How to remove the rear wheel from the scooter Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Sooner or later, every electric vehicle owner faces the need to maintain their device. The rear wheel of a Xiaomi scooter is not just a rolling element, but a complex assembly combined with an electric motor. That is why dismantling it requires more accuracy and understanding of design than removing the front wheel, a procedure most often required to replace the camera or tire after a puncture.

Don't panic if you notice a flat tire or hear a knock when driving. Self-replacement of consumables can prolong the life of your transport and save a significant amount of money on the services of the service center. However, before you take up tools, you need to clearly understand the sequence of actions so as not to damage the electrical contacts or threaded connections of the frame.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the wheel removal process on the popular Mi Electric Scooter 1S, Pro, Pro 2 and their counterparts. We will look at the necessary tools, precautions when working with high-voltage components and typical mistakes that beginners make. Readiness and the right equipment are already half of the success in repair.

Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools

Quality repairs are impossible without proper preparation. Before you turn over the scooter or start unscrewing the bolts, make sure you have free space. You will need a stable surface where you can put the device without scratching the display or body. It is also crucial to ensure good lighting, as some fasteners can be hidden in hard-to-reach places.

The toolkit must be assembled in advance to ensure that the search for the desired screwdriver is not interrupted. The main tool will be a set of hexagons (usually sizes of 4 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm). Some models may require a TORX T25 or T30.

• 🔧 A set of hexagonal keys (Allen keys) of various sizes for unscrewing the frame bolts and the engine cover.
• 🔌 Plastic mounting blade or mediator for safe opening of plastic casings.
• 🧤 Protective gloves and rags to protect the hands from dirt and lubrication inside the motor wheel.
• 🔋 Multimeter (optional) to check the integrity of contacts before full analysis.

Special attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the workplace. Inside the motor wheel are magnets and windings, where metal shavings or dust should not get into. Pollution can cause short circuits or jamming of bearings in the future. Prepare the container for folding bolts in advance so that you do not lose small parts during operation.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off the scooter and disconnect the battery if the design of your model allows you to do this quickly. Working with a connected high-voltage motor-wheel system can lead to electric shock or failure of the controller.

Dismantling of protective elements and access to the fastening

The first step is to free up access to the mounting points. On most Xiaomi models, the rear wheel is covered with a plastic casing that protects the motor and wiring from moisture and dust. This casing is mounted on several screws located around the perimeter or at the bottom of the lid. Carefully unscrew them using the appropriate hexagon.

After removing the screws, don't pull the lid sharply. Inside may be Hall sensor wires or power wires that fit the motor. The plastic can be glued onto double-sided tape, so use a plastic blade to neatly separate it from the frame.The movements should be smooth so as not to break plastic latches that become brittle over time.

When the lid is removed, you'll have a view of the motor winding and the exit point of the cable, and it's important to remember or photograph the position of all the connectors. If your model involves disconnecting the motor from the controller through the connector inside the deck, this should be done now. In some versions of scooters, the cable goes directly, and it will require disassembly of the deck.

Now that access is open, look at the condition of the cable. It should be intact, without clogs or melts. If you plan to remove the wheel completely, the cable will have to be disconnected from the controller. This often requires access to the bottom of the deck where the control board is located. Make sure you understand how the connector returns to place so as not to break the tightness.

The process of disconnecting electrical contacts

The most critical thing is electrical work, and the motor wheel is connected to the controller by multiple wires that transmit three-phase current and position sensor signals, and if you get insulated incorrectly, it can cost you expensive electronics repairs, and if you look carefully, you can see the connectors, they can be closed with rubber plugs for water protection.

To turn off, use a thin screwdriver or tweezers if the connectors are tightly seated in the slots. Don't pull the wires themselves, just the connector body. On Xiaomi M365 and Pro models, the connector is often under the deck and closed with an additional protective cover on the screws. Unscrew the protection, access the chip and carefully separate the halves.

