How to remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi electric scooter: instructions with photos and tips

Removing the front wheel on a Xiaomi electric scooter is a challenge that every owner faces sooner or later. The reasons can be different from the banal replacement of a punctured camera to the complete repair of the engine or bearings. But if everything is more or less clear with the rear wheel (at least there is no wiring), the front one often raises questions. The main difficulty is to properly disconnect the power cables and brakes without damaging the connectors and not confusing them with the reverse assembly.

In this article, we will take a step-by-step approach to the Mi M365, Pro 2, 1S, Essential and 4 Pro. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid common mistakes (such as wire breaks or fork damage), and what to do if the wheel is stuck to the axle. And also a secret life hack, how to facilitate assembly if you work alone.

If you've never disassembled a scooter before, don't worry: with the right approach, the procedure will take no more than 30 to 40 minutes. The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions. And if something goes wrong, at the end of the article you will find an FAQ with answers to the most common problems.

What tools will you need

Before you start dismantling, prepare everything you need, and without the right tools, you risk breaking the nuts, damaging the threads, or even breaking the plastic parts of the scooter, and here's the minimum kit you need to have on hand:

• 🔧 14 mm end key (or head with a collar) - to unscrew the wheel axis. Some models (Pro 2, 4 Pro) may need a 15 mm key.
• 🔨 Hexagon by 5 mm - for removing the brake disc (if any) and some fastenings.
• 🔧 Carrot key by 10 mm - for bolts fixing the fork (on models with depreciation).
• ⚡ Screwdriver with a cross tip - for removing plastic covers and fastening the wiring.
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers – so as not to lose small washers and bolts.
• 📸 Smartphone – to photograph the location of the wires before disconnection.

We also recommend stocking up:

• 🧴 WD-40 or similar lubrication - if the axis is boiled or rusted.
• 🧤 Gloves - so as not to get your hands dirty and avoid cuts on the brake disc.
• 📦 Plastic container - for sorting bolts and nuts.

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If you have a Xiaomi Mi M365 or Pro model with disc brake, be sure to unplug the brake pads before removing the wheel. To do this, insert a screwdriver between the pads and carefully spread them. This will prevent the brake from jamming after assembly.

Scooter Preparation: What to Do Before Dismantling

Don't rush to grab the keys right away. Incorrect preparation can lead to short circuit, damage to the controller or even a scooter fall while you're working.

Turn off the scooter with a long press on the power button (5-7 seconds)

Disconnect the charger (if connected)

Turn the scooter upside down with wheels, resting on the steering wheel and footrest

Take a picture of the location of the wires and connectors

Check if there are any visible damages to the axle or fork-->

Pay special attention to wiring. On Xiaomi models, the front wheel is connected to the controller through 3-4 wires (motor power, ABS sensor, brake signal). If you accidentally pull the connector in the wrong direction, you can tear the contacts off. To avoid this:

1. Carefully remove the plastic cover on the fork (it is attached to latches or one screw).
2. Check the connectors: they are usually marked with colors or letters (M+, M-, ABS).
3. If there is no marking, take a picture of the location of each wire.

⚠️ Attention! On Xiaomi 4 Pro and Essential, the engine power connector has a latch-lock, and if you don't squeeze it out before you take it out, you risk breaking the plastic housing of the connector.

Step-by-step: how to remove the front wheel

Now, to the process itself, we're going to break down the general-purpose algorithm that works for most Xiaomi models, and if you have a different version, look at the notes, and they're all nuanced.

Step 1: Disconnect the wiring

Start by turning off all the connectors that go to the wheel.

• 🔌 Powering the motor (2 thick wires, often red and black).
• 📡 Sensor. ABS (thin wire, usually white or gray).
• 🛑 Brake signal (if there is a disc brake).

Carefully press the locks on the connectors and pull them sideways. Don't pull the wires! If the connector doesn't respond, check if there's an extra latch.

Step 2: Remove the brake disc (if any)

On models with disc brakes (Mi M365, Pro 2, 1S) before removing the wheel, you need to unscrew the brake disc. It is attached with two screws under a hexagon 5 mm. Unscrew them and carefully remove the disk without losing the spring washers.

Step 3: Untwisting the wheel axis

Turn the scooter over and hold it in a steady position. The wheel axis is attached by two 14 mm nuts (or 15 mm on the Pro 2). Unscrew them counterclockwise, holding the wheel with the other hand so that it doesn't scroll.

After removing the nuts, carefully pull out the axle. If it doesn't lend itself, knock a hammer lightly through a wooden slot. On Xiaomi 1S and Essential models, the axle may have an additional lock screw - check for it!

Step 4: Removing the wheel from the fork

Now the wheel should come out of the plug easily. If it's jammed, check:

• Are there any sleeves or sleeves on the axis?
• Will the brake disc bend (if any)?
• Does the wiring interfere (sometimes the wires are squeezed between the fork and the wheel).

If the wheel is still not removed, try to swing it from side to side, at the same time pulling on yourself.

Typical Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even if you dismantle them carefully, there can be challenges, and here are the most common ones and the ways to solve them:

⚠️ If the scooter makes a mistake after assembly E014 or E015, That means a sensor problem. ABS Check the integrity of the wires and the correct connection of the connectors. On Xiaomi Pro 2 models, this error can appear if you confuse the polarity of the power of the engine.

How to Reassemble the Wheel: The Nuances

Assembly is as important as disassembly, and the key here is not to pull the nuts (this can damage the bearings) and to connect the wiring correctly.

1. Check the condition of the bearings. If they are lighting or making noise when rotating, you better replace them right away.
2. Apply lubrication to the axle before you install the wheel. Litol-24 or specialty bearing lubricant will do.
3. Tighten the nuts cross-cross to avoid skewing the wheel.
4. The moment of tightening of the axis nuts is 40–50 N·m. If you pull over, the bearings will quickly fail.

After assembly, be sure to check:

• 🔄 The wheel rotates freely, without jamming.
• 🛑 The brakes work smoothly, without creaking.
• ⚡ The scooter turns on and reacts to the gas.

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If the wheel is eight after assembly or if it hits when it's rotating, it means that the axle is curved or the bearings are worn out. Don't ignore this problem, it will cause the tire and fork to wear faster.

When to contact the service: signs of serious problems

Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself. If you find one of the following during the dismantling, it is better to consult a specialist:

• 🔥 Burned wires or connectors are a sign of a short circuit that could damage the controller.
• 🔊 Screak or crunch in bearings – if they “crumble”, a complete replacement with pressing will be required.
• 💥 Cracks on a fork or axle – driving with such damage is dangerous.
• 📉 The motor does not turn even when directly connected to the battery - the windings may have burned.

The cost of repair in the service depends on the problem:

• Replacement of bearings - from 800-1500 ₽.
• Repair of wiring - from 1000-2500 ₽.
• Replacement of the engine - from 3000-6000 ₽ (model-wise).

⚠️ If you notice that after disassembly, the scooter has become less likely to ride on one charge, check the status of contacts in the engine connectors. Oxidation or poor contact can lead to loss of power.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions