How to remove backlash on the scooter Xiaomi: 5 working ways (with photo)

Why does the backlash appear on the Xiaomi scooter and what is it dangerous?

Luft in the steering column, wheels or folding mechanism Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, 1S Or Essential, a problem that one in three owners encounters after 1-2 seasons of operation, and it's not just an annoying knock when driving, but a direct safety threat: the scooter can lose control at speed, especially when braking or passing irregularities.

The main causes of backlash are divided into two groups: mechanical (weakening of fasteners, wear of bearings) and constructive (fabricated assembly defects, low metal quality in budget models). M365 Often "broken" seat steering column due to weak aluminum alloy, and in Pro 2 back wheel arises due to deformation of the axle after strong impacts.

The problem cannot be ignored: even a minimum backlash of 1-2 mm over time turns into a critical loosening, requiring replacement parts costing up to 30% of the price of a new scooter. Fortunately, 80% of cases are eliminated on their own in 10 to 30 minutes with a minimum set of tools.

Diagnosis: how to find the source of backlash

Before you start to use the tools, determine which part of the scooter is luftite.

• 🛴 Steering column: take the wheel and swing back and forth sharply.The Luft feels like a "crunch" or free-kick.
• 🌀 Wheel: lift the scooter behind the frame and swing the wheel perpendicular to the axis. If you hear a knock, the bearings or mounting are a problem.
• 🔧 Folding mechanism: open and close the scooter, listening to extraneous sounds in the hinge.
• 👣 Stepping: stand on a scooter and transfer the weight from sock to heel.The Luft will manifest as a "play" of the platform.

Typical "symptoms" for popular models:

If the backlash only manifests itself when riding on irregularities, but disappears on a flat surface, the problem is most likely in the bearings of the wheels. If it is permanent, check the fasteners and hinges.

Method 1: lifting the steering column bolts (the simplest method)

In 60 percent of cases, the back lift in the steering column is eliminated by a trivial two-bolt lift.

• 🔧 Hexagonal key 5 mm (for most models) or 6 mm (for Pro 2).
• 🔩 End key 14 mm or 15 mm (for counternuts).
• 🧴 Silicone lubricant or WD-40 (if the bolts are acidified).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn the scooter upside down with the steering wheel on the floor.
2. Find two bolts at the junction of the steering column and frame (usually hidden under rubber plugs).
3. Weaken the counternut with the end key, holding the bolt with a hexagon.
4. Tighten the bolt clockwise with a force of 6-8 N·m (do not pull, so as not to tear the thread!).
5. Holding the bolt, fix the counternut.

After the lift, check the steering wheel: it should rotate smoothly, without jamming. If the backlash remains, the problem is deeper (wearing out of the sleeve or a crack in the frame).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models M365 The steering column bolts are often clamped to the ground by corrosion after 2019. Don't try to rip them off by force - handle them. WD-40 And wait 10-15 minutes.

Method 2: Adjusting or replacing wheel bearings

The luxe in the wheel is a consequence of bearing wear or weakening their landing. Xiaomi uses standard bearings. 608ZZ (internal diameter of 8 mm, which can be bought in any bike store for 100-300 rubles.

How to check bearings:

• 🔍 Remove the wheel by holding the axle with a 14mm end key.
• 🌀 Twirl the bearing with your fingers: if you hear a crunch or feel “sandiness” – it must be replaced.
• 📏 Check the backlash by swaying the inner ring of the bearing relative to the outer one.

Instructions for replacement:

1. Remove the wheel and remove the old bearings with a removable or flat screwdriver (carefully so as not to damage the clip!).
2. Clean the seats of dirt and old lubricant.
3. Install new bearings by evenly pressing on the outer ring (don't hit with a hammer!).
4. Lubricate bearings with lithium lubricant (do not use solidol - it collects dirt).
5. Collect the wheel by tightening the axle with a force of 40-50 N·m.

If the bearings are in normal condition, but the wheel is in a luft, the problem may be the wear of the seat on the axle. ~500 rubles) or axle replacement.

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Before installing new bearings, warm them up with a hair dryer to 60-70°C – so they sit on the axis tighter and last longer.

Method 3: Repair of the folding mechanism

The backing at the scooter folding site is a common problem after 500 to 1,000 kilometers, usually due to loosening of the locking screw or wear of the plastic sleeve inside the hinge.

How to eliminate:

1. Unlock the scooter and find the screw on the hinge (usually under a rubber plug).
2. Tighten it with a hexagon of 4 mm or 5 mm (depending on the model).
3. If backlash remains, disassemble the mechanism, remove the old sleeve and replace it with a metal one (sold on AliExpress for 200-400 rubles).
4. Lubricate the hinge with graphite lubricant (do not use liquid oils - they will leak out and attract dust).

On Xiaomi models M365 and 1S The weak spot is the plastic folding mechanism locker. If it cracks, replace it with an aluminum counterpart, it will increase the resource by 3-5 times.

⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the folding mechanism, do not lose the small springs and balls of the lock.

Method 4: strengthening the footrest (if backlash in the frame)

The backrest is the most insidious problem, as it is often associated with cracks in the frame or weakening of the welds. > 100 kg) or after falling, the metal may deform.

Temporary measures (if there are no cracks):

• 🔧 Pull all the bolts of the footstring to the frame (usually 4 bolts under the hexagon 5 mm).
• 🛠️ Install additional spacers from aluminum profile (sold in scooters stores).
• 🧲 Apply epoxy glue or cold welding to the joints (this will not eliminate the backlash completely, but will slow its progression).

If there are cracks on the frame:

• 🚫 Do not use a scooter - it is dangerous for life!
• 🔧 Contact the service for argon welding (cost) ~1500–30 rubles).
• 🆕 If the frame is deformed strongly, it is cheaper to buy a new scooter - repair will cost 50-70% of its cost.

On Xiaomi Essential and Lite models, the footstrap is often lufty due to the weak attachment to the frame, in which case the installation of reinforced bolts with grover washers will help.

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The back of the foot, caused by cracks in the frame, is an incorrigible defect that threatens safety, and riding on such a scooter can cause it to fold on the go.

Method 5: Replace worn-out parts (for advanced users)

If the bolt lift and adjustments didn't work, you'll have to replace the worn-out knots. Here's a list of the parts that most often fail:

Where to buy spare parts:

• 🛒 Xiaomi official services – original details, but expensive (prices 2-3 times higher than the market).
• 🌍 AliExpress — cheap, but long to wait (3-6 weeks) > 98%.
• 🏬 Local shops of electric scooters - the best option in terms of price / speed.

When replacing parts, pay attention to compatibility with the model. M365 Not suitable for Pro 2 due to different bearing diameters.

Prevention: how to prevent the appearance of backlash

Compliance with simple rules will prolong the life of a scooter by 30-50%:

• 🚦 Avoid driving on curbs and pits - each stroke reduces the life of bearings and steering column.
• 🧴 Lubricate moving parts every 500 km (use lithium lubricant or bearing lubricant).
• 🔧 Check the tightening of the bolts every 200-300 km (especially the steering column and wheels).
• 🚿 Wash the scooter after rain and handle metal parts WD-40 corrosion-proof.
• ⚖️ Do not exceed the maximum weight (usually 100-120 kg for most Xiaomi models).

If you are aggressive (jumping, stunts), install reinforced axles and metal bushings instead of regular plastic ones, which will increase the weight of the scooter by 200-300 grams, but save money on repairs.

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Keep the scooter in a dry place at a temperature of 10–25°C. Cold and humidity accelerate wear of plastic parts and metal corrosion.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions