How to remove the wheel from the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi: instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaners have become an integral part of the smart home, but even the most reliable appliances require maintenance. One of the frequent problems owners have is contamination or breakage of the wheels - they get clogged with hair, threads, stop spinning or make creaks. In such cases, dismantling is required for cleaning or replacement. However, the design of the wheels Xiaomi has features: improper removal can lead to damage to gears, break threads or wires (in models with sensors).

This article will help you understand how to safely remove the wheel on popular models - from the budget Mi Robot Vacuum 1S We will look at the tools, step-by-step actions, typical errors and give recommendations for maintenance. Particular attention will be paid to models with integrated wheel position sensors (encoders) - their damage leads to loss of accuracy of navigation.

If your vacuum cleaner starts to "slip", move jerks or gives an error Wheel Error in the Mi Home application, most likely, the problem is in the wheels.

What tools will be needed to remove the wheel

Before you start dismantling, prepare the necessary tools. The list depends on the model of the vacuum cleaner, but the basic set is universal:

• 🔧 Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1) — wheel-screw.
• 🔨 Plastic mediator or spatula - to gently fit the latches of the case without scratches.
• 🧲 Magnetic holder for screws – will prevent the loss of small parts (especially important for models with miniature screws).
• 🧴 Silicone lubricant or WD-40 — for processing axles and gears in reverse assembly.
• 📸 Smartphone for photography – fix the location of parts before dismantling, this will simplify the assembly.

Some models (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) may require a torx screwdriver. T5 or T6 — If your vacuum cleaner has wheels with encoders, prepare a multimeter to check the contacts after dismantling.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal screwdrivers to smack plastic latches - this leads to chips and cracks in the case. If you do not have a plastic mediator at hand, wrap the tip of the screwdriver with insulation.

The table below shows the tools specific to the popular Xiaomi Mi Robot models:

How to remove the wheel on Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S

The most common model is the Mi Robot Vacuum. 1S. Its design is typical for most budget robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi, so the instruction is suitable for similar devices (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1 or Mi Robot Vacuum 2).

Step 1: Preparation of the vacuum cleaner

• 🔌 Turn off the vacuum cleaner with a long press on the power button (3 seconds).
• 📱 Make sure the device is not in cleaning mode (the Mi Home app should have a green Ready to Work indicator on it").
• 🧹 Turn the vacuum cleaner upwards on a soft surface (such as a towel) so as not to scratch the body.

Step 2: Dismount the wheel

1. With a cross screwdriver. PH0 You can unscrew two screws on the sides of the wheel, and they can be hidden under the plugs -- put a knife or a mediator in them.
2. Carefully pull the wheel on you. It should come off the axle without effort. If the wheel is jammed, don't pull it -- first check if there's a lock screw inside.
3. When you take off the wheel, you'll see the gear and the axle, and you'll see them for dirt, hair, or damage.

Step 3: Cleaning and diagnosis

After dismantling:

• 🧼 Clean the wheel and axle of dirt with a brush and alcohol. For hard-to-reach places, use a toothpick.
• 🔍 Check the gear for chips, if the teeth are worn or broken, you'll need a replacement.
• 🛠️ Apply silicone lubrication to the axle before reverse assembly (do not use oil-based oils - they corrode plastic!).

⚠️ Note: If the wheel does not rotate smoothly after cleaning, the problem may be in the drive motor. In this case, you will need to disassemble the bottom cover of the vacuum cleaner (instructions later in the article).

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If the wheel is removed for the first time, make markers on the body and wheel - this will help to correctly orient it when you reverse install.

Features of removing wheels on models with encoders (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and analogues)

Xiaomi mid- and premium models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) are equipped with encoders, sensors that track the rotation of wheels for accurate navigation. Their damage leads to errors such as Wheel Stuck or Navigation Error in the application.

Key differences from budget models:

• 🔌 The wheel is connected to a control board with a flexible plume or wires. You can't pull the wheel, you can first unplug the connector!
• 🔄 In the axis of the wheel is a magnetic encoder, which can not be dropped or hit.
• 🔧 The fastener may include locking rings or sealant that need to be carefully removed.

Instructions for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro:

1. Unscrew one screw. T6 center-wheel.
2. Put the plastic wheel cover with a mediator - the encoder connector is hidden under it.
3. Unplug the connector by pulling the plastic tongue (don't pull the wires!).
4. Remove the locking ring from the axle with tweezers. If the ring is deformed, replace it with a new one.
5. Carefully remove the wheel from the axle, holding it by the body (not by the gear!).

