front wheel
When you reverse-set it is important to correctly orient the direction of rotation, although on the front wheel this is less critical than on the rear, unless there is a brake disc with a specific side of the installation.
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When installing the front wheel, lubricate the axle with a thin layer of lithium lubricant - this will prevent the metal from boiling and facilitate future repairs.
Removal of the rear motor-wheel and disconnection of contacts
The rear wheel in the Xiaomi M365 scooters is also the engine, which complicates the dismantling process because it requires disconnection of the electrical contacts, first removing the lid that blocks access to the wires, located on the right side (in the course of travel) above the wheel.
The lid is held on several screws under the cross screwdriver, and when you remove it, you'll see the connectors of the phase wires going from motor to controller, and it's critical to remember or photograph the order of wires connecting before they're disconnected, usually three, and they can be twisted or soldered.
Then you unscrew the bolt that holds the rear wheel axis in the frame (pendulum). Similar to the front wheel, you use a hexagon. After you unscrew the bolt and turn off the wires, the wheel is gently pulled down and sideways. Be careful: the motor-wheel is heavier than the front one, and it is easy to drop on the leg or damage the wires if you do not carefully extract.
⚠️ Warning: Never pull the scooter behind the wires! unplug the connectors gently using a thin screwdriver or tweezers to avoid damaging the insulation and contacts.
If you change the whole motor-wheel, the process is simple, but if you need to change the camera or the tire, then we move on to the next step, and remember that inside the motor there are powerful magnets that can attract metal shavings, so cleanliness is mandatory.
What to do if the wires are mixed up?
Replacement of tires and cameras: step-by-step algorithm
The most common reason for removing a wheel is a puncture. Xiaomi tires are often called “stone” for their rigidity and complexity of installation, but they are durable enough to replace the air from the chamber (if it has not burst already) and separate the side of the tire from the rim.
Using mounting blades, snag the edge of the tire and move it outside the rim. Move around, gradually removing one side of the tire. Then remove the camera. Before installing the new camera, be sure to check the inside of the tire for foreign objects (glass, nails, spines) that may have caused a puncture.
Installing a new camera requires skill. First, pump the camera slightly to make it round, insert the nipple into the rim hole and fill the camera in. Then, using the blades, refuel the sides of the tires back onto the rim, which is the most time-consuming and requires physical strength.
| Parameter | Front wheel. | Rear wheel (Motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bearing | 608Z / 608ZZ | 608Z / 608ZZ (2 units) |
| Tyre pressure. | 50 psi (3.5 bar) | 50 psi (3.5 bar) |
| Tire size | 8.5 x 2 inches | 8.5 x 2 inches |
| Difficulty replacing | Low. | Medium/High |
Once installed, the wheel must be pumped to the operating pressure, a sharp set of volume will help the tire to stand in place and seal, check if there are any distortions and if the rubber sits evenly throughout the diameter.
Bearing and axle maintenance
While the wheel is removed, it is a sin not to check the condition of the bearings. The Xiaomi M365 scooters use standard 608 series bearings. Their replacement is inexpensive, but significantly affects the coasting and the absence of extraneous noise. If you hear a crunch when you rotate from your hand or you feel a backlash, the bearing needs to be changed.
Replacement requires dislodging the old bearing from the hub, which can be done with a suitable diameter handpiece and hammer. The new bearing is pressed carefully, hitting only the outer ring so as not to damage the internal rolling tracks. Before installation, lubricate the bearing with lithium lubrication if it is not protected (open type).
The axis of the wheel also requires attention. Wipe it off old lubrication and dirt. If there is a slurry or bully on the axle, it can cause new bearings to wear out quickly. In such cases, the axis should be replaced. The lubricant should be ductile and moisture resistant.
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Timely replacement of bearings (every 5-10 thousand km) prolongs the life of the hub and improves the energy efficiency of the scooter.
Don't forget the anthers. In Xiaomi's design, they play an important role in protecting the internals from water. Make sure they sit tightly and solidly in their place. Replace them if necessary or use a sealant for added protection.
Assembly and performance check
The assembly is done in reverse order. Put the wheel back in place, making sure that the axis is stuck in the grooves to the end. Twirl the locking bolt. On the rear wheel, first of all, connect the phase wires of the motor, observing color markings or previous notes. Contacts should be clean and tightly connected.
After you've mechanically installed and connected the electrician, take your time to go. Turn on the scooter and lift the rear wheel. Smoothly press the gas. The wheel should rotate smoothly, without jerks, beats or extraneous sounds. If the motor is buzzing or twitching, turn off the scooter immediately and check the phases.
The final step is to check the tightening of all the screws and install decorative elements. Ride the scooter in calm mode, listening to the behavior of the transport. The absence of vibrations and noise indicates the correct assembly.
⚠️ Attention: First 10-20 kilometers after replacing the tire or bearings, avoid sharp accelerations and braking, let the details "get lost".
Regularly checking tire pressure and visually inspecting the wheels after each trip on bad asphalt will help avoid sudden breakdowns on the way.Careful attitude to the chassis is the key to long service of your Xiaomi M365.