Why would you need to remove the wheel?
Removing the wheel from a Xiaomi electric scooter is a procedure that every owner will sooner or later face. The reasons can range from a banal puncture of the camera to tire wear or the need to replace bearings. For example, on the M365 and Pro 2 models, the rear wheel often suffers from overheating of the engine, which leads to deformation of the rubber, and the front wheel from impacts on the curb, which can lead to cracks in the rim.
But not everyone knows that improper dismantling can cause brake disc damage (on disc brake models), engine wires to break, or even axle failure. This is especially true for Xiaomi 4 Pro and Essential scooters, where the wheel design is integrated with regenerative braking. In this article, we will take a step-by-step approach from tool preparation to reverse assembly to avoid the typical mistakes.
If you've never done a scooter repair, don't worry: with the right approach, it won't take more than 20-30 minutes to remove the wheel. The main thing is to follow the instructions and take your time. And for those who have already faced such work, we have prepared advanced life hacks that will speed up the process by 2 times.
What tools will you need?
Without the right tool, itβs almost impossible to remove the wheel from a Xiaomi scooter. Hereβs the minimum set youβll need:
- π§ Hexagonal key 5 mm - for unscrewing the wheel mount bolts (on most models).
- π§ End key 14 mm or movable key - for the axis nut (on some modifications).
- π§ Screwdriver cross (PH2) β for removing plastic covers and brake mechanism.
- π§ Flat-heads - to work with locking rings (if you need to disassemble the hub).
- π§ Clock Ring Remover β Required for models with disc brake (Xiaomi Pro 2, 4 Pro).
- π§ WD-40 Or similar lubrication - if the bolts are boiled.
- π§ Marker or insulation - to mark the position of parts during assembly.
For Xiaomi M365 and 1S models, you can do without a lock ring removable, but for Pro 2 and later, it is a must β otherwise you risk damaging the brake disc. If you don't have a receiver, you can replace it with two flat screwdrivers, but it requires skill.
Also prepare a clean cloth and plastic container for small parts (nuts, washers, bearings) and the loss of even one washer can cause the wheel to beat after assembly.
Preparation of the scooter for disassembly
Before you start dismantling, the scooter needs to be properly prepared, which will save you from unpleasant surprises like turning on the engine yourself or damaging the wiring.
β οΈ Note: If you are taking off the rear wheel on an electric motor model (M365, Pro 2, 4 Pro, be sure to turn off the battery:
- Turn off the scooter with a long press on the power button.
- Turn it over and remove the bottom cover (unscrewing 4 screws with a cross screwdriver).
- Disconnect the battery connector from the controller (usually black with a red lock).
If you ignore this rule, when scrolling the wheel manually, regenerative braking can work, which will lead to a sharp jerk and possible breakage of the wire.
Next:
- π Put the scooter on a flat surface (preferably on a table or workbench).
- π If you remove the front wheel, fix the steering wheel in a straight position so as not to damage the wires during disassembly.
- πΈ Take a picture of the location of all the bolts and wires β it will greatly help with the reverse assembly.
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If the bolts are boiling, do not try to tear them by force - spray WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes. This will save you nerves and prevent the thread from breaking.
Step-by-step: how to remove the wheel
The process of dismantling the wheel on Xiaomi scooters is slightly different depending on the model, but the overall scheme is the same. We will look at a universal algorithm that is suitable for most versions.
Step 1: Removal of plastic caps and brake mechanism
Start by removing all plastic elements that interfere with access to the wheel axis:
- Unscrew 2 screws on the side cover of the wheel (cross screwdriver).
- Remove the lid by pulling it over you. Be careful there may be wires under it (on the rear wheel).
- If your model has a disc brake (Pro 2, 4 Pro), unscrew 2 bolts of the brake caliper attachment (hexagon 5 mm) and carefully take it aside without disconnecting the hydraulic hose.
Step 2: Untwisting the wheel axis
Now we move on to the main mount:
- π§ On one side of the axis unscrew the nut (end key 14 mm or movable).
- π§ On the other hand, unscrew the bolt (hexagon 5 mm).
- π§ On some models (Xiaomi Essential), instead of a nut, there may be an eccentric - it must be simply unclustered and pulled out.
If the axle doesn't come out easily, don't hit it with a hammer! Try gently swaying the wheel from side to side, pulling it on myself at the same time. If that doesn't work, check if there are any unnoticed mounts (for example, a locking ring on the hub).
