The Xiaomi M365 Pro has proven to be a reliable vehicle, but even the best-quality units eventually develop backlash or wear. The most common cause of discomfort when driving is the beating of the front wheel, which is transmitted to the steering wheel and can be dangerous at high speeds. To fix this defect or replace a damaged camera, the owner will have to dismantle the front assembly.
The process of removing the wheel does not require complex specialized equipment, but it requires attention to detail and adherence to the correct sequence of actions. Incorrect assembly can lead to a plug jamming or damage to the brake cables. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step, from tool preparation to the final inspection of the knot.
Before embarking on mechanical intervention, make sure the scooter is off and cooled after the ride.The Xiaomi M365 Pro has a sealed motor-wheel, but the front fork is a mechanical assembly exposed to moisture and dust. Regular maintenance extends the life of the bearings and retains handling.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To successfully complete the dismantling, you need a standard home craftsman kit, and you don't have to try to unscrew the bolts with the wrong keys, because this will lead to the "slicing" of the faces, which is especially critical for the bolts of the fork, which often stick. The main tool will be a set of hexagonal keys and a screwdriver.
Organise the workplace so that the scooter is in a stable position, the best way to put it on its side on a soft surface or flip it up with wheels, putting something under the steering wheel for fixation.
- 🔧 4mm hexagonal key (the main tool for most bolts).
- 🔧 Hexagonal key by 5 mm (for some modifications of the bolts of the fork).
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver (for smacking plugs and working with the cable).
- 🔧 Lubrication (graphite or lithium for subsequent assembly).
Prepare the container for small parts such as washers and bushings. Losing even one cone washer can cause the wheel to hang in the fork despite a tightened bolt. It is recommended to also have a rag on hand to clean up dirt.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
Removal of protective plugs and plug cover
The first step is to free access to fasteners. The Xiaomi M365 Pro design provides for the protection of internal mechanisms with plastic linings. On the outside of the fork, closer to the wheel rim, there are decorative plugs that hide the bolt heads.
Carefully tuck the plastic lids with a flat screwdriver. Act without fanaticism, the plastic becomes brittle over time and can crack when a sharp jerk is made. If the plugs are sitting tight, you can warm them up slightly with a hairdryer, but usually with enough careful effort.
Once the plugs are removed, you'll have access to the two main bolts that hold the wheel axis. Notice their condition: If the bolt heads are covered in rust or dirt, brush them before you start spinning. The mud in the thread can create a false tightening sensation or, conversely, make it difficult to unscrew.
Why are the bolts souring?
Dismounting of brake cable and speed sensor
The wheel is held not only by bolts, but also by braking elements. The Xiaomi M365 Pro has a mechanical disc brake that runs along the fork, and the cable must be released from its hold before removing the axle.
Find the cable attachment on the brake caliper (usually a nut or clamp mechanism), relax the rope tension to make the pads loose, and remove the cable from the seat. Be careful not to damage the cable braid and unravel its veins.
It is also worth checking the location of the speed sensor wire (if it passes in the dismantling area). Although on the Pro version the sensor is often integrated into the motor, the front fork can pass harnesses for lighting or other modifications. Make sure that when you remove the wheel you do not pull or squeeze the wires.
- 🛑 Reduce the tension of the brake cable.
- 🛑 Remove the cable from the fixing groove of the caliper.
- 🛑 Check the freedom of wires in the fork area.
Once the cable is free, nothing should interfere with the wheel axis removal. If the cable is pulled, the wheel may get stuck or pull the brake mechanism out when moving sharply.
Axle removal and wheel retraction process
Now, to the main stage. Using a six-sided key (usually 4 or 5 mm), start to unscrew the bolt that runs through the fork and axis of the wheel. The Xiaomi M365 Pro uses a through axis that locks on both sides.
Unscrew the bolt slowly. If it is tight, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the thread in the aluminum fork. You can use penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) if the bolt does not move, but give it time to act. After unscrewing the main bolt, on the opposite side may need to support the nut or the second bolt.
When the fastener is completely removed, the wheel should fall out of the fork freely. However, due to accumulated dirt and oxides, it can "steep." In this case, gently swing the wheel from side to side or slightly knock on the axis (not on the rim!) with a wooden hammer handle.
⚠️ Attention: When you remove the wheel, keep the washers and bushings in check, they may stay on the bolt or inside the fork, and losing the cone washer will make it impossible to tighten the wheel properly.
After the wheel is removed, inspect the inner surface of the fork, there should be no cracks or heavy metal production, and cracks in the fork are a critical defect that requires replacement of the knot, as this threatens the driver's safety.
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To ensure that the bolt of the fork never sticks, when assembled, grease its thread and rod with graphite lubricant abundantly, which will protect the connection from moisture and facilitate maintenance in the future.
Bearing Diagnostics and Camera Replacement
The removed wheel is the perfect moment to diagnose the condition of the bearings. Take the wheel by the rim and try to sway the axle in different directions. If you feel a backlash or hear a crunch when you spin, the bearings need to be replaced.
The Xiaomi M365 Pro uses standard bearings (usually 6001 or 6003 sizes, check the specification of your batch), which require a removable or neat knockout, and now you can replace the camera if the reason for the removal was a puncture.
When installing a new camera, make sure it is not squeezed between the tire and the rim.Uneven camera distribution is a common cause of repeated punctures after a short time.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Type of wheel | Inflatable (pneumatic) | Standard for Pro version |
| Dimension | 8.5 inches | Diameter of the seat |
| Bearings | 2 pcs (on both sides) | Often require replacement in the backup. |
| Firming | Through axle + bolts | Requires periodic lubrication |
If you change the camera, just before you put the wheel back in, slightly pump it back in so it takes shape, and insert it into the tire, which will make it easier to install and reduce the risk of pinching.
Assembly of the knot and elimination of backlash
The assembly is done in reverse order, but with important nuances: insert the wheel into the fork, making sure that it is straight in the center. Insert the axle and start twisting the bolts. The main thing here is to adjust the puff correctly.
The wheel should rotate freely, without snacking, but it should not have a transverse backlash. If you tighten the bolts too much, the bearings can be clamped, which will cause them to quickly fail. If weak, a beat will appear.
The final step is to put the brake cable back into the lock. Tighten the cable so that the pads do not rub the disc in the free run, but the brake will work when you press the handle 1/2 - 2/3 of the stroke. Close the decorative plugs.
⚠️ Warning: After assembly, be sure to check the brake at low speed.Incorrect installation of the cable can lead to failure of the braking system at a critical moment.
Ride on a scooter, listening to outside noises, and if the beat is gone and the brake is working correctly, the repair can be considered a success.
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The key to long service of the front fork is regular lubrication of the axis and the absence of bolt tightening, which deforms the bearing seats.