After dismantling:

• 🧲 Check the encoder magnet for cracks. If it splits, the wheel must be replaced.
• 🔌 Call the connector contacts with a multimeter - the resistance between the signal and mass wire should be within 100-300 ohms.
• 🛠️ When reassembling, make sure that the plume is not twisted and not clamped with the body.

Frequent mistakes when removing wheels and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to the failure of the wheels or the body of the vacuum cleaner, and here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🧩 Breakage of plastic latches - most often broken clips on the wheels of Mi Robot Vacuum E10. Solution: warm up the body with a hair dryer (no higher than 60)°C) before withdrawal.

Another common problem is that the wheel is not properly installed after cleaning, and if the wheel is curved, it will rub against the body, which will lead to:

• 🔊 Extraneous noise during movement.
• 📉 Reduced battery life (vacuum cleaner spends more energy overcoming friction).
• 🚨 Navigation errors due to uneven rotation.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner is moving around or hitting obstacles after assembly, check if the left and right wheels are mixed. Most Xiaomi models are symmetrical, but Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro have different markings (L and R).

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Before the final assembly, always check the smoothness of the wheel rotation manually - it should spin without jamming and backlash.

How to disassemble the bottom cover of the vacuum cleaner to access the wheel motors

If cleaning the wheels didn't work, and the problem is in the drive motor or gear gears of the gearbox, you'll need to disassemble the bottom cover of the vacuum cleaner.

• 🔋 Battery battery.
• 🖥️ Control boards and sensors.
• ⚙️ Wheel drive gearboxes and motors.

Instructions for Mi Robot Vacuum 1S:

1. Remove the dust collector and side brushes.
2. Turn over the vacuum cleaner and unscrew 4 screws PH1 perimeter.
3. Carefully apply the lid with a plastic blade starting at the back (where the wheels are located). Be careful - the lid is attached to the latches!
4. When you remove the lid, you'll see two wheel drive motors (black cylinders with wires).
5. Unscrew 2 screws. PH0, mount the motor to the body, and remove it.

To diagnose the engine:

• 🔌 Check the resistance of the winding with a multimeter - it should be within 5-20 ohms.
• ⚙️ Check gears for wear. If the teeth are more than 30% worn, the gearbox should be replaced.
• 🧹 Clean the motor brushes of graphite dust (use alcohol and cotton swab).

Replacement of wheels for new: the choice of components and nuances of installation

If the wheel is damaged (cracks, erased treads, broken encoder), it must be replaced.

• 🆔 The wheels of the Mi Robot Vacuum 1S Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro is not suitable for the encoder connector.

Where to buy the original wheels:

• 🛒 Official Xiaomi store (e.g. on AliExpress or Mi Store) Articular for Mi Robot Vacuum 1S: ZNMS11WM.
• 🔧 Service centers specializing in robot vacuum cleaners.
• 🌍 Large marketplaces (e.g. Amazon, Wildberries) – look for sellers with a rating above 4.8.

How to install a new wheel:

1. Compare the new wheel with the old one - check the match of connectors, axis diameter and markings.
2. If the wheel is encoded, connect the connector before installing the wheel on the axle.
3. Set the wheel on the axle and lock with a locking ring or screw (depending on the model).
4. Check the smoothness of the rotation – the wheel should not dangle or jam.

⚠️ Note: After the wheels are replaced, you may need to calibrate the sensors in the Mi Home app. → Calibration of wheels and follow the instructions on the screen.

Maintenance of wheels: how to extend their service life

To make the wheels last longer, follow the following simple recommendations:

• 🧹 Clean the wheels every 1-2 weeks – remove the wound hair and threads with tweezers or toothpicks.
• 🛢️ Lubricate the axles with silicone lubrication every 3-6 months. WD-40 — It dries and attracts dust.
• 🚫 Avoid cleaning on long-pile carpets – they clog the wheels the fastest.
• 📱 Watch for bugs in the app – if the vacuum cleaner often gives out Wheel Blocked, check the wheels before serious malfunctions occur.

For deep cleaning:

1. Remove the wheels (according to the instructions above).
2. Wash them with warm water and soap, then dry with a hair dryer.
3. Clean the gears of the gearbox from the old lubricant with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
4. Apply a new lubricant on the axle and gears ( 1-2 drops are enough).

If you use a wet cleaning vacuum cleaner (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop model), wipe the wheels with a dry cloth after each cleaning – this will prevent corrosion of metal parts.

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Regular maintenance of wheels increases their service life by 2-3 times and prevents breakdown of drive motors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions