Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter series electric scooters have proven to be reliable urban vehicles, but intensive operation inevitably leads to wear and tear of consumables. Most often, owners face camera punctures or tread abrasion, which requires immediate intervention. Removal of the rear wheel is a key step for replacing the tire, camera or bearing maintenance, and the correct execution of this procedure ensures the safety of further driving.
The dismantling process can be challenging for a beginner because of the tight fitting of components and the need to use a specific tool. However, with basic technical skills and understanding the design of the unit, you can perform maintenance at home, the main thing is to follow the sequence of actions and not apply excess force where it is not necessary, so as not to damage the plastic elements of the frame.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at every step, from the workplace to the final assembly, with a focus on the nuances of working with electrical connections and the braking system. A careful examination of the material will help avoid typical errors, such as damage to motor-wheel wires or loss of fasteners. Let's start preparing the necessary equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any disassembly work, be sure to disconnect the scooter from the charger and make sure it is turned off by the power button to avoid short circuiting.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To do the job properly, you will need not only a standard set of tools, but also several specialized devices. The main element is a hexagonal key (usually 5 mm or 6 mm), which comes with a scooter, but for more convenient work, you will need a collar or rattle of the appropriate size.
Special attention should be paid to the preparation of the surface on which the repair will be carried out. The inverted scooter should stand stable, so it is recommended to use a soft coating or a special holder to avoid scratching the steering wheel and display.
- 🛠️ Set of hexagonal keys (including dimensions of 5 mm and 6 mm) for unscrewing frame bolts.
- 🔧 Flat-slippers or circ-cutters for working with clamps and small fixators.
- 💨 Pump or compressor for pre-removal of air from the chamber before removal.
- 🧤 Working gloves to protect hands from dirt, lubrication and sharp edges of metal parts.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
It is not superfluous to prepare WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant in advance, as the mounting bolts of the engine cover often cling to moisture and vibration. If you are planning to replace the camera, make sure that the new camera meets the 8.5×2-inch size, which is the standard for Xiaomi M365 and Pro models.
Dismantling of the protective cover and access to fasteners
The first step in the wheel removal process is to remove the plastic safety cover that blocks access to the motor-wheel mount bolts, which sits tightly in place and is fixed by multiple screws as well as plastic latches. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the lid to locate all mounting points, and use the appropriate screwdriver to twist them out.
After removing all visible screws, do not pull the lid with force, as it can hold on the inner guides. With light swaying movements from side to side, try to free it from the body. If the lid does not lend itself, check whether any hidden screw near the axis or at the top of the casing remains untwisted.
⚠️ Warning: The plastic of the engine cover is quite fragile, especially in the cold or after prolonged operation, so avoid sharp jerks and use plastic blades for snapping.
Once the lid is successfully removed, you will have access to the main wheel mount and brake disc, and at this stage it is important not to lose small screws, so it is recommended to fold them in a magnetic tray or container with separators. Visually inspect the state of the wiring going to the motor for scuffs or damage to the insulation.
What to do if the screws of the cover are broken?
Disconnection of electrical contacts and braking system
The rear wheel in Xiaomi's electric scooter is a motor wheel, which means there are electrical connections that need to be disconnected before the wheel is physically removed. The power cable runs inside the frame and exits the axis, connecting to the controller through the connector. Find this connector (usually located under the deck or near the front of the frame) and gently disconnect it by pressing on the lock.
In parallel with the electrics, you need to release the brake mechanism. Depending on the modification of your scooter, it can be a disc brake or a drum brake. The disc brake will require you to unscrew the bolts that hold the caliper and remove it from the disc, hanging it on a wire so that you do not pull the brake hose. The drum brake will need to remove the cable or unscrew the traction.
- ⚡ Disconnect the motor-wheel connector, previously disconnecting the power of the scooter.
- 🔩 Weake the brake caliper mount bolts or remove the drive cable.
- 🧵 Remove the power cable from the frame cable channel if it interferes with the free running of the wheel.
