How to remove the Xiaomi wheel: full repair instructions

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter are faced with the need to maintain the chassis, often when the camera punctures or the tread is critically worn, and despite the apparent simplicity of the design, the dismantling process has its own technical nuances, ignoring which can damage the controller or hub.

There are two main approaches to this: removing the wheel with the fork and disassembling it directly on the scooter frame. The first option is considered safer for electronics, because it eliminates the risk of dragging or breaking the wires of the motor-wheel. The second method requires less tools and time, but involves working with a tight space inside the fork.

Before you start disassembling, you need to prepare the workplace, you need a flat surface, enough lighting and a set of tools, you don't need to start repairs if you don't have at least a minimum of mechanical experience, and the right preparation is to ensure that you don't have any extra parts left after assembly, and that the scooter will work properly.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To successfully complete the work of dismantling the wheel, you will need a specific set of tools. Standard set from the store may not be enough, as some bolts have non-standard hats or are located in hard-to-reach places. Hex keys are the main tool, and it is desirable to have both metric and inch dimensions to match the perfect match.

A critical element is a tyre removable, plastic mounts are preferable to metal mounts, because they won't damage the rim and the rubber itself when you're working, and you'll need a powerful light source, like a headlight, to see the insides of the fork and the condition of the connectors. Without good lighting, you'll be at risk of damaging the wiring of the motor.

To protect the hands and improve grip, it is recommended to use work gloves. The rubber of the cameras and tires can be slippery, and the metal edges of the rim can be sharp. In addition, prepare a container for folding the bolts so that they do not get lost during operation. Organize the space so that all tools are at hand.

• 🛠️ Set of hexagonal keys (including dimensions of 4, 5, 6 mm)
• 🔧 Tire-mounting equipment for bicycles (mounting blade)
• 🔦 Power flashlight or head lamp
• 🧤 Working gloves to protect your hands
• 📱 Smartphone for photographing assembly stages

Pay special attention to the condition of the connectors before starting work. If you plan to disconnect the motor-wheel, make sure that the connectors are clean and dry. Dust or moisture can cause a short circuit when you turn on the device later. Also check the integrity of the insulation of the wires that exit the wheel axis.

Dismantling the wheel with a fork: a safe method

This method is recommended for beginners and owners of Xiaomi M365 or Pro models, as it minimizes the risk of damage to the wires. The essence of the method is that the wheel is removed assembled with the front fork, which allows you to work with it in more comfortable conditions.

Start by turning off the power and removing the decorative cover on the front of the deck, which hides access to the wires that go to the motor wheel, carefully disconnect the connectors, taking a picture of their position, remember the color markings or take a clear photo, so that when you build it, you do not confuse the contacts.

Then you unscrew the bolts that attach the fork to the steering column and the scooter deck, and there's usually four of them: two on top of the steering wheel and two on the bottom, locking the fork to the platform, and once the mount is loosened, the fork will easily slide down with the wheel, so you can put the knot on the table and take the wheel apart.

⚠️ Warning: When unscrewing the bolts of the fork, support the design with your hand so that it does not fall sharply and damage the wires or body.

Once the fork is removed, the camera replacement process becomes standard. Lower the air, slap the tyre side with the mount, and remove the camera. When you reassemble it is important to properly stack the wires inside the hollow axis of the fork so that they do not press against the rotating parts. The controller and other electronics must not be subjected to the load from the strained wires.

Removing the wheel without dismantling the fork: a method for experienced

Experienced craftsmen often prefer to remove the wheel directly on the frame without unscrewing the fork completely. This saves time, but requires more dexterity and understanding of the design. In this case, you have to work in a limited space between the fork feathers. The motor wheel has an axis that is sandwiched in the slots of the fork, and to release it you need to remove the locking elements.

First, remove the plastic plug from the wheel axis, and underneath it is a nut or a locking ring that you need to unscrew, use a key of the appropriate size, holding the axis on the other side so that it does not turn, and once the lock is removed, the wheel can be gently pulled down, freeing wires from the inner cavity of the fork.

The hardest part is dragging connectors through a narrow axle hole, and you can move slowly, without any sudden jerks, and if the wires are tight, you can use a thin wire or tweezers to guide the connector accurately, and you can't damage the insulation in that place because it's going to cause the engine to malfunction.

When you set the wheel back, make sure the slits on the axle match the response parts in the fork. The wheel should stand tightly, without skewing. Tighten the locking nut at the recommended force, but don't tug over so as not to break the thread. Check the free rotation of the wheel before connecting the electrician.

Replacement of the camera and elimination of punctures

Once the wheel is successfully dismantled, it's the rubber phase. The Xiaomi scooter camera is a consumable and loses its elasticity over time. If you find a puncture, you don't always have to change the whole camera, but you'd better install a new one for long-term use. Older cameras often have multiple microcracks.

To remove the tire, use a mounting blade. Tap the side of the tire on the opposite side of the nipple and drive the tool around the circle, gradually releasing the rubber. Be careful not to damage the camera if you plan to repair it. Once you remove one side, you can remove the camera and test it for leakage in water.

When you install a new camera, slightly pump it so that it takes the shape of a circle, which will prevent the rubber from pinching between the tire and the rim, insert the nipple into the rim hole and gently fill the camera inside the tire, then pick the tire back up, starting from the nipple and moving both ways.

After assembly, pump the wheel to the working pressure. For Xiaomi models, this is usually 50 PSI (about 3.5 atmospheres). Check the absence of hernias and the uniformity of the pump. If the wheel is skewered or there is a beat, flush the air and adjust the camera.

Bearing and wheel axle maintenance

A disassembled wheel is the perfect way to check the condition of bearings, which are the ones that provide smooth coasting and no extraneous noise. If you hear a crunch or feel jamming when you spin the wheel, the bearings require replacement or lubrication. Motor wheels usually use closed bearings that do not require frequent maintenance, but dirt and water can disable them.

To replace the bearing, you need a removable or a neat axle knocking out. The new part must be pressed evenly, without distortion. The use of a hammer directly on the bearing is prohibited - use a mandrel that rests on the inner clip. The skewed clip will lead to rapid destruction of the bearing and the emergence of a backlash.

The axis of the wheel also requires attention. Check it for bullying or corrosion. If the axis surface is damaged, it can damage the osteoils and let moisture into the engine. Light defects can be cleaned with fine sandpaper, deep ones require axle replacement or the entire wheel.

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Use lithium lubricant for bearings – it withstands loads better and is not washed off with water, unlike graphite.

The assembled wheel should rotate freely, without jamming. Make sure that the magnets inside the motor (if it is a motor-wheel) are intact and the stator winding is intact. Any signs of overheating or melting of the insulation indicate a malfunction of the electric motor.

Assembly and performance check

The final step is to reverse the assembly. If you've removed the plug, put it back in place by gently running the wires through the holes. Connect the motor connectors, follow the color scheme or take photos taken beforehand. Make sure the connectors snap to the characteristic click. Bad contact can cause the controller to spark and fail.

Hold the plug with bolts and tighten them with the necessary force. Check the back of the steering column — if it appears, tighten the adjustment nut. Set decorative plugs and covers. Before the first run, visually inspect all connections again.

Turn on the scooter and check the wheel on weight. Smoothly press the gas - the wheel should start spinning without jerking or extraneous sounds. If the motor is buzzing but not spinning, there may be a mixed phase in the connector or a problem in the sensors (Hall sensor).

⚠️ Note: Do not test the engine if the wheel is not securely fixed or is in the air without fixing - it can turn and cause injury.

Ride on the scooter at minimum speed, checking braking and coasting. Make sure that the wheel does not affect the structural elements and brake disc (if any), properly assembled wheel is the key to a safe and comfortable ride.

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The main secret of success is not to rush when working with wires and use quality components for replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)