Xiaomi’s electric scooters, including the popular M365, Pro, 1S and Pro 2 models, have proven to be a reliable means of transportation, but they have a design feature that requires periodic attention. Over time, owners face the problem of rocking the steering column, which not only causes discomfort when driving, but also poses a real threat to safety on the road. Luft steering is not just an unpleasant knock, it is a signal that the mechanical connections are weakened and require immediate intervention.
Ignoring the first signs of malfunction can lead to more serious consequences, including damage to the folding mechanism or even destruction of the mounting elements in motion. In this detailed guide, we will examine all possible causes of free running, from trivial weakening of the screws to wear of bearings, you will learn what tools you will need to diagnose and how to properly adjust the steering column, so that the scooter will again please you with smoothness.
The process of restoring structural rigidity is available even to beginners, if you act consistently and carefully. It is important to understand that Xiaomi design involves maintenance, but requires compliance with certain rules of tightening and the use of quality lubricants. We will look at both standard adjustment methods and more complex technical solutions for neglected cases.
Diagnosis and the main causes of luft
Before you grab the tools, you need to pinpoint the source of the foreign sound and wobbling. Most often, the problem lies in the folding assembly where the two halves of the steering pipe connect. However, you should not exclude the wear of the bearings at the top and bottom of the fork, as well as the weakening of the fasteners of the steering wheel itself.
To check, take the wheel with both hands and try to swing it from side to side, as well as up and down. If you feel a characteristic knock in the area of the castle, then the problem is the gap between the folding halves. If the backlash is felt at the base of the fork, closer to the deck, or the steering wheel turns with jamming, then it probably requires replacing or adjusting the bearings with the steering wheel.
There is also a less obvious cause, such as deformation of the tubes themselves or wear of plastic bushings inside the mechanism. In rare cases, backlashes can be caused by cracks in the metal, which requires immediate cessation of operation. Below is a table that helps classify symptoms and determine the likely cause of malfunction.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Knocking on bumps | The folding lock is weakened | Adjustment of screws or spring replacement |
| Crunch when turning the steering wheel | Lack of lubrication or dirt in bearings | Disassembly of the fork, cleaning and lubrication |
| Free left-right drive by the deck | Wear of steering column bearings | Replacement of bearings (usually 608zz) |
| Visual gap in folded state | Wear of the metal halves of the castle | Installation of adjusting washers or replacement |
⚠️ Attention: If you find cracks in the welds or in the places where the steering pipe is attached to the deck, further operation of the scooter is strictly prohibited.
Tools and training required
To do the job properly, you'll need a minimal set of tools that Xiaomi owners often already have, a set of hexagons (usually metric ones) that will be the main tool, as almost all screws on the scooter brand have the appropriate head, and you may also need wrenches if you plan to get to the steering bearings.
Don't forget to prepare lubricants. For rubbing metal surfaces, lithium lubricant or specialised sprays like WD-40 (for cleaning) are ideal, followed by a thick lubrication. It is important not to use oils that are too liquid, as they will quickly wash out and attract dust, forming an abrasive mixture.
☑️ Preparation for scooter repair
Work is best done in a clean, well-lit room, cloth or cardboard so you don't lose small screws or stain the floor. If you plan to disassemble the steering column completely, make sure you have space to store the parts you removed in the order they are dismantled, which will make it much easier to assemble.
Adjustment of folding mechanism
The most common reason for backlash on Xiaomi M365 and Pro scooters is a weakening of the folding mechanism. The design consists of two halves: one is fixed on the steering wheel, the other on the deck. Over time, the metal wears out and the gap increases. The first step should always be to try to adjust without disassembling.
There are two hexagon screws on the outside of the lock, and twisting them allows you to choose a free ride, but it's important not to overdo it: too much puff will cause you to not be able to fold or unpack the scooter, or the mechanism will jam at the most inopportune moment.
What to do if the screws don't help?
In some cases, standard adjusting screws are not enough, so owners resort to adjusting washers or even replacing the back of the lock with a more massive, often aluminum, one that is less susceptible to deformation. If you choose the replacement path, make sure the new part matches exactly the model of your scooter.
⚠️ Warning: Never lubricate the inner surfaces of a folding lock with thick lubrication if there are plastic sleeves. The lubricant can eat up the plastic or, conversely, collect sand, turning into an abrasive paste that will accelerate wear and tear.
Replacement and lubrication of steering column bearings
If the backlash is felt at the base of the steering wheel, where it enters the deck, the problem lies in the bearings. Xiaomi scooters usually use two 608zz (or 608-2RS) bearings, which protect the axle from dust and moisture, ensuring a smooth turn. Over time, the lubrication in them dries out, and they themselves can crumble from the impact loads.
Remove the steering wheel. First, unscrew the screw that holds the steering pipe in the folded position, then remove the lid from the top of the fork (often hidden under a decorative plug), underneath which you will see a nut or a locking ring. Once the lock is removed, the steering pipe is removed, and you access the bearings.
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When installing new bearings, don’t hammer them directly. Use a wooden or plastic spacer so that only the inner ring of the bearing is hit, otherwise you will damage the balls and rolling tracks.
Clean the seats of old dirt and rust. New bearings are recommended to be filled with a consistent lubricant before installation, even if they are in oil. This will prolong their life. Collect the structure in reverse order, making sure that the steering wheel rotates freely, but without vertical backlash.
Elimination of backlash with washers and pads
When standard adjustment methods are exhausted, additional elements come to the rescue. The method of installing metal washers or gaskets made of thin sheet metal (for example, from under beer cans or special repair kits) artificially reduces the gap in the folding mechanism.
The washers are placed between the return parts of the lock or under the adjustment screws. The thickness of the gasket must be selected experimentally: too thin will not work, too thick will not close the lock. Often you need to make several iterations, gradually reducing the thickness of the insert.
There's also a method of using Teflon tapes (FUM tapes) or special polymeric linings that are glued to rubbing surfaces, which work as a compensator for wear, but remember that this is a temporary solution, and if you wear the metal too much, it's better to replace the whole knot.
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Using homemade pads is an effective way to extend the life of the folding mechanism, but it requires precision.The ideal thickness of the offsetting insert is usually between 0.1 and 0.3 mm.
Prevention and care of steering gear
To prevent backlash from returning too often, it is important to follow the rules of operation: regularly clean the folding unit of dust and dirt, especially after traveling on wet asphalt or soil. The water washes out the grease and accelerates corrosion, which destroys the metal.
Check the screw tightening every time 100-200 Vibration when driving inevitably leads to their spontaneous unwinding. Use a thread lock (e.g., a medium-fix Loctite) on threaded joints that are not often disassembled.
- 🔧 Check the lock screw tightening before each trip.
- 💧 Avoid washing a scooter under high pressure in the area of the steering column.
- 🛑 Do not jump from the scooter at full speed - this creates a shock load on the bearings.
- 🧼 Remove sand and dirt from the folding mechanism in a timely manner.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to forget about backlash for a long time and enjoy a comfortable ride on your Xiaomi.