How to remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi M365 electric scooter: video instructions and life hacks

The Xiaomi M365 is one of the most popular and maintainable devices in its class, but even it has occasional wheel problems. The front wheel suffers more than the rear wheel, where the main loads are concentrated during braking, and small stones and glass from the road surface enter the tire first.

Unlike the rear wheel, where it makes it difficult to have a motor, the front wheel is easier to shoot — but there are pitfalls, too. Incorrect dismantling can damage the brake cable, curvature the fork, or loss of small parts (such as washers bearings). In this article, we will take the process Step-by-step, show you the latest video of the demonstration, list the necessary tools and warn about the typical mistakes that beginners make.

When do I need to remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi M365?

There are several situations in which the removal of the wheel becomes a necessary procedure, some of which are critical for safety, others for comfort of the ride:

• 🔧 A puncture or damage to the camera is the most common base, and even a small nail or a piece of glass can cause the tire to descent slowly, which impairs handling.
• 🌀 Tread wear – if the tire pattern is erased to the indicators (usually 1-1.5 mm), the wheel loses traction with the road, especially in rain.
• ⚙️ Luft bearings – if the wheel is wobbling on the axle or emits a grinding as it spins, bearings require replacement or lubrication.
• 🔄 Replacement with tubeless tire – many owners are switching to Tubeless options for better cushioning and puncture protection.
• 🧹 Cleaning of the fork and axle - after winter or driving through the mud, sand and rust accumulate in the mechanism, which accelerates the wear of parts.

It is important to understand that the front wheel on the M365 is connected to the disc brake, so you will have to carefully handle the brake cable and pads when dismantling. If you have never dealt with bicycle brakes, you should check the video instructions in advance (we will give the relevant links below).

⚠️ Note: If the scooter is warranty, self-repair of the wheel can cancel it. In official service centers Xiaomi tire replacement or camera often carried out free of charge with a valid warranty.

Tools and materials: what you need for work

To remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi M365, you don’t need professional tools — just a basic set that most owners will find.

If you’re planning to replace your camera or tire, buy a set for the Xiaomi M365 in advance with dimensions of 8.5×2 inches. Pay attention to the type of nipple – most scooters have a Presta (thin), but sometimes a Schrader (like cars) will also come in handy with a rubber hammer or wooden bar for a neat fit of the tire on the rim.

Step-by-step: how to remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi M365

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so you don't damage the brake system or the axle threads, and if you're a visualist, at the end of the section, we'll link to a detailed video showing all the steps.

Turn the scooter upside down (put on the steering wheel and footrest)|

Take a picture of the brake cable and pads |

Clean the axle and thread of dirt with a brush |

Put it on. WD-40 on bolts if they're sour|

Prepare a container for small parts (pucks, nuts)-->

1. Disconnect the brake cable. First, loosen the bolt that holds the cable on the fork (use a 2.5 mm hexagon). Gently pull the cable out of the groove without overbending it. If the bolt fails, drop the WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
2. Remove the brake pads (if they interfere). On some models, the pads can block access to the axle. To remove them, unscrew two bolts with a 3 mm hexagon and carefully pull the pads along with the spring. Don't lose the small details - without a spring, the brake will not work!
3. Unscrew the wheel axis. There are 5 mm hexagon bolts on both sides of the axle. Start on the left side (brake side), then move to the right side. Turn counterclockwise. If the bolts don't go, don't put too much effort into it, you better lubricate the thread again.
4. Remove the wheel from the fork. After the bolts are unscrewed, gently pull the wheel over you. It should come out with the axle. If the wheel is jammed, knock lightly on the axis with a rubber hammer or a wooden bar.

Now the wheel is separated from the scooter, and if you want to replace the camera or the tire, move on to the next section, and if you just need to clean the bearings or the axle, you can start to build back (which we'll talk about later).

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If the axis bolts are boiling and not unscrewing, try heating them with a building hair dryer (don't overheat the plastic parts!).The alternative is to use a hammer-shopped impact hexagon, but it's risky for threading.

How to unwrap the wheel: Removing the tire and camera

When the wheel is removed from the scooter, you often need to get to the camera or rim, and disassembly is the most time-consuming step, especially if the tire has been stuck to the rim for a long time.

