How to remove the front wheel on the Xiaomi M365 Pro: disassembly without damage

Removing the front wheel on a Xiaomi M365 Pro is a challenge that every owner will face sooner or later, and the reasons can be different: replacing the tire, repairing the shock absorber, cleaning the bearings, or even completely replacing the wheel with a tubeless one. However, many users are afraid of damaging the scooter or electronics, especially if we are talking about a model with a disc brake and an integrated ABS sensor.

In this article, we will analyze the process Step-by-step, taking into account all the technical nuances of the M365 Pro. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid errors when working with the brake system and what to do if the wheel is β€œstuck” to the axle.

If you've never disassembled a scooter before, don't worry: the Xiaomi M365 Pro is designed so that most operations can be performed at home, the main thing is to follow the algorithm and not miss the check steps, for example, be sure to turn off the power before work begins, otherwise you risk burning the controller if you accidentally circuit.

At the end of the article, you will find an FAQ with answers to the most common questions (including β€œIs it possible to drive without a front wheel?” – spoiler: no, but why – read on).

1.Preparation: security tools and measures

Before you start dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. The Xiaomi M365 Pro is not a bicycle, and you can't do it with a single carrot key. Here's the minimum toolkit:

  • πŸ”§ Hexagon 5 mm (for wheel axis attachment)
  • πŸ”§ End key 14 mm (for axle nut)
  • πŸ”§ Flat screwdriver (for smacking the brake disc cover)
  • πŸ”§ Bearing Remover (optional if you plan to clean them)
  • 🧴 WD-40 or similar lubrication (if the wheel is "rigged")
  • πŸ“¦ Plastic container (for small parts: washers, nuts)

Pay special attention to the brake system. The M365 Pro has an ABS disc brake, and if you take the wheel off incorrectly, you can damage the brake pads or the sensor itself. Never pull the wheel on yourself with force if it does not move from the spot - first check if the brake cable is disconnected!

Also prepare the workplace:

  • πŸ“ Paint the soft cloth (so as not to scratch the frame of the scooter).
  • πŸ’‘ Provide good lighting (better use a headlight).
  • πŸ”Œ Turn off the scooter from charging and remove the battery (if you plan to work long hours).

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter has been recently used, let the wheel cool. Rubber and bearings can be hot, increasing the risk of burn or deformation when dismantled.

πŸ“Š Have you tried to take off the wheel on a scooter?
Yeah, on your own.
Yeah, but it didn't work.
No, I'm afraid to hurt you.
I've been on service.

2. Step-by-step instruction: remove the front wheel

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions in strict order to avoid errors.

Step 1: Unconnect the brake cable

On the M365 Pro, the brake cable is attached to the scooter plug with a small lock. Carefully press it with a flat screwdriver and pull the cable out of the groove. If the lock is tight, don't put too much effort into it -- sprinkle it with a WD-40 and wait for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Removal of brake disc cover

The lid is held on three plastic latches. Put a screwdriver with a flat sting starting at the top. Be careful, the latches are fragile and easy to break. If the lid fails, make sure there are any undetected mounts.

Step 3: Untwisting the wheel axis

On both sides of the axle are the nuts under the end key by 14 mm. First, loosen the nut on the left side (on the side of the brake disc), then on the right. Don't remove them completely at once! It is enough to loosen by 2-3 revolutions so that the wheel can be moved from the spot.

Step 4: Dismantling the wheel

Carefully pull the wheel on you, holding the scooter behind the frame.

  • πŸ”§ Check if the nuts are fully unscrewed.
  • πŸ”§ Make sure the brake pads do not block the disc.
  • πŸ”§ If the wheel is "feeling," spray the WD-40 axle and wait 5-10 minutes.

When the wheel is removed, place it on a soft surface so as not to damage the rim.

Battery disconnected | Brake cable disconnected |Axle nuts weakened |Prepared space for parts |Integrity of brake disc-->

Disassembly of the wheel: tire, chamber, bearings

If you need to replace your tire or your camera, you'll have to take the wheel apart completely.

Removal of the tire

To remove the tire, you need mounting blades (2-3 pieces). Insert the first blade under the edge of the tire and hook it by the spoke, then insert the second at a distance of 10-15 cm. Carefully press the edge of the tire out of the rim. Repeat the process around the perimeter.

Camera extraction

Once you remove one side of the tire, take out the camera, check it for punctures or bloating, and if the camera is intact, but you're planning to replace it with a tubeless system, consider that the M365 Pro will require a special sealant and a tire labeled Tubeless Ready.

Bearing cleaning and lubrication

The bearings on the M365 Pro are closed, but they can still be serviced.

  1. Remove the rings from the axis (you will need round-triggers).
  2. Carefully knock out bearings with a mandrel (do not use the hammer directly!).
  3. Wash them in kerosene and apply a new lubricant (e.g. Liqui Moly LM 50).

⚠️ Warning: If bearings are backlashed or jammed, they need to be replaced, and the savings on this part will lead to premature wear on the scooter's axle and fork.

DetailService life (in normal operation)Signs of wear and tear
Tire.10,000-15,000 kmCracks, low tread, frequent punctures
Camera.5,000 to 8,000 kmFrequent punctures, bloating, loss of elasticity
Bearings20,000-30,000 kmLuft, rotating noise, jamming
Brake pads8,000–12,000 kmScream, reduction of the braking distance, visual wear

πŸ’‘

If the tire sits tightly on the rim, before installing a new spray it with soap solution - this will facilitate installation and protect against damage.