• 📸 Take a photo of the wire connection before disconnecting to know the color markings.
• 🚫 Never disconnect contacts under load or with power on.
• 🧼 Wipe the contacts with alcohol, if they show oxides, before reassembling.

If the wire passes through a hollow axis or a special groove in the frame, make sure that it is not clamped and has sufficient length to remove the wheel. Sometimes the wire is glued to the inner wall of the frame. In this case, it must be carefully unstuck using a hair dryer to avoid damaging the insulation. Insulation of the motor wires should be ideal, since they work in vibration conditions.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting back, make sure the connectors snap to the characteristic click. Bad contact will cause heating, sparkling and possible fire during operation. Check the reliability of the connection with a slight twitch.

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Use dielectric lubrication on the connector contacts before assembly, which will prevent the contacts from oxidizing from moisture and facilitate future disassembly while maintaining the elasticity of rubber seals.

Removal of the wheel from the frame and axle

Once the electrical part is disconnected, you can start to mechanically dismantle the wheel, and the wheel is attached to the frame in two main ways: through an axis that runs through the axle, or through a system of levers and bolts that press the motor against the pendulum. In the classic Xiaomi scheme, a long axis with nuts or bolts on both sides is used.

To hold the wheel in the unscrewing process, you may need an assistant or a stop. The scooter must be securely fixed so that it does not fall when the fastener is loosened. Use a key of the appropriate size (often 10 mm or 12 mm) to unscrew the axle nuts. If the nuts are boiling, use penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and let it work for 10-15 minutes.

Take the locking washers and nuts off. Pay attention to the order of their installation: sometimes you use special cone washers or squats that are critical to positioning the wheel properly. Put all the small parts in a pre-prepared container. Now the wheel should be free to remove from the axle, but remember that it is heavy because of the built-in magnets.

Carefully pull the wheel out of the frame, making sure that the wire does not catch on the sharp edges. If the wheel does not come out, do not hit it with a hammer. Check if all the mounts are removed, and if the brake disc or pads interfere. Light swaying from side to side will help to loosen the landing on the bearings.

Table of compatibility and specifications of wheels

When changing wheels or selecting consumables, it is important to consider the specifications of your model. Different versions of scooters may differ in axis diameter, cable length or bearing type. Below is a comparative table of the main parameters for popular models.

Using a wheel from another model can cause mounting incompatibility or Hall sensors to malfunction. Bearings can also vary in size (often 6001 or 6002 series). Always check the markings on the old bearing before buying a new one.

If you only change the tire and the camera, you may not need to remove the motor from the frame if you have the skill to disassemble the wheels without removing them, but for beginners, completely disassembling the wheel from the frame will be safer and more convenient, allowing for defective axle and bearings in a calm environment.

Installation of a new wheel and final assembly

The assembly is done in reverse order, but with a few important rules: first, run the cable through the frame and connect the connectors; make sure the wire is laid in its channels and will not be clamped when the wheel is installed; then put the wheel on the axle, observing the direction of rotation (usually the cable leaves on the left side when viewed from the rear).

Set the washers and tighten the axis nuts. The puff should be strong, but not fanatical, so as not to break the thread. Use the dynamometer key if possible, or tighten the key to the point, then check the backlash. The wheel should rotate freely, without beating or jamming.

• 🔄 Check the free travel of the wheel: it should rotate inertially after the push.
• 🔩 Check the tightening of all motor mount bolts to the pendulum.
• 🔌 Make sure that the electrician connectors are securely fixed and closed.

After you mechanically install it, put the engine casing back in place. If you've used a sealant, apply a new layer to ensure that you're moistureproof. Rotate all the screws and check the scooter's weight. Lift the back and smoothly press the gas, and the wheel should start spinning without jerks or extraneous sounds.

⚠️ Warning: After the first start, don't rush straight to full speed. Roll slowly, listening to the sounds. Any humming or knocking indicates improper assembly or defective bearings.

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High-quality axle tightening and tightness of electrical connections are two main factors that ensure long service of the rear wheel after repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)