Operating smart cleaning assistants often faces inevitable mechanical challenges, with chassis wear and/or pollution taking the lead. If your Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is getting stuck, squeaking or moving along an uneven trajectory, the problem is likely to be the locomotive module. Owners of the Roborock S5, S5 Max and newer Mijia series of devices regularly face the need for preventive maintenance or complete replacement of worn parts.
Self-intervention in the design of the device allows you to save significant costs on maintenance and extend the life of the gadget. However, to remove the wheel correctly and not damage fragile plastic latches or sensor plumes, you need to clearly follow the technological map of disassembly. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of dismantling the module, cleaning the axle and installing a new spare part.
Before any work begins, it is critical to turn off the device, not just put the robot on the base, but physically switch the power switch to the off position or disconnect the battery if the design involves quick access, which will eliminate the risk of short circuits in the event of accidental contact of tools with the control board.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting disassembly, be sure to wait for the engine to cool completely if the robot has just been working. Hot components can lead to burns, and a sharp temperature drop when cleaning with alcohol can damage the plastic elements of the body.
Diagnosis of malfunctions of the chassis
Before starting the active phase of repair, you need to accurately identify the nature of the breakdown. Often users mistakenly change the correct parts, not noticing that the problem lies in the banal contamination. If the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner emits a characteristic hum, but the wheels do not rotate, or one of the wheels is idle, this is a clear sign of a mechanical obstacle or failure of the gear motor.
Carefully inspect the tread and the space around the axle. Wrapped hair, pet hair and thread can be tightly compressed, creating overwhelming resistance to the engine. Trying to remove the wheel in this condition without first cleaning can lead to the breakdown of plastic fixtures. Use tweezers or a thin screwdriver to remove visible contaminants.
If visual inspection does not reveal obvious blockages, but the wheel is wobbling or the backlash is stronger than on other modules, wear of the slip bearings or the shaft itself is likely. In the Roborock S50 and S55 models, this is a common problem after 1-2 years of active use, and it is also worth checking the integrity of the gear teeth inside the module, which can only be done after dismantling.
Tools and workplace preparation required
Deconstructing electronics requires not only accuracy, but also the right tools. The standard home craftsman set may not be suitable, as smart tech manufacturers often use specific screws to prevent unauthorized access. To work with Xiaomi devices, you will need a set of precision screwdrivers, including cross (PH0, PH00) and possibly asterisks (Torx T5 or T6).
In addition to screwdrivers, it is extremely useful to have plastic blades (spoogers) or mediators on hand, which are necessary for gently opening the case and removing decorative linings without leaving scratches. Metal tools such as knives or flat screwdrivers, it is better not to use to crack plastic, as the risk of damage to the body of the Mijia or Roborock is too great.
Organize the workspace: the table should be well lit and the surface covered with soft material so that small screws do not get lost and roll away. Magnetic mat or a regular cardboard box with sections will help sort the fasteners by disassembly steps, which will simplify reverse assembly.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
Technology of dismantling the wheel: step-by-step algorithm
The process of how to remove the wheel varies depending on the specific robot model, but the general principle remains the same for most devices in the ecosystem. The first step is always to turn the robot upside down. Make sure that the height sensor (ultrazoo or optical) is not scratched, you can put soft tissue in for this.
On most models, such as the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 or Roborock E4, the wheel module is secured with multiple screws and plastic latches. First, unscrew all the visible screws holding the decorative pad or module itself. Often the screws are hidden under rubber plugs or stickers that need to be gently tucked in with a needle.
Once the fixture is removed, the module does not always fall down by itself. It is held back by tight contacts and latches. If you sway the module carefully from side to side, pull it up. If you feel strong resistance, don't use force, check if all the screws are twisted. In some cases, you need to remove the bottom cover of the battery or the entire bottom casing to access the mounts.
The secret of removing tight modules
When the module is removed from the body, we move the keniya of the wheel itself from the gearbox motor. Usually the wheel is held on the shaft by slits and a tight fit. Some structures require the removal of the locking ring or the washer.
Cleaning, maintenance and replacement of bearings
Once you've removed the wheel, you have access to the internal mechanics, and most often the fault is due to a foul axis, the hair is wound onto the shaft, it penetrates the gearbox body and blocks the rotation, and you carefully remove all the dirt using tweezers and a soft brush.
You can use isopropyl alcohol to clean the bearings deeply, it dissolves fat deposits very well, it evaporates quickly without leaving any traces, soak the axis and the inside of the sleeve in alcohol, then blow it with compressed air, and it restores smoothness without having to replace parts.
If you find that the plastic sleeve is erased and the shaft has a pit or the gear teeth are broken, you need to replace the knot. Using worn-out parts will lead to increased current consumption and eventual combustion of the engine control board, in which case installing a new original module is the only right solution.
💡
Use graphite lubricant or silicone oil to treat the shaft after cleaning. Do not apply lithium lubricants or solidol - they are too thick and will collect dust, which will quickly lead to repeated breakage.
Comparative table of compatibility of modules
When ordering spare parts, it is important to consider compatibility, since externally similar wheels can differ in diameter, seat width or type of connection connector.
| Model robot. | Type of module | Diameter of the wheel | Features of attachment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot 1S | Basic. | 105 mm | Screws + latches |
| Roborock S5 / S5 Max | Basic. | 105 mm | Hidden screws. |
| Mijia 1C | Basic. | 98 mm | Tight landing |
| Roborock S6 / S7 | Basic. | 105 mm | Reinforced shaft |
Note that even if the diameter matches, the height of the hub may be different. Installing an inappropriate wheel will cause the robot to skew, misread the gyroscope and navigation errors. Always check the article of the parts with your device model.
Assembly and testing of the device
The assembly process is a mirror image of the disassembly, but requires special attention to the order of action. Insert the wheel module into the seat, making sure that the connectors match and are not clamped with the body. Carefully press until the characteristic click indicates the fixation of the latches.
Twisting all the screws, but don't tug them over.The plastic in Xiaomi devices is quite soft, and excessive force can lead to cracks forming around the hole or thread licking.A light tightening to the point is enough.
Once you've installed all the modules, turn the robot over and turn on the power. Run the Mi Home app and check the status of the device. Roll the robot manually on the floor, the wheels should rotate freely, without jamming or any extraneous sounds. Run a short cleaning for the final check.
💡
Proper assembly ensures the tightness of the body and the correct operation of the collision sensors, which are often located next to the wheel modules.
⚠️ Warning: If the robot makes a piercing squeak after assembly or reports a wheel error (Error code 4 or similar), immediately turn off the device. This means that the connector is not connected correctly or the wheel is clamped with the body.