How to remove the front wheel of the Xiaomi electric scooter: instructions with photos and nuances

Why You Should Remove the Wheel and When It’s Safe

Removing the front wheel of a Xiaomi scooter is a procedure that every owner will face sooner or later, and the reasons can range from simple replacement of a punctured camera to complex repairs to motor wheels or bearings, but before you start to tackle tools, it is important to understand when it is really necessary and when the problem can be solved without disassembly.

For example, if the scooter begins to vibrate at high speed or make extraneous sounds (squeaking, crunch), this often indicates wear of the bearings or rim damage. In such cases, the removal of the wheel is inevitable. On the other hand, if the problem is in the electronics (for example, the display does not work or charging does not turn on), it is pointless to disassemble the wheel - you need to diagnose the control board or battery.

Another common scenario is routine maintenance, where the manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the wheels every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, which includes lubricating the bearings, checking the tire pressure and inspecting the braking system, and if you operate a scooter in aggressive conditions (rain, dirt, off-road), the interval is reduced to 2,000 kilometers.

Camera/tyre replacement|Motor-wheel repair|Bearing maintenance|Eliminating vibration|Another case-->

What tools you need: full list with photos

Without the right tools to remove the Xiaomi wheel M365, Pro 2/3/4 Or Essential is almost impossible:

🔧 Hexagonal key 5 mm - for unscrewing the wheel mount bolts (complete with a scooter is usually a key for 4 mm, but it is not suitable for!).
🔨 End key or head 14 mm - for the axis nut (in some models - 15 mm, specify by manual).
🔧 Flat screwdriver - for slashing the cover of the motor-wheel or braking cable locks.
🛠️ Hammer (rubber or small metal) – may be needed to gently knock out the axle if it is acidic.
🧲 Magnet or tray for fasteners - so as not to lose small details (pucks, locking rings).
🔥 WD-40 or similar lubrication - if the bolts are boiling or rusting (relevant for scooters after winter).

For models with disc brakes (for example, Xiaomi Pro 2) additionally require:

🔧 Key for adjusting brake pads (usually hexagonal by 3 mm).
🧵 Brake fluid DOT 4 – if you have to pump the system after removing the wheel.

Important: Do not use swivel keys or passages instead of end ones - they will tear the edges on the nuts! Also avoid percussion tools (for example, nuts) if you are not sure about the strength of the axis.

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Before you start, take a picture of the location of all the parts and cables on your phone, which will help you put the wheel back together correctly, especially if you are doing it for the first time.

Step-by-step: how to remove the front wheel on Xiaomi M365, Pro 2/3/4

The process of removing the wheel is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the type of brake (drum or disc) and the year of release. Below is a universal instruction with all the features.

Step 1: Preparation of the scooter

1. Turn off the scooter and remove the battery (if the model allows) This will prevent the motor from accidentally turning on during work.

2. Turn the scooter upside down, put it on the steering wheel and seat tube. Put a soft cloth in there so you don't scratch the plastic.

3. Clean the wheel and axle of dirt with a brush or a wet cloth. Getting sand into bearings when assembled will reduce their life.

Step 2: Removal of the brake cable (for models with drum brake)

1. Find the rope lock on the fork (metal bracket with rubber cap).

2. Gently pull the rope out of the groove by pulling it up. Don't put too much effort into it - the cable may break!

3. disconnect the return spring (if it interferes with the removal of the wheel).

What do I do if the cable is jammed?

If the cable does not come out of the groove, drop a few drops on the retainer. WD-40 And wait 5 to 10 minutes. Then try again, swaying the cable left-right. If it doesn't work, you might need to change the cable or clean the guide.

Step 3: Untwisting the wheel axis

1. Remove the protective covers from the axis (they just snap, put them with a screwdriver).

2. Hold the nut on one side with the end key by 14 mm, and on the other - unscrew the bolt with a hexagon by 5 mm. 1S Essential may require a 15mm key.

3. Remove the axle from the fork. If it doesn't respond, gently tap the hammer through the wooden shed.

Battery's off.|Brake cable disconnected|Axis nuts unscrewed|The axle is free to pull out-->

Step 4: Removing the wheel from the fork

1. Gently pull the wheel downwards, holding the fork with the other hand. Don't pull the motor wires!

2.If the wheel is jammed due to corrosion, treat the axle WD-40 And wait 10 to 15 minutes. Don't knock on the wheel directly, it'll damage the rim.

