Self-destruction of the Xiaomi wheel M365: from tools to finishing assembly

Xiaomi electric scooter M365 — One of the most popular in the world for its balance of price, quality and maintainability, but even with such a reliable device, tires wear out over time, rims are damaged or bearing replacements are required. Removing the wheel is a basic procedure that every owner faces when they have a major repair or upgrade, but how to do it correctly without damaging the brake mechanism, wires or fasteners?

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with visual cues, a list of necessary tools and unique life hacks for disassembling without specialized equipment. We will discuss the features of dismantling both the front and rear wheels (where the transmission is located), and also tell you how to avoid typical errors leading to brake disc failure or cable breakage. If you have never done electrical repairs, do not worry: the process is easier than it seems if you know the nuances.

Preparation: security tools and measures

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need, and not even one tool can turn a 15-minute procedure into an hour of torment.

• 🔧 Hexagonal key 5 mm (required! standard size for fasteners) M365)
• 🔨 End key or head by 14 mm (for the rear wheel axle nut)
• 🔧 Screwdriver cross PH2 (plastic-panel)
• 🧲 Magnetic holder (so as not to lose small bolts and washers)
• 🧴 WD-40 or similar lubrication (if the fastener is rusty or boiled)
• 📸 Smartphone for photography (fix the location of parts before taking pictures!)

Also prepare the workspace: a solid flat surface (table or floor with a substrate), good lighting and gloves - wheels M365 often covered with dirt and oil traces from the chain. If you are planning to replace the tire, buy a new camera and a tire of compatible size in advance (standard for the use of a tire). M365 — 8.5" with a width of 2.125").

⚠️ Warning: Never try to remove the wheel without turning off the power!Even if the scooter is off, the capacitors in the controller can retain charge. Disconnect the battery (unscrew 4 bolts of the battery compartment cover and disconnect the connector) - this will save you from short circuit in case of accidental snatching of wires.

Step 1: Removing plastic panels and accessing fasteners

The first obstacle to the wheel is a plastic kit. M365 It is mounted on latches and multiple screws, starting with the back of the scooter (if you remove the rear wheel) or the front mud shield (for the front wheel).

Instructions for disassembling the body kit:

1. Turn the scooter upside down (hide the steering wheel in the floor for stability).
2. Unscrew 2 screws with a cross screwdriver on the bottom of the rear wing (near the wheel).
3. Carefully tuck the plastic with a flat screwdriver or plastic spatula starting at the back edge. The latches are brittle - don't put too much effort into it!
4. For the front wheel, remove the mud shield by unscrewing 1 screw in the front and moving it back.

Once you remove the panels, you'll have access to the wheel axis and the brake mechanism. The gearbox and the circuit will also be visible on the rear wheel, so you don't have to touch them unless you're planning to disassemble the transmission. Pay attention to the speed sensor wires (a thin black cable going to the wheel) - it can't be pulled or twisted!

Battery's off.|Plastic panels removed|Photos of the fastener taken|Tools at hand|Workplace vacated-->

Step 2: Dismount the brake mechanism (rear wheel only)

Xiaomi's rear wheel M365 It's equipped with a disc brake that attaches to the plug with two bolts, and you have to remove it before you pull the axle out, or you're going to damage the brake pads or the disc:

1. Find two bolts with a hexagonal head (size 5 mm), fixing the brake caliper.
2. Unscrew them with a hexagon, but not until the end - first weaken, then unscrew completely.
3. Carefully remove the caliper and hang it on a wire or rubber band to the frame without disconnecting the brake cable!
4. If the pads are stuck to the disk, do not pull them - splash them. WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.

After removing the brake, check the condition of the brake disc on the wheel. If it is deformed (has waves or cracks), it will also have to be replaced. M365 (for example, Pro or 1S) The caliper can be attached a little differently, with an extra spring bracket, in which case, first remove the brace, then the bolts.

⚠️ Attention: If you accidentally press the brake lever after removing the caliper, the brake pistons may have moved out. To return them to their original position, gently press them back with a flat screwdriver wrapped in cloth (not metal.

Step 3: Unscrew the axle and eat the wheels

Now, the most important part is the axle removal, and there's a fundamental difference between the front and the rear wheel.

