Why Xiaomi M365 owners need to remove tires
The Xiaomi M365 is one of the most popular scooters in the world, but its 8.5-inch tubeless tires don't last forever. Over time, the rubber wears out, punctures or tears appear, and in some cases, you need to replace the bearings or rim. Removing the tire is an inevitable procedure if you are faced with:
✔ Puncture (nail, glass, sharp stone);
✔ Tread wear to critical level (less than 1 mm);
✔ Separation of the tyre side from the rim;
✔ Camera damage (if the camera version is installed).
In service centers, it costs between 1,500 and 3,000 rubles, but with the tools and patience, you can do it yourself, and the key is to avoid the common mistake of rim damage with mounting blades, which leads to wheel imbalance. In this article, we will discuss the process from A to Z, including preparation, dismantling and reverse assembly.
What tools will be needed to remove the tire
Without the right tools, it is almost impossible to remove the tire from the Xiaomi M365 – the rubber sits tightly on the rim, and access to the wheel is limited by the design of the scooter.
- 🔧 Installation blades (2-3 pieces, plastic or metal with scratch protection).
- 🔨 5 mm hexagon for unscrewing wheel mount bolts.
- 🔩 End key 14 mm (or head with a collar) for the axis nut.
- 🛠️ Flat screwdriver (for tweaking the side of the tire).
- 🧴 Lubricant for tires (soap solution or special spray).
- 🧤 Gloves (rubbers and rims can be sharp).
- 📸 Marker or tape for marking the position of the disc (when replacing bearings).
If you have a chamber version of the wheel (less commonly found on the M365), additionally prepare a pump and a repair kit for the camera. For tubeless tires, you may need a sealant (such as Slime or Hi-Gear) to eliminate small punctures.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use improvised tools instead of mounting blades (knives, squids, keys) and this is almost guaranteed to cause rim damage or rupture of the tire side.
Preparation of the electric scooter for the dismantling of the wheel
Before you start removing the tire, you need to properly prepare the scooter, which will save you from injuries and damage to the equipment:
- Turn off the scooter and remove the battery (if you plan to work with the rear wheel where the engine is located).
- Turn the scooter upside down, mount it on the steering wheel and seat tube, and put a soft cloth in there so you don't scratch the body.
- Clean the wheel of dirt and sand – this will prevent abrasive from entering the bearings.
- Pull air out of the tire (if it still holds pressure) and for a tubeless tire, just press the nipple.
If you're working with the rear wheel where the engine is located, be sure to disconnect the power connector from the controller, which will prevent the scooter from accidentally turning on during repairs. The connector is usually under a plastic cover next to the wheel axis.
Disconnect power and remove battery
Turn the scooter over to a soft surface
Clean the wheel of dirt and sand
Get the air out of the tire.
Disconnect the engine connector (for the rear wheel)-->
Step-by-step: how to remove the tire from the Xiaomi M365
Now, the most difficult part is the tyre dismantling, and the process is the same for the front and rear wheels, but the rear wheels may require more effort because of the engine.
Step 1: Remove the wheel from the scooter
1. Unscrew the axle nut with the end key by 14 mm (for the rear wheel, it may be necessary to hold the axle on the other side).
2. Carefully remove the locking washer and pull out the axle. If the wheel is not removed, slightly tap the axis with a hammer through the soft pad.
3. For rear wheel: disconnect the Hall sensor connector (thin plume going to the controller).
Step 2: Removal of the tyre from the rim
This is the most time-consuming stage. Start on one side of the rim.
1. Insert the mounting blade between the side of the tyre and the rim, retreating 10-15 cm from the nipple.
2. Lock the shoulder blade, lift the side, and insert the second shoulder blade at a distance of 20-30 cm from the first. Gradually remove the side of the tire beyond the rim edge.
3. Continue to move in a circle until one side of the tire is completely removed. To facilitate the process, moisten the board with soap solution.
4. After removing one side, carefully remove the camera (if any) or remove the tire completely from the rim.
⚠️ Warning: Don't apply excessive force to a nipple, it's easy to pull off the camera. If the tire is stuck to the rim, don't try to rip it off with a jerk: use it. WD-40 Or similar lubrication, wait 10-15 minutes.
What to do if the tire is not removed?
Step 3: Checking rims and bearings
After removing the tire, check:
- 🔍 Rim for dents, scratches or corrosion.
- 🌀 Bearings – they should rotate smoothly, without backlash and creaking.
- 🔌 Nipple (for tubeless tire) - should not be bent or clogged with dirt.
If the bearings are worn out, they should be replaced immediately, and this will require a receiver and new bearings in size 6004-2RS (front) and 6005-2RS (rear).
Common Mistakes When Removing Tires and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional costs or damage to the scooter, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of sharp objects instead of mounting blades | Camera puncture, rim scratches, tyre side rupture. | Use only specialized blades with rounded edges |
| Application of force to a nipple | Nipple tear from the chamber or damage to the tubeless nipple | Work with shoulder blades at a distance of at least 10 cm from the nipple |
| Unmarked position of the disc during disassembly | Wheel imbalance, vibrations when driving | Mark the relative position of the tyre and rim before removal |
| Work without removing the battery (on the rear wheel) | Short circuit, failure of the controller | Always turn off the power and engine connector |
Another common problem is that the sealing layer on the tubeless tire is damaged, and if you notice that the wheel is constantly deflecting after assembly, it probably hit the inner layer of the rubber during the assembly, and if you do that, you can only replace the tire or use a repair patch on the inside.
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If you're taking off the tire for the first time, take a picture of the disassembly process on your phone, which will help you get the wheel back together properly, especially if you're working with the rear wheel and the engine.
How to install the tire back: tips for assembly
Installing a tire on the rim is often more difficult than removing it, and here are some key points that will make it easier:
- Lubricate the side of the tire with soapy solution or special lubrication. This will reduce friction and facilitate installation.
- Start on the side opposite the nipple. Put the tyre side in the rim, then gradually refuel the rest.
- For tubeless tire: after installation, pump the wheel up to 2.5-3 bar to the side to stand in place (hear the characteristic click).
- Check the centering of the tire relative to the rim - the marks that you made before dismantling will help to set the correct position.
If the tire doesn't fit on the rim, don't hit it with a hammer, it can damage the cord. Instead, use the tire belts or contact the service. For the rear wheel, remember to plug the Hall sensor connector back in!
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The most common reverse assembly error is the wrong position of the tire relative to the rim, which causes the wheel to beat and accelerated wear on the bearings. Always check the centering after pumping!
When to go to the service and when you can manage yourself
Not all breakdowns can be repaired at home, but here are the criteria to help you make a decision:
- ✅ You can do it yourself:
- ❌ Better put it in service:
If you've never worked with scooters or bicycles before, it's best to have a first-time scooter, which will save you from costly mistakes, and the average cost of replacing a tyre in the service is 1,500-2,500 rubles (excluding the cost of the tyre itself).