3. After removal, inspect the bearings and glands. If they are covered with rust or backwater, they need to be replaced.

Warning: On models with disc brake (Xiaomi Pro) 2/3) after removing the wheel, you can not press the brake lever - this will lead to the extrusion of the caliper pistons and the need to pump the brakes.

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If the wheel is removed to replace the camera, do not rush to disassemble the motor wheel. First check the pressure in the new tire - it should be 35-45 PSI (2.4-3.1 bar), depending on the model.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced scooter owners sometimes make mistakes when removing the wheel, which lead to breakages or injuries.

🔧 Using inappropriate keys, like trying to unscrew the axis nut with a wrench key, breaks the edges and makes further disassembly impossible without a Bulgarian.
💥 Sharp pulling of the wheel without pre-treatment WD-40. As a result, plastic fixers break down or the axis bends.
⚡ Energized work – if you do not turn off the battery, accidentally pressing the power button can start the engine, which will lead to injury.
🔄 Confused parts when assembled, like washers being placed in the wrong order or forgotten locking rings, cause wheel backlash and accelerated wear on bearings.

The most dangerous mistake is ignoring the brake system. If you do not adjust the brakes after removing the wheel, the scooter will brake inefficiently or completely lose braking on the move. For example, on the Xiaomi Pro 2, after changing the wheel, you need to:

Check the gap between the pads and the disc (should be 0.3-0.5 mm).
Adjust the tension of the cable (with the drum brake).
Remove the brakes (if the caliper is removed).

⚠️ Warning: If the wheel is spinning with difficulty after assembly or if metal grinding is heard, immediately disassemble the structure again, this is a sign that the bearings are crooked or dirt has been trapped in them.

How to disassemble the Xiaomi motor wheel: when it is necessary

It's not always enough to just remove the wheel -- sometimes you need to disassemble the motor wheel (for example, to replace bearings, repair windings or clean Hall sensors) -- it's a more complicated procedure, and without experience, it's better to contact the service.

When to disassemble the motor-wheel:

🔊 Strong noise or vibration when rotating (most often - wear bearings).
🔥 Overheating of the wheel after the trip (may indicate a short circuit in the winding).
⚡ Scooter twitches or does not gain speed (problems with Hall sensors).
💧 Water gets in (for example, after driving in the rain without protection).

Disassembly tools:

🔧 Special lift for bearings (can be replaced by a set of heads and a press).
🔥 Hair dryer or thermal air station - for softening the glue, which glued the halves of the body.
🧲 Tester (multimeter) – to check the windings and sensors.

Step-by-step process:

Remove the protective cover of the motor-wheel (it is attached to 3-4 bolts under the hexagon).
Unplug the wires of the Hall sensors and windings, having previously photographed their location.
Heat the body with a hair dryer (up to 80-100)°C) and carefully separate the halves by putting plastic shoulder blades on them.
Remove the magnet rotor and inspect the bearings, and if they're lumpy or noisy, replace them.

⚠️ Note: When disassembling the motor-wheel Xiaomi can not use metal tools to separate the body, this will damage the magnets and winding. Also avoid overheating: if the temperature exceeds 120°C, the glue will melt and the magnets can move.

Symptoms.	Probable cause	Do I need to disassemble the engine?
The wheel is spinning with difficulty	Wearing of bearings or getting dirt	Yes.
The scooter is not driving or twitching	Hall sensor malfunction	Yes.
Vibration at high speed	Wheel imbalance or bent rim	No (needs balancing)
Overheating of the wheel after the trip	Short circuit in the winding	Yes (diagnosis required)
Braking screeching	Wear of brake pads	No (replacement of the pads needed)

Wheel assembly: procedure and check

Putting the wheel back together is often harder than disassembling it, especially if you're doing it for the first time, and the rule of thumb is to follow the reverse order, but with a few critical nuances in mind.

Assembly order:

Set the wheel on the axle, combining bolt holes.
Wear washers and lock rings in the same order they were before the disassembly (see your photos!).
Twirl the axis nut, but do not tighten it completely - you first need to adjust the brakes.
Connect the brake cable and check its motion. It must move smoothly, without jamming.
Set protective covers and twist the mount bolts.

