Step-by-step, removing the front wheel from the Xiaomi electric scooter: from tools to assembly

Removing the front wheel on a Xiaomi electric scooter is a challenge that every owner faces sooner or later. Whether it’s replacing a tire, repairing a shock absorber or diagnosing bearings, the process requires accuracy and knowledge of design features. Unlike the rear wheel, where the brake mechanism often interferes, the front axle seems simpler, but has its pitfalls, from the unobvious mounting of the cover to the risk of damaging the motor wiring (on front-wheel drive models).

In this article, we will analyze the process on the example of popular models - Mi Electric Scooter M365, Pro 2, 1S And Xiaomi Scooter 3, and you'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes (like bolt tightening or brake disc damage), and what to do if the wheel is stuck to the axle. And for those who are afraid of damaging electronics, we will consider the precautions when working with wires separately.

What tools will be needed to remove the wheel

Before you start dismantling, prepare the necessary set of tools, without which the process can be delayed or even damaged parts.

• 🔧 The 5mm hex key is the main tool for spinning the wheel axis on most Xiaomi models.
• 🔨 End key or head 14-15 mm - will be required for the axis nut (on some modifications, for example, Pro 2).
• 🔧 Screwdriver with a flat sting - for removing plastic covers and smearing fixtures.
• 🛠️ Hammer (rubber or metal) – if the wheel is “stick” to the axle (use through a wooden paddle!).
• 🧲 Magnet or tweezers – so as not to lose small washers and locking rings.
• 🔥 WD-40 or similar lubricant - for the treatment of sour threaded joints.

For front-wheel drive models (such as the Xiaomi Scooter 4 Pro), you will additionally need:

• 🔌 Tap or shrink tube – to isolate the motor connectors after shutting down.
• 📸 Smartphone for photography – fix the location of the wires before disconnecting!

⚠️ Warning: Do not use gas keys or passages to unscrew the axis nuts, they will damage the edges and complicate future assembly. If the nut fails, heat it with a building hairdryer (no more than 100).°C) or treated with penetrating lubricant.

Scooter Preparation: What to Do Before Removing the Wheel

Before you start, take a few steps to save you from unpleasant surprises like a battery that has died or damaged wiring.

1. Turn off the scooter with a long press on the power button (5 seconds). On models with a display (Pro 2, 4 Pro) wait for the screen to turn off completely.
2. Remove the battery (if possible). M365 and 1S unscrew 5 screws on the bottom cover, on Scooter 3/4 — Use latches, and that eliminates the risk of short circuits when working with metal tools.
3. Turn the scooter upside down with wheels, pre-putting soft fabric under the steering wheel and display so as not to scratch.
4. Clean the wheel axis of dirt and dust. Use a brush or compressed air, and getting sand into bearings when assembled will reduce their life.

If your scooter is equipped with a front electric motor (as in the Xiaomi Scooter 4 Pro), before removing the wheel, it is necessary to:

• 🔌 Disconnect the motor power connector from the controller (usually located under a plastic cover near the axle).
• 📝 Record the location of the wires – take a picture or mark with a marker so as not to confuse polarity when assembling.

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If the scooter stood outside for a long time, before disassembling, warm up the axis of the wheel with a hairdryer - this will help avoid corrosion of the thread and facilitate the unscrewing of nuts.

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

Now, we'll go straight to the dismantling. The instructions are universal for most Xiaomi models, but we'll show you the specifics for the specific versions.

Step 1: Removal of the plastic cover

On most scooters (M365, Pro 2, 1S) The wheel is covered with a decorative lid with a logo to take it off:

1. Put the lid on the side with a flat screwdriver (there is a small groove).
2. Carefully pull on yourself - it is held on plastic latches.
3. On Scooter models 3/4 The lid can be mounted with a screw under the hexagon - unscrew it first.

Step 2: Untwisting the wheel axis

The main thing here is not to confuse the order of action:

1. First, loosen the counternut (if any) with the end key by 14-15 mm. M365 and 1S It is not there, move on to the next step.
2. With a hexagon at 5 mm unscrew the axle bolt (it is located on the right side of the wheel, if viewed from the front). On the Pro 2, the bolt can be under the torx. T25.
3. Unscrew the bolt completely and remove it along with the puck.

If the bolt fails:

• 🔧 Handle the thread WD-40 and wait 5-10 minutes.
• 🔨 Easily tap the key with a hammer (not on a bolt!).
• 🔥 Heat the axis with a hair dryer (maximum 100)°C to expand the metal.

Step 3: Remove the wheel from the axle

Once the bolt is unscrewed, the wheel should easily jump off the axle, but often it will get stuck due to corrosion or deformation of the bearings, so that it can be removed without damage.