- 🔍 Check the insulation status of the cable for cracks or cracks near the axis.
Carefully cut the old locks, trying not to damage the insulation of the wire. When you reassemble, you will need new screeds to securely fix the cable so that it does not rub against the rotating parts.
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Number or photograph the order of disconnection of wires and position of brake pads so that during assembly there is no confusion with the correctness of installation.
Procedure for removing the wheel from the frame of the scooter
Once all the interfering elements are removed, you can immediately remove the wheel, and it is held on the frame by bolts that pass through the axle and fork of the pendulum. Usually you use two or four main bolts that you need to unscrew completely. Use a long collar to create the necessary force, because these bolts are tightened very much.
After the fasteners are unscrewed, the wheel does not always fall by itself, as it can be clamped by frame elements or a brake disc. Take the wheel with both hands on the sides and pull it down and back a little to get the axle out of the fork seats. If the wheel is stuck, you can slightly tap on the axis with a rubber bilge, but avoid hitting the aluminum parts of the frame.
| Mounting element | Type of instrument | Moment of puffing (Nm) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel axle bolt | 6 mm hexagon | 25-30 | It takes effort when unscrewing. |
| Engine cover screws | Cross screwdriver | 1-2 | Don't pull over, plastic. |
| Brake caliper bolts | Hexagon 4-5 mm | 5-7 | Check after assembly |
| Brake cable attachment | Carrot key 8 mm | 3-4 | Adjustment is required |
When removing the wheel, be careful with the weight of the structure: the motor-wheel is quite heavy, and its fall can lead to leg injury or damage to the floor. In the Xiaomi M365 Pro models, the wheel axis has slits that must match when installed, so you will need accurate positioning when mounting a new wheel.
Camera replacement, tires and bearing maintenance
When the wheel is removed, you have access to replace the camera or the tire, you have to completely flush the air, you have to twist the nipple spool out of the rod, then, using the mounting blades, you can pull the tyre side and turn it out, and then you can remove the camera. When you install the new camera, you have to slightly pump it up so that it spreads out, and you can evenly refill the tyreboard.
If the purpose of removing the wheel was to replace bearings, you will need to remove the brake disc and star (if you have one on your modification). Bearings are pressed into the hub and may require a special remover or neat knocking through the slot. When installing new bearings, use heat-resistant lubricant designed for high speeds of rotation.
⚠️ Warning: When replacing the camera, make sure it is not pinched between the tire and the rim, otherwise, when pumping, a repeated breakdown or explosion of the camera is possible.
After replacing components, pump the camera to the recommended pressure, which is usually 50 PSI (about 3.5 bar) for standard load. Check the tightness of the nipple joint and the absence of hernias on the tire. Uniform pressure distribution inside the wheel is critical for stability and safety.
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High-quality installation of the tire without distortions and the correct pressure is the key to the absence of vibrations and the extension of the service life of the motor bearings.
Assembly of the node and final performance check
The assembly is done in reverse sequence, but with a mandatory check of each step.Put the wheel axis into the fork seats, making sure the brake disc entered the caliper correctly and the power cable is not twisted.Tighten the axle fastening bolts with the necessary force, using a dynamometer key or relying on experience to avoid backlash.
Connect the electric motor connector to the characteristic snap of the locker and make sure that the cable is securely placed in the frame channel and fixed with screeds. Place the protective cover, twisting all the screws. After mechanical assembly, turn on the scooter and check the engine's operation at weight: the wheel should rotate freely, without extraneous sounds and jamming.
- 🔩 Check the tightening of all wheel mounting bolts and brake system.
- ⚡ Make sure the electronics work correctly and there are no errors on the display.
- 🛑 Test the brake system for efficiency before your first trip.
- 🚲 Take a short test ride at low speed to check stability.
The final chord will be to check the heat of the motor and bearings after a short run. If you don't feel excessive heat and hear the hum, then the replacement was a success. Regular maintenance and proper installation of components will ensure that your Xiaomi 365 will have a long and trouble-free service.