Why Removing the Wheel on the Mijia M365 Needs a Special Approach
The Xiaomi Mi M365 is one of the most popular scooters in the world, but its design has a number of features that make it difficult to repair yourself. Unlike bicycle wheels, here the wheel is integrated with the electric motor (rear) or braking system (front), and improper dismantling can damage the wiring or bearings. This article will help avoid typical mistakes, from choosing tools to fixing the nuts with the right force.
The main reasons owners have to remove the wheel are: a puncture of the camera, tire wear, replacement bearings or engine diagnostics, with the rear wheel with the engine weighing almost 3 kg and requires careful handling of the power cable, and the front one often "sticks" to the fork due to corrosion, and we will examine both cases, paying attention to nuances that are not covered in standard instructions.
Preparation: security tools and measures
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can turn a 20-minute procedure into a multi-hour torment.
- 🔧 End key 10 mm (preferably with a rattle) - for unscrewing the wheel axis.
- 🔨 Hexagon 5 mm - for fixing the brake disc (if you remove the front wheel).
- 🛠️ Flat screwdriver - for slashing the engine cover (rear wheel).
- 🧲 Shop key for spokes (optional) – if you plan to disassemble the wheel.
- 🔋 Multimeter – to check the engine circuit after assembly.
Important: The Xiaomi M365 uses reverse carvings on the left side of the axle (when viewed from the wheel side), which means that the nut spins clockwise and twists against. Many beginners tear the threads without knowing this nuance.
⚠️ Warning: Never place the scooter on the side of the battery, which can cause the contacts to close in the engine connector. Always turn off the power and disconnect the battery before work.
Step 1: Dismantling the rear wheel with the motor
The rear wheel of the M365 is the most difficult to disassemble because of the integrated engine and wiring. Start by turning off the battery: flip the scooter up the wheels, remove the battery compartment cover (4 screws under the cross screwdriver), and disconnect the motor connector. It is located on the right and has a red lock — press on it to disconnect the contacts.
Then proceed with the algorithm:
- Unscrew the two axle nuts with the end key by 10 mm. The left nut has reverse thread!
- Remove the plastic cover of the engine, duping it with a screwdriver from the side without a connector.
- Carefully pull out the axle while holding the wheel - it can drop sharply.
- Disconnect the brake cable from the fork (if it interferes).
If the wheel is jammed and not off the axle, don't hit it with a hammer! Use penetrating lubricant (e.g. WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. Most often the problem is corrosion on an aluminum fork.
☑️ Checklist before removing the rear wheel
Step 2: Removal of the front wheel with brake disc
The front wheel of the M365 is easier to dismantle, but it has its pitfalls, the main one being the brake disc, which is attached to the hub with two screws under a hexagon, and if you don't unscrew them in advance, the disc will bend when you remove the wheel.
Procedure:
- Unscrew the axle nuts (similar to the rear wheel, but without reverse threading).
- Remove the plastic cover from the axis (it just jerks up).
- Unscrew two screws of the brake disc with a hexagon by 5 mm.
- Carefully remove the wheel along with the disk without swaying it.
If the brake disc is deformed or has serrated, it is better to replace it. Also check the condition of the brake pads - their wear more than 50% requires the installation of new ones.
What to do if the axis nut does not unscrew?
Remove the wheel: Replace the camera or tire
If the goal is to replace the camera or tire, it will require disassembly after the wheel is removed from the axle, which will require mounting blades (2-3 pieces) and patience.
- Release the air from the chamber by pressing the nipple.
- Put a spatula between the rim and the tire, hook the needle.
- The second blade, put the tire 10-15 cm from the first place.
- Take the camera out carefully, then remove the tire completely.
When installing a new camera, don't pump it right away! First, make sure it lies evenly inside the tire, without torsion. Pump up to 35-40 PSI (maximum for the M365 - 50 PSI, but this is risky for worn-out wheels).
| Parameter | Front wheel. | Back wheel. |
|---|---|---|
| Tire size | 8.5" (216 mm) | 8.5" (216 mm) |
| Type of camera | Schrader (car nipple) | Schrader (car nipple) |
| Max, pressure. | 50 PSI | 50 PSI |
| Wheel weight | ~1.2 kg | ~2.8 kg (with motor) |
| Frequent problem | Wear of the brake disc | Damage to the motor wire |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced Xiaomi M365 owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to costly repairs.
- 🔌 Damage to the motor connector when disconnected. Always pull on the plastic case, not the wires!
- 🔧 Tug the axle nuts. Optimal force is 20 to 25 Nm. Use a dynamometer key.
- 🛞 Install a talc-free camera. Sprinkle the camera with baby powder before mounting, and it will prevent the tyre from sticking together.
- ⚡ Forget to check the brakes after assembly. Roll at low speed and brake sharply - the wheel should not lock unevenly.
Pay special attention to the engine wire on the rear wheel, and it should lie loose, without tension, otherwise, when driving through irregularities, it will rub against the frame, and if you notice bare areas, insulate them with a shrink tube.
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If the wheel is having trouble rotating after assembly, check the brake pads' alignment, they could move and rub against the disc, adjust their position with a hexagon on the brake caliper.
Assembly and post-repair diagnostics
The assembly is carried out in reverse order, but there are several critical points:
- When installing the rear wheel, first connect the motor connector, then fix the axis with nuts.
- Check that the brake cable is not twisted and walks freely in the shirt.
- Pump the wheel to 35 PSI and check the camera tightness with soap solution (apply to the nipple and the edges of the tire).
After assembly, be sure to perform a test run:
- Check the smoothness of the ride - the wheel should not be "eight".
- Make sure the motor is running (rear wheel): lift the scooter and press the gas - the wheel should rotate without jerks.
- Test the brakes at different speeds.
⚠️ Warning: If the scooter is not moving or twitching after repair, check: Motor wire integrity (rear wheel); Correct connection of the connector to the controller; Condition of the hall sensors (damage to them leads to power loss).
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The most common cause of malfunction after repair is poor contact in the engine connector. Always clean the contacts with alcohol before connecting!