1. Pull the air out of the chamber. Push the nipple (if Presta, first unscrew the little nut on the top) and blow the air completely, and if the camera is already punctured, you can skip this step.
2. Press the edge of the tire off the rim. Use a mount or a flat screwdriver: insert it between the rim and the tire, then gently dent the edge. Walk around, freeing the tire on one side. Don't use force -- if it doesn't, moisten the edge of the tire with soap solution.
3. Pull out the camera. When one side of the tire is free, you can take out the camera. Start with a nipple: push it inside the rim, then carefully pull the camera around. Check it for punctures (you can drop it in the water and look for air bubbles).
4. Remove the other side of the tire. You can now completely remove the tire from the rim. If the tire is tight, help yourself with a second mount, but be careful not to scratch the disc.

After disassembling, check the rim for rust, dents or burrs, which can cause repeated punctures. If you plan to install a new camera, check for compatibility with the rim (width should match).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced scooters sometimes make mistakes when removing the front wheel, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔩 Axis thread failure: This occurs when you apply excessive force or use the wrong tool (for example, take 6 mm instead of a 5 mm hexagon). Solution: always check the size of the key and handle the bolts if necessary. WD-40.
• 🧲 Loss of washers or bearings: When you remove the wheel, small parts (especially the washers of the bearings) can fall out and get lost. Solution: work on a clean surface or use a magnetic mat to collect parts.
• 🚲 Brake cable damage, if you bend the cable or pull it too hard, it can break or jam. Solution: Before you take off the wheel, take a picture of the cable attaching to the fork and don't make any effort to do it.
• 🔥 Plastic parts overheating. If you use a hair dryer or soldering iron to unscrew bolts, you can melt the plastic elements of the fork. Solution: heat only metal parts and no longer than 30 seconds.

Another common problem is improper assembly when the wheel is inefficient after the backlash or brake is installed. To avoid this, use a dynamometer key (optimal tightening moment is 40-50 Nm). If not, twist the bolts cross-cross to avoid distortion.

⚠️ Warning: If the wheel is spinning with difficulty or you hear a grinding sound, immediately disassemble it again - most likely, the bearings are crooked or dirt is hit.

Video Instructions: A Case Study

For those who are better at visualizing information, we have selected relevant videos to demonstrate the process, and note the nuances that are often overlooked in text instructions:

• 🎥 Disassembly of the front wheel Xiaomi M365 10 minutes – step-by-step video with comments on how not to damage the brake cable.
• 🎥 Replacement of the camera with M365 without special tools - life hacks for disassembling the tire by improvised means.
• 🎥 Cleaning and lubricating the bearings of the front wheel - how to extend the service life of the mechanism.

Before watching the video, make sure it’s relevant to your model – some videos can show the process on the Xiaomi M365 Pro or other versions where the wheel mounting is slightly different. Focus on visual differences: the standard M365 wheel axis is fixed with two bolts with hexagonal heads, and the brake disc is solid, without perforation.

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If you’re taking off the wheel for the first time, be sure to watch the video before you start work – this will help avoid most mistakes and save time.

Reverse assembly: how to set the wheel back

Reassembling the wheel is often more difficult than removing it, especially when it comes to putting the tire on the rim, and here are some key points to consider:

1. Check the condition of the bearings. If they are light-colored or difficult to rotate, it is better to replace them immediately. For the Xiaomi M365, 6000-2RS bearings (size 10×26×8 mm) are suitable.
2. Set the camera right. Before you put the camera in the tire, slightly pump it, which will help to avoid twisting. The nipple must enter the rim hole strictly perpendicular.
3. Close the tire. Start with the side opposite the nipple. Use the mounts, but don't overdo it -- the tyre should sit evenly. The last section around the nipple is the most difficult, and soap solution or tyre lubricant can help.
4. Pump the wheel to the right pressure. The optimum pressure for the M365 is 35-40 PSI (or 2.4-2.8 bar). Do not exceed 50 PSI - this can cause the camera to rupture.
5. Set the wheel on the fork. Put the axle in the slots of the fork, then twist the bolts cross-cross. Remember to connect the brake cable and adjust the pads (the gap between the pad and the disc should be 1-2 mm).

After assembly, check how the wheel rotates — it should spin freely, without jamming. Also test the brake: press the lever and make sure that the wheel locks evenly, without creaking.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions