The Xiaomi M365 and its Pro models have proven to be reliable vehicles, but their wheels are often a source of problems for owners. Noise, loss of tightness or simply a desire to switch to a better material are the main reasons why it is necessary to replace rubber. This process is not the easiest and requires a certain skill, but it is quite feasible at home with a basic set of tools.
Unlike classic bicycles, where it takes a few minutes to change the camera, Xiaomi's wheel design involves the use of tubeless tires that fit tightly to the rim, or the installation of solid cast analogues. Removing tires from the metal rim without damaging the rubber itself and deforming the disc is a task that requires care. Wrong actions can lead to the fact that the new tire will not stand in place or the rim will lose geometry, which can lead to the wheel beating when driving.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the entire dismantling process, look at the tools you need, and share the secrets that will make it easier to work, learn how to prepare the workplace, what lubricants to use and what to look for when you reassemble. A competent approach will allow you to extend the life of the undercarriage of your gadget and ensure a comfortable ride.
Required tools and workplace preparation
Before you start disassembling, you need to be comfortable, you need a flat surface, good lighting and a set of specific tools, without which it will be extremely difficult or even impossible to remove the tire, improvisation is acceptable, but a professional approach always gives the best result and reduces the risk of damage to components.
The main tool for working with the Xiaomi M365 wheels is a tire remover, which can be a factory set of two blades or homemade devices made of durable metal.
- 🔧 Set of hexagonal keys (required to have 4 mm and 5 mm keys for dismantling the wheel from the frame).
- 🔨 Small hammer for careful tapping of elements.
- 🧴 Soap solution or special lubricant (e.g., silicone) to facilitate slipping.
- 🔩 Flat screwdriver for tweaking the edges of the tire (use with caution).
- 🧤 Tight working gloves to protect hands from cuts and calluses.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of the renter. Cheap plastic blades often break at the most inopportune moment, leaving you halfway to the goal. It is best to use metal tools with rounded edges that will not damage the aluminum rim. If you plan to change rubber regularly, it makes sense to purchase a specialized wheel remover designed specifically for electric vehicles.
☑️ Preparation for tyre replacement
Preparation also includes a pre-inspection of the wheel. If you remove a tire to repair a puncture, find the damage site in advance. If you replace it with solid rubber, make sure that the bearings in the hub rotate freely and do not have a backlash. Any bearing problems should be solved before installing a new tire, since then access to them will be blocked.
Dismantling the wheel from the frame of the electric scooter
The replacement process starts with removing the wheel from the frame. For the front wheel, the procedure is usually easier, since there is no connection to the engine, unless it is a four-wheel drive modification, which is rare. The rear wheel requires the power cable to be turned off, which adds to the electrical stage.
To start, flip the scooter or put it on a stand so the wheels rotate freely. Unscrew the wing-mounting bolts (mudgard) if they interfere with access to the wheel axis. Then loosen the nuts or bolts on the axle. The Xiaomi M365 Pro models often use hexagon bolts that can be tightened quite tightly.
⚠️ Warning: Before disconnecting the rear wheel, be sure to disconnect the scooter battery! Working with high-voltage components without power outage can lead to short circuit or electric shock.
When removing the rear wheel, carefully pull the motor-wheel connector out of the frame. It is usually located inside the decorative cover or under the protective cover. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the contacts. Once the cable is disconnected, the wheel can be freely removed from the fork. For the front wheel, just remove the axle and remove the wheel.
After dismantling, it is recommended to release the residual pressure in the tire, if it is still pumped, this will facilitate further manipulation, it is also useful to clean the wheel of dirt and dust, so that foreign particles do not get inside when installing new rubber. Cleanliness in mechanics is the key to long-term service of the knots.
Technology of removing rubber tires from the rim
The most important step is to pull the tire directly from the metal rim, and the rubber in Xiaomi scooters sits very tightly, often "deadly", due to safety requirements and the need for tightness of the tubeless system, you just can't remove it with your hands, you need to use force and levers.
Start by applying a soap solution to the tire around the perimeter, which will reduce friction and allow the rubber to slide more easily across the metal, then take the first skipper and grab the edge of the tire by the rim. Lock it down. Take the second skipper and, stepping a few centimeters away from the first, repeat the operation, creating tension.
The secret to easy withdrawal
As you move around, gradually move the tenants, pushing the tyre side outside the rim. It's important not to damage the inside of the tyre, especially if you plan to reuse it. Act smoothly, without jerking. When one side is completely removed, the process will be easier. It may take more effort to remove the second side.
In some cases, especially when working with old "suffocated" tires, standard methods may not work, then you can use the method of extrusion, putting the wheel vertically and pressing the weight of the body on the removable, but you need to do this extremely carefully, so as not to bend the thin aluminum rim, rim deformation is a critical mistake that will make the wheel unusable.
Comparison of tire types: chamber, tubeless and cast
Choosing a new tire is not just a matter of price, but also a balance between comfort, maintainability and durability. The Xiaomi M365 has three main types of tires on the market, each with its own installation and operation characteristics.
| Tyre type | Comfort. | Repairability | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cameraless (Pneumatic) | High-pitched | Medium (needs sealant) | Tall. |
| Chamber (Tubed) | Medium. | High (light replacement) | Medium |
| Cast (Solid) | Low (hard) | Low (unrepaired) | Very high. |
The tubeless tires provide the best grip and cushioning, dampening vibrations from road bumps. However, they are difficult to install without special equipment, and they require periodic pressure checks and the addition of a sealant. Chamber versions are easier to install, but the risk of a snake bite (piercing the camera on the rim on impact) is higher.
Solid tires eliminate punctures forever, but they significantly reduce the range of the scooter due to increased rolling resistance and transmit all vibrations to the frame and the rider. Installation of cast tires is the most difficult process, often requiring heating rubber in boiling water and the use of powerful ties. The type of rubber should depend on the conditions of your driving: cast for smooth asphalt, for broken roads only pneumatic.
Installation of a new tire and assembly of the wheel
The new tire is retrofitted, but it also requires technology, so you put one side around the perimeter first, which is usually easy. You start with the second side, and you get the soap solution back, and you put it on the side of the tire and on the rim.
Using the removables, gradually tighten the second side into place. Make sure that the camera (if any) is not sandwiched between the rubber and the rim, otherwise it will burst when pumped. For tubeless tires, it is critical that the board is firmly attached to the metal throughout the circle. After initial installation, pump the wheel to maximum pressure to hear the characteristic clicks - these are the sides that stand in place.
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Use a pressure-pressure car pump to primary pump a tubeless tire. Inflatable toy compressors may not create enough airflow to straighten the rubber and ensure sealing.
Check the uniformity of the tire landing. It should not have visible skews or bloating. If the wheel is crooked, flush the air, lubricate the problem area and try to pump again, you may need to correct the tire with your gloves. After successful installation, check the pressure and set the wheel back on the scooter.
When you build, remember to washers and tighten the axle nuts correctly. Too little puff will lead to backlash, too much can damage bearings or axles. Optimal tightening moment is important for safety. Also check the brake disc or drum after the wheel is installed.
Frequent errors and security measures
When replacing tires, beginners often make mistakes that can cost money or safety, one of the most common is the use of sharp objects (knives, rough screwdrivers) to smack rubber, almost guaranteed to result in cuts on the camera or damage to the sealed layer of the tuber.
⚠️ Warning: Never use an open fire (gas burner) to heat cast tires! this can cause rubber to ignite, emit toxic smoke and permanently damage the material structure.
Another mistake is to ignore the rim condition, so if there are bullies, dents or corrosion on the rim, the new tire will not hold tight. Before installing the new rubber, clean the rim with fine sandpaper and degrease the surface. A smooth surface is the key to a good fit.
Keep your tools safe. Renters can slip, injure your hands. Work with gloves. Be careful when pumping the wheels, too: if the side breaks at high pressure, it can happen with loud cotton. Always keep your face away from the wheel when you first pump.
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The key to success is to take your time and use enough lubrication, and trying to save time on lubrication usually results in a double-waste of time to rework the work.
A properly executed tire replacement will give your Xiaomi M365 a soft ride and confidence on the road. Regularly check the tread condition and pressure in the wheels, and your scooter will last for many years. Remember that quality repair with your own hands is not only saving, but also the pride of the owner.