Step 3: Removing the wheel from the fork
Once the axle is free, the wheel should be easily removed from the fork, but there are a few nuances here:
- β οΈ On the back of Xiaomi M365/Pro 2 It's often a hub that sticks to the engine, and to remove it, you'll need a filmmaker or two screwdrivers that you need to carefully insert between the hub and the engine and uncluster.
- β οΈ If the wheel is not removed even after unscrewing the axle, check if there is a locking ring inside the hub (especially relevant for the 4 Pro).
Battery disconnected |All mounts photographed |Tools prepared (hexhedron, end key) |No stiff parts checked-->
Step 4: Disassemble the hub (if necessary)
If you need to replace the bearings, camera or tire, the wheel will have to be disassembled further:
- Remove the locking ring on one side of the hub (you will need a removable or screwdriver).
- Take out the axle and the bearings. Be careful, they can go out with great force!
- Carefully remove the tire from the rim using mounting blades (do not use screwdrivers - they will damage the camera).
On models with tubeless tires (Xiaomi 4 Pro) the process is more complicated - you will need a special tool for boarding.
What to do if the ring is not removed?
Features for different Xiaomi models
While most Xiaomi scooters are similar in design, there are key differences that affect the process of removing the wheel.
| Model scooter | Type of axle anchorage | Features of the brake | Difficulties in disassembling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 | Bolt + nut (14 mm) | Scissor brake | The hub often sticks to the engine |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | Bolt + nut (14 mm) | Disk brake | Removal of lock rings required |
| Xiaomi 4 Pro | Eccentric | Disc brake + recovery | Complex hub disassembly, tubeless tires |
| Xiaomi Essential | Bolt + nut (13 mm) | Scissor brake | Fragile plastic covers |
For example, on the Xiaomi 4 Pro, when removing the rear wheel, you need to be especially careful with the engine wires β they pass inside the axle and can break if you sloppy dismantle. On the Essential, plastic covers are attached to latches that are easy to break if you pull too much.
If you are not sure about the model of your scooter, check the markings on the frame or in the Mi Home mobile app. This will help to avoid errors during disassembly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced scooters sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- π§ The axis thread breaks, which happens when you put too much force on the nut that's stuck. Solution: always use it. WD-40 and take your time.
- π§ Brake disc damage -- often happens when you're not taking the caliper off properly -- Solution: don't put the disc on a hard surface, use a soft substrate.
- π§ Loss of bearings or washers -- if you don't notice a piece that's fallen out, the wheel will hit when you're driving. Solution: work on a clean surface and use a magnet to collect small parts.
- π§ The entangled engine wires are relevant for the rear wheel. Solution: photograph the starting position or label the wires with tape.
β οΈ Warning: If the wheel is spinning with difficulty or a crunch is heard after assembly, immediately disassemble it again! This is a sign of improperly installed bearings or axle skewing.
Another common problem is damage to the camera when disassembling the wheel. To avoid this, use special mounting blades (not screwdrivers!) and lubricate the edge of the tire with soap solution.
Reverse Assembly: nuances and verification
Getting the wheel back together is often more difficult than disassembling, and here are the key points to consider:
- The correct position of the bearings - they should sit in the nests of the hub flush, without distortion.
- Axis tightening - the nut must be twisted evenly, without stretching (optimum moment - 40-50 NΒ·m). The pulled axis leads to accelerated wear of bearings.
- Checking brakes - after assembly, be sure to adjust the brake caliper (if any) so that the pads do not rub against the disc.
- Test race - before a full ride, drive 50-100 meters at low speed, listening to outside sounds.
On models with an electric motor (M365, Pro 2), after assembly of the rear wheel, it may be necessary to calibrate the controller.
- Turn on the scooter.
- Lift the rear wheel above the ground.
- Press the gas to the stop and hold for 5 seconds - the engine should twitch briefly.
If the scooter does not travel or twitch after assembly, check:
- Correct connection of the engine wires (on the rear wheel).
- No circuits in the connectors (especially if you have turned off the battery).
- The condition of the brake pads β they should not block the wheel.
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After assembly of the rear wheel on scooters with the engine, be sure to calibrate the controller, otherwise the scooter may not respond correctly to the gas or brake.