1. Pull the wheel on yourself, swaying from side to side.
2. If you do not, use a removable (you can make two mounting blades).
3. On models with brake disc (Pro 2, 1S) Make sure it doesn't bend when you take it off.

For front-wheel drive scooters (Scooter 4 Pro):

• 🔌 Carefully remove the motor wires from the slots in the fork.
• 🧲 Lock the cable with a screed so that it does not dangle or get damaged.

Step 4: Diagnostics and Assembly Preparation

After removing the wheel, check:

• 🔄 Bearings -- they have to rotate smoothly, without backlash or creaking, and if you feel the sand crunch, they have to be replaced.
• 🛡️ Brake disc -- check for cracks or deformities, and the curved disc will vibrate when you brake.
• 🔋 Motor wires (if drive wheel) – make sure the insulation is not damaged.

⚠️ Note: On models Xiaomi Scooter 3 and newer in the wheel axis can be installed sensor ABS. Don't pull the sensor wires, they're fragile! Unplug the connector carefully, taking a picture of the location.

Features for different Xiaomi models

While Xiaomi’s scooters are largely unified, some models have unique nuances, and in the table below we have collected key differences:

The Xiaomi Scooter 4 Pro and Scooter 3 Lite also have shock absorbers in the front fork. When removing the wheel, don’t lose the small rubber bushings that dampen vibrations – they often fall out when disassembling.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

• 🔧 Axis bolt tightening, which causes the thread or bearings to deform. Solution: Tighten the bolt with force. 4–5 N·m (use a dynamometer key or twist "from hand" to the end) + 1/4 turnover).
• 🛠️ Loss of washers or locking rings -- without them, the wheel will slug. Solution: Put all the parts in a magnetic bowl or on a sticky napkin.
• 🔌 Damage to motor wires (on front-wheel drive models) Solution: Only disconnect the connectors after photographing their location.
• 🔥 Ignoring corrosion - the rusty axis can jam the wheel.Solution: Treat the thread with copper lubricant before assembly.
• 🛡️ Brake disc deformation when removing the wheel. Solution: Use the receiver or tap evenly on the rim with a wooden bar.

Another common problem is the uneven wear of the tire after assembly, which happens when the wheel is curved or the bearings are clamped to avoid this:

1. Before tightening the bolt of the axle, check that the wheel is flat (the gaps on both sides are the same).
2. Scroll the wheel after assembly - it should rotate freely, without beating.

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The most common reason for wheel backlashes after assembly is a forgotten puck or a locking ring. Always check the photos taken before disassembly!

Wheel Assembly: reverse order and nuances

Putting the wheel back seems easy, but there are pitfalls here too.

1. Clean the axle and bearings of old lubrication and dirt. Use alcohol or carburettor cleaner.
2. Apply new lubrication to bearings (use) LIQUI MOLY LM 50 or similar lithium lubricant).
3. Place the wheel on the axle, aligning bolt holes. On models with a brake disc, make sure it doesn't touch the pads.
4. Then, turn the sleeve over the sleeve, and then turn it over to the sleeve.
5. Set the rod (if any) and hold it in place.
6. Install a plastic cover, making sure that all latches are in place.

For front-wheel drive scooters:

• 🔌 Connect the motor connector, checking with the photo.
• 🧲 Secure the wires with clips on the fork so they don't hang around.

After assembly, it is mandatory:

• 🔄 Scroll the wheel – it should spin without resistance.
• 🛑 Check the brake (press the handle - the wheel should lock evenly).
• 🚀 Ride 50-100 meters at low speed, listening to outside sounds.

⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the wheel is "eight" or vibrates when moving, check: - correct installation of bearings (they could shift); - balancing the tire (possibly it deformed when removed); - mounting the brake disc (he could bend).

When to contact the service: signs of serious problems

Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself. If you find the following problems when removing the wheel, it is better to contact specialists:

• 🔧 Broken thread in the fork - you will need to cut a new thread or replace the fork.
• 🔥 Molten motor wires are a sign of short circuit, you need to diagnose the controller.
• 🛡️ Cracks in the fork or axis of the wheel - driving on such a scooter is dangerous!
• 🔄 Bearings crumbled or jammed - their replacement requires a press or a special filmmaker.
• 📶 The sensor is not working. ABS (scooter 3/4) — I need a scanner to diagnose.

You should also contact the service if:

• You are not sure about the correct connection of the motor wires.
• After assembly, the scooter does not turn on or gives an error (for example, Error 15 on the display).
• The wheel “grabbs” when rotating, but visually everything is assembled correctly.

The cost of diagnostics in Xiaomi service centers usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles, and repairs are cheaper than replacing broken parts due to improper assembly.

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If the scooter is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself! Opening the seals on the fork or engine will lead to a loss of warranty service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the wheel from the scooter Xiaomi