For the front wheel:

1. Unscrew the axis nut with the end key by 14 mm (counterclockwise).
2. Remove the locking ring with pliers or a special remover.
3. Take the axle out carefully, holding the wheel on the other side. If the axle doesn't go, tap it with a rubber hammer.

For the rear wheel:

1. Disconnect the speed sensor connector (a black plastic connector next to the axle).
2. Unscrew the axis nut by 14 mm and remove the puck.
3. With a hexagon of 5 mm, unscrew 3 gearbox bolts (they are located on the inside of the wheel).
4. Remove the axle along with the gearbox, holding the chain so that it does not jump off the star.

If the wheel is too tight, don't apply brute force, it can bend the fork.

• 🔧 Put it on. WD-40 on the axle and wait 10 minutes.
• 🔨 Light blows of a rubber hammer knock on the axis on both sides.
• 🌀 Swing the wheel from side to side, at the same time pulling it on yourself.

Step 4: Disassembling the wheel - tire, camera, bearings

Once you remove the wheel from the axle, you can start to disassemble it completely, and the key is to keep the rim intact (especially if it's aluminum) and to handle the spokes carefully.

1. Lower the camera by pressing the nipple (if the wheel is pumped).
2. With mounting blades (or flat screwdrivers), snag the edge of the tire and pull it out of the rim. Start on the side opposite the nipple.
3. Remove the camera from the nipple. If the camera is stuck to the rim, spray it with soap solution.
4. To replace bearings, remove the locking rings from the axle (a removable or thin screwdriver will be required).

When installing a new tire, watch the direction of the tread pattern - there is an arrow on the sidewall of the tire with the inscription ROTATION. For Xiaomi. M365 Recommended hardened tires 60A (Soft ones wear off quickly, and too hard ones worsen grip:

• 🚲 Kenda K193 (original M365)
• 🚲 CST C1488 (improved grip on wet roads)
• 🚲 Innova (budget option with good wear resistance)

⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the spokes of the wheel are weakened (when pressed, they make a "dinkling" sound), they must be tightened with a spoke key before assembly. An unbalanced wheel leads to vibrations at high speed and accelerated wear of bearings.

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Before installing a new camera slightly powder it with talc or baby powder - this will prevent gluing with the tire and facilitate future replacement.

Step 5: Build and install the wheel back

Assembly is the reverse process, but with a few critical nuances. Start by checking all the details:

• 🔍 Examine the axis and thread for burrs or damage.
• 🔍 Make sure the bearings rotate smoothly, without backlash.
• 🔍 Check the brake disc for no deformations.

Follow the instructions:

1. For the rear wheel, first install the gearbox and fasten it with three bolts (puffing moment - 5 N·m).
2. Scroll the axle through the fork and wheel, making sure that the chain lies exactly on the star.
3. Tighten the axis nut (moment - 40 N·m for the front, 50 N·m for the rear).
4. Connect the connector of the speed sensor (the click of the lock should be heard).
5. Install the brake caliper and adjust the position of the pads - the gap between the pad and the disc should be 0.3-0.5 mm.

Once assembled, scroll the wheel manually, it should rotate smoothly, without creaking or jamming. If you hear crunch or foreign sounds, then the bearings are installed incorrectly or not sufficiently lubricated.

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Always check the wheel after installation: the distance from the rim to the fork on both sides should be the same. Uncentered wheel leads to "eight" and uneven wear of the tire.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced masters sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi M365. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is that the gearbox is not assembled correctly on the rear wheel, and if the scooter twitches at start or makes a grind, after installation, the chain is probably skewed or the gearbox star is not in place.

1. Remove the wheel back.
2. Check that the chain is exactly on the stars (without distortions).
3. Make sure the gearbox is firmly attached to the wheel - there should be no gap between them.

If after assembly the scooter makes an error E014 (Problem with speed sensor, check:

• 🔌 Is the sensor connector connected (sometimes it is not fixed until clicked).
• 🔍 Whether the wires are damaged (especially at the bending point near the axis).
• 🧲 Position of magnets on the wheel (they must be strictly opposite the sensor).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the Xiaomi wheel M365