Post-assembly check:

🔄 Scroll the wheel - it should rotate freely, without backlash and extraneous sounds.
🛑 Check the brakes: press the lever - the wheel should lock evenly, without creaking.
⚡ Turn on the scooter and test it at the lowest speed. If everything is fine, you can get on the road.

Typical problems after assembly:

🔊 Wheel creaks - most likely not enough lubrication in bearings or crookedly installed glands.
🔄 Luft wheels - weakly tightened axis nut or lost washer.
🛑 Brakes do not work - the cable is not fully inserted into the lock or adjustment is required.

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter starts spontaneously accelerating or braking after assembly, turn it off immediately! This is a sign of incorrect connection of Hall sensors or damage to the wiring of the motor.

Service after removing the wheel: what to do

Removing the wheel is a great reason to conduct scheduled maintenance of the scooter.

🔧 Check the bearings, they must rotate smoothly, without backlash. At the slightest sign of wear, replace them (they are inexpensive, and the life of the scooter will increase significantly).
🚲 Check the tire and camera for cracks, cuts or bloating. Even a small crack can cause the camera to explode at speed.
🧴 Lubricate the axle and threaded joints with a special lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly). LM This will prevent corrosion and facilitate the next disassembly.
🔍 Check brake system: For drum brake: clean pads of dust, adjust the tension of the cable. For disc brake: check the thickness of the pads (minimum 1.5 mm) and the level of brake fluid.
📏 Check the wheel's balance, if it's hitting when it's rotating, it might be bent or it's worn unevenly, and you need to change the rim or change the tire.

Storage tip: If you have removed the wheel for seasonal storage of the scooter, do not leave it in the sun or in a damp room.

Temperature: +10…+25°C.
Humidity: not above 60%.
Position: The wheel should lie vertically, not on the side (so that the tire does not deform).

If you notice that after maintenance the scooter began to discharge faster, check:

Do they not have a slew of sleeves when they are running?
Are the magnets in the motor wheel properly installed (their displacement increases energy consumption).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the Xiaomi wheel

Can I remove the wheel without special keys?

Theoretically, yes, but it's risky. For example, instead of a 14mm end key, some people use passages, but that almost always causes the nut edges to break off, and if you don't have the right tool, you'd better buy it or borrow it, it's cheaper than repairing a broken thread. In extreme cases, you can try to heat the nut with a building hair dryer (up to 100-120).°C) The metal will expand and it will unscrew more easily.

How do I know if the wheel bearings are worn out?

The main signs: The wheel rotates with a crunch or a grinding. There is a backlash (you can feel it if you sway the wheel left-right) The scooter vibrates at speeds above 20 km/h. The bearing heats up after the trip (you can check with your hand). If any of the symptoms are present, the bearings need to be replaced. Their life is about 10,000 km, but in Russian roads this period is reduced to 5,000-7000 km.

What to do if the wheel axis is rusted and does not come out?

It's a common problem after winter or driving in the rain. WD-40 Or a rust removal fluid (like Krud Kutter) Wait 15 to 20 minutes, wiggle the wheel periodically. Carefully tap the axle through a wooden pad (not on the wheel!) If it doesn't work, try heating the fork with a hairdryer (the metal will expand and the axis will come out easier). ⚠️ Do not use a sledgehammer or metal hammer - it will bend the axle or damage the fork.

Do I need to lubricate the axle when assembled?

The best options are Lithium lubricant (e.g. Liqui Moly Litho) - corrosion-resistant and high-load-resistant. Medicinal lubricant (e.g. Molykote) Cu-7439) — It's good for high temperatures. Don't use it. WD-40, Solidol or graphite lubricant, which dries quickly or attracts dirt, apply the lubricant in a thin layer on the axle and thread, but not on the bearings (they are lubricated separately, with a special lubricant for bearings).

Can I drive with one wheel if the other is removed for repair?

Absolutely not! This is extremely dangerous for several reasons: the scooter's balancing is disrupted - it becomes unstable even at minimum speed; the load on the bearings and the frame increases, which can lead to their failure. Most Xiaomi models lock electronics if one wheel is missing (the scooter will not turn on); If you need to move without one wheel, use the scooter as a hand cart, but do not turn on the motor.