The Xiaomi M365 is one of the most popular compact vehicles for the city, but even such reliable equipment requires maintenance over time. The front wheel may need to be removed to replace the tire, repair bearings, eliminate backlash or even upgrade (for example, installing tubeless rubber).
In this article, we will discuss the process of removing the wheel in steps, from tool preparation to reverse assembly, and pay special attention to the typical mistakes that beginners make: for example, forgetting to turn off power before working with electrical contacts or fixing the nuts incorrectly, which leads to a backlash, and you will learn how to check the condition of bearings and when it is time to change them to avoid breakage in motion.
Preparation: tools and security
Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need. To remove the front wheel of the Xiaomi M365, you will need:
- 🔧 End key 14 mm (preferably with a rattle) - for unscrewing the wheel axis.
- 🔧 Hexagon by 5 mm - for fixing the brake disc.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver - may be needed to gently disconnect the wires.
- 🧤 Gloves - so as not to get your hands dirty and avoid cuts on the brake disc.
- 📦 Plastic container - for storing small parts (nuts, washers).
Important: If you are planning to replace bearings or tires, buy a remix in advance, taking into account the size of the wheel (8.5 inches) and the type of axle. For example, tubeless rubber will require special rims and sealants.
⚠️ Warning: Never start disassembling if the scooter is on or connected to charging. Even when off, the capacitors in the controller can keep the charge. Unplug the battery by removing the lid under the seat and removing the power connector (black unit with wires).
Also, prepare your workplace: it is better to work on a flat surface covered with cardboard or cloth so as not to scratch the frame. If the wheel is heavily contaminated, pre-clean it of dirt and oil - this will make it easier to access the fasteners.
Step 1: Dismantling the brakes
The front wheel of the Xiaomi M365 is equipped with a disc brake that is attached to the scooter plug. To remove the wheel, you first need to release the brake caliper.
- Weaken the two calipers with a hexagon by 5 mm (don’t twist them out completely!).
- Carefully spread the brake pads, inserting a flat screwdriver between them (do not use metal objects so as not to damage the surface of the pads).
- Remove the caliper from the disc and hang it on the frame using wire or rubber band - do not leave it hanging on the hose, it can damage the hydraulics.
If the brake disc is stuck to the wheel, don't try to hit it with a hammer!Pour the WD-40 joint or similar lubrication and wait 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Warning: Do not press the brake lever after removing the caliper - this can push the pistons out of the cylinder and you will need to pump the brakes.
The calipers' bolts are weakened.|Brake pads are separated|Soupport fixed on the frame|Battery's off.-->
Step 2: Disconnect the wiring (if any)
On some versions of the Xiaomi M365 (for example, with a signal set or backlight), wires can go to the front wheel. There are no wires as standard, but if they are present:
- 🔌 Find connectors near the wheel axis (usually hidden under a shrink tube).
- 📱 Take a picture of the connection circuit so you don’t confuse polarity when you reverse assemble.
- 🔧 Carefully disconnect the connectors by pulling on the plastic fixtures (do not pull on the wires!).
If the wires are soldered, they will have to be bitten off and reconnected using soldering or plugs, in which case prepare the shrinkage and insulation tape in advance.
What if the wires are broken?
Step 3: Removal of axle and wheels
Now, the main step is to dismantle the axis itself, and it's important to keep track of the washers and nuts so that they don't get backlashes when they're assembled.
Instructions:
- Holding the wheel with one hand, unscrew the axle nut with a 14mm end key (counterclockwise). Don't put too much effort - the thread may be damaged.
- Remove the nut, puck and counternut (if any) and remember their order!
- Carefully pull the axle out of the fork. If it doesn't lend itself, tap it lightly with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
- Remove the wheel from the fork, holding it by the rim.
At this point, you might have a problem: the axle can stick to the bearings. If the wheel doesn't come off even after you've pulled the axle out, try wiggling it from side to side while pulling at the same time. Don't use force -- you better use the WD-40 again.
| Detail | Number of | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Axis nut (M14) | 1 | Twisting at 40-50 Nm |
| Flat puck | 1–2 | It may be spherical to compensate for the backlash. |
| Countergayc | 1 | Sometimes missing in early versions of the M365 |
| Bearing (6004ZZ) | 2 | They are replaced by a pair, even if one is broken. |
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If you're planning to replace bearings, buy them with stock right away - they often fail in pairs. The original bearings for the M365 are labeled 6004ZZ (closed type).
Step 4: Diagnostics and replacement of bearings
After removing the wheel, it is recommended to check the condition of the bearings.
- 🔊 Crunch or grinding when the wheel is rotated.
- 🌀 Luft - the wheel "hangs" on the axle.
- 🛑 Jamming or uneven rotation.
For bearing replacement:
- Remove the locking rings with a round-cutter or screwdriver.
- Knock out old bearings from the hub using a mandrel (like an old bearing) and a hammer.
- Install new bearings by pre-lubricating them with lithium lubricant (do not use solidol - it dries quickly).
- Set the bearings with locking rings.
If the bearings are in normal condition, just clean them of the old lubricant and apply a new one. To do this, disassemble the bearing (remove the protective washers), rinse it in gasoline or kerosene, then lubricate and collect it back.
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Bearings in the wheel Xiaomi M365 — the most vulnerable place. Their life is about 10-15 thousand km, but when driving on mud or water wear accelerates 2-3 times.
Step 5: Replace the tire or camera
If the purpose of disassembly is to replace the rubber, after removing the wheel:
- Release the air from the chamber (if the wheel is chamber).
- Tap the edge of the tire with mounting blades or flat screwdrivers, starting on the opposite side of the nipple.
- Take off the tire carefully, then remove the camera.
- Check the rim for burrs or rust - they can pierce a new chamber.
When installing tubeless rubber:
- 🛠️ Use a special sealant for tubeless tires.
- 💨 Pump the wheel with a compressor - it is difficult to create the necessary pressure with a manual pump.
- 🔍 Make sure that the side of the tire sits evenly on the rim.
For the Xiaomi M365 fit tires size 8.5 × 2.0 inches. Popular options:
- 🚲 Kenda K103 — standard rubber, comes complete.
- 🚲 CST C1448 — softer, better absorbs the.
- 🚲 Innova - tubeless options with puncture protection.
Assembly and inspection
We assemble the wheel in reverse order:
- Set the wheel on the fork, combining the holes for the axle.
- Put the axle in and lock it with washers and nuts. Tighten the nut gradually, checking for no backlash.
- Install the brake caliper in place and tighten the bolts (the moment of tightening is 8-10 N·m).
- Connect the wires (if they have been disconnected).
- Connect the battery and check the brakes.
After assembly:
- 🔄 Scroll the wheel - it should rotate freely, without touching the caliper.
- 🛑 Check the brake: press the lever - the wheel should lock without creaking.
- 🚦 Ride at a low speed to make sure there is no vibration.
⚠️ Warning: If the wheel rotates with force after assembly, check: Is the axis stretched (relax the nut on the nut) 1/4 Does the tyre touch the caliper (adjust the caliper position) or does it get into the bearings (disassemble and wash them off).