4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

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

  • πŸ”§ Brake sensor damage ABS Cause: abrupt removal of the wheel without disconnecting the cable. How to avoid: always check if the cable is free before dismantling.
  • πŸ”§ Loss of small parts (pucks, nuts) Cause: no organized workplace. How to avoid: use a magnetic pallet or a container with partitions.
  • πŸ”§ Tug-tug axle nuts. Reason: use a key extension. How to avoid: tighten the nuts at a force of no more than 40 Nm (use a dynamometer key).
  • πŸ”§ Rim damage when you remove the tire, the reason is because you use the wrong tools (driver instead of mounting blades) How to avoid: buy specialized blades for bicycle wheels.

Another common problem is that you don't build properly after you replace the parts, for example, if you forget to put the locking ring on the bearing, the wheel will lash out, which will cause you to beat when you drive, so to avoid this, take pictures of each stage of the dismantling or use the diagrams from the official Xiaomi manual.

What if the wheel turns tight after assembly?

Probable reasons:

  • πŸ”§ Axis nuts are pulled.
  • πŸ”§ Bearings are mounted curved or lubricated.
  • πŸ”§ Brake pads touch the disc (should adjust the gap).
How to check the back of the wheel after assembly?
Place the scooter on a flat surface and sway the wheel horizontally. If the backlash is greater than 1-2 mm, check: 1. Axle nut tightening. 2. Bearing integrity. 3. Status of the locking rings. If the backlash remains, you need to replace the bearings or axles.

5. Replacement of the front wheel with a tubeless: pros and cons

Many Xiaomi M365 Pro owners are considering installing tubeless wheels. Let's see if it's worth it.

Advantages of tubeless wheels:

  • πŸš€ Less weight (no camera)
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Puncture resistance (sealer seals small damage).
  • πŸ’¨ Better grip (you can drive at lower pressure).

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ’Έ Expensive (tyre + rim belt + sealant).
  • βš™οΈ More difficult to install (a compressor is required to pump).
  • πŸ”§ It is harder to repair (if you have a serious puncture, you have to disassemble the entire wheel).

If you decide to switch to a cameraless system, take into account the following nuances:

  1. The tire shall be compatible with the M365 Pro rim (width 2.125, diameter 8.5).
  2. A special tape will be required for sealing.
  3. The pressure in the tubeless wheel should be 5-10% lower than in the usual (optimally 2.0-2.2 bar).

πŸ’‘

The tubeless wheels are only worthwhile when used actively (daily trips of 20+ km). For rare walks, it is better to stay on the classic system with a camera.

Post-wheel service

When the wheel is removed, you should also check the other elements of the scooter.

  • πŸ”§ Clean the fork. Remove the dirt and old lubricant from the shock absorbers. Apply new lubricant (e.g. Silkolene Pro RSF).
  • πŸ”§ Check brake pads. If the friction layer is less than 2 mm thick, the pads should be replaced.
  • πŸ”§ Diagnostic the sensor ABS Make sure the sensor connector is clean and not oxidized. Clean the contacts with alcohol if necessary.
  • πŸ”§ Adjust steering column. Check the backlash at the fork to the steering wheel. If you have backlash, pull the bolts.

Also, pay attention to the condition of the wheel axis, if it has bullies or corrosion, replace the axle or polish it with sandpaper (granularity 1000-1500), the damaged axis will accelerate the wear of the bearings.

After assembly, be sure to check:

  • πŸ”Ή The smoothness of the wheel rotation (no jamming).
  • πŸ”Ή Brake operation (wheel must be locked without creaking).
  • πŸ”Ή No beat (put the scooter on the stand and spin the wheel).

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter begins to vibrate at speeds above 20 km/h after assembly, it is likely that the wheel is curved or the rim is damaged. Don't ignore this problem - vibration can lead to the destruction of bearings or even breakage of the fork.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the front wheel Xiaomi M365 Pro

Can I ride a scooter without a front wheel?
No, it's extremely dangerous! Without the front wheel, the scooter will lose balance, the braking system will stop working properly, and the load on the rear wheel will increase, which will cause it to wear out quickly, and if the wheel is removed for repair, use a stand or keep the scooter upright.
How often should the front wheel be serviced?
Recommended service interval: πŸ”Ή Tire/camera: check before each trip, replace when worn. πŸ”Ή Bearings: clean and lubricate every 5,000 km. πŸ”Ή Brake pads: inspect every 3,000 km, replace when worn. If the scooter is operated in rain or on dirt, the intervals are reduced by 1.5–2 times.
What to do if the axis nut does not unscrew?
It's probably oxidized or boiled. Act like this: Spray a WD-40 or PB Blaster nut a lot. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Try unscrewing again using a lever (like a key pipe); If it doesn't work, heat the nut with a building hairdryer (don't overheat the plastic parts!). If the nut breaks, you'll have to drill it out or use an extractor for broken bolts.
Can I use the Xiaomi M365 (not Pro) wheel on the M365 Pro?
Technically yes, since the diameter and width of the rim are the same (8.5). However, there are nuances: the πŸ”Ή wheel is lighter than the regular M365, which can worsen traction. πŸ”Ή The brake disc on the M365 Pro is wider and the pads may not match. πŸ”Ή Bearings in the M365 Pro are designed for heavy load, so it is better to use "native" parts.
Do I need to balance the wheel after assembly?
For the Xiaomi M365 Pro, balancing is not necessary, as the speeds (up to 25 km/h) are not so high that the imbalance becomes critical. However, if you feel vibration on the steering wheel when driving, it is worth checking: πŸ”Ή Uniform distribution of loads (if they are installed). πŸ”Ή The centering of the tire relative to the rim. πŸ”Ή The condition of the bearings (backlash or jamming).