Operating a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner is usually a seamless process, but even the most reliable mechanisms are subject to wear and tear. Often users are faced with a situation where one of the modules stops spinning, starts making extraneous noise or gets stuck on the doorstep, in such cases there is an urgent need to remove the wheel for visual inspection, cleaning of wound hair or replacing a defective part.
Before disassembling, it is important to understand that chassis design can vary significantly from model to model, while some modules are removed with a single hand movement, others require careful intervention using tools. Incorrect force can lead to breakage of plastic latches, so you need to follow the algorithm of actions clearly.
In this article, we will discuss how to safely dismantle the wheel without damaging the body of the device. You will learn about the intricacies of bearing maintenance, methods of cleaning sensors and the nuances of building different generations of Xiaomi Mijia and Roborock devices.
Diagnosis of failures of the running system
The first step before any manipulations is to make a thorough diagnosis: Don't rush to disassemble the device unless you're sure of the nature of the breakdown. Often the problem is not mechanical failure of the gears, but a banal blockage. The gear motor can be blocked because of wound threads or pet hair that penetrate the mechanism through the gaps.
Notice how the robot behaves when it's working, if the robot vacuum cleaner starts spinning in place, tries to overcome an obstacle that isn't there, or makes a characteristic crackle when it starts, these are sure signs of a problem with the wheels. It's also worth checking the in-app indicators: some models report a particular wheel error with a code or voice notification.
Visual inspection is also required. Turn over the device and try to manually scroll each wheel. The correct module should rotate with little but tangible resistance. If the wheel is too loose or not scrolling at all, it should be removed.
- 🛑 The robot makes a loud grin or squeak when moving.
- 🔄 The device constantly reports getting stuck or rotates around its axis.
- 🧶 Around the axis of the wheel is visible a dense lump of hair, thread or dust.
- 📉 Autonomous work time has decreased significantly due to increased friction.
Tools and workplace preparation required
A minimum set of tools will be required to successfully perform the replacement or cleaning procedure, but it is important to prepare them in advance so as not to interrupt the search process, and the main tool will be a small cross screwdriver, since the screws in Xiaomi’s design are usually small and require accuracy.
Besides a screwdriver, you may need a plastic spatula or a mediator. Metal tools are best avoided for opening latches, as they are easy to scratch glossy plastic or damage internal cables, and stock up on tweezers to remove fine debris and a soft brush to clean contacts.
Organize the workspace. The surface should be flat, clean and well lit. Small screws have the ability to run away and get lost in the pile of the carpet, so it is better to cover the table with a light cloth, which will help not lose any detail in the process.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
Algorithm of removing the wheel without disassembling the body
In many Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners, such as the Mijia 1S or Roborock S5, the design allows the wheel module to be removed without fully disassembling the body. This greatly simplifies the task and reduces the risk of damage to the internal plumes. First, turn the device bottom up and make sure it is turned off.
Carefully inspect the area around the wheel. There is often a screw in the center or side that locks the module. It can be hidden under a decorative sticker or a rubber plug. If you can't see the screws, try to gently pull the module down, but without fanaticism. Some mounts are held on tight latches.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel strong resistance, don't put too much effort into it. Your model may require the removal of the side brush or the removal of the bottom cover.
If the screw is found and twisted, the module must exit the landing site. Sometimes it can be pressed with a spring or fixed by a contact group. Carefully sway the module from side to side, gradually pulling it outwards. The main thing is not to pull sharply so as not to damage the wires going to the engine.
What to do if the wheel is not removed?
Complete Disassembly: When Access to the Innards is Necessary
There are models, like some versions of the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop, where the wheel is integrated into a common platform or closed with a solid bottom panel, in which case you have to remove the entire bottom cover, which is more time-consuming and requires careful rotor layout.
First, remove all visible screws around the perimeter of the bottom of the device. Be sure to check for hidden holes that can be closed with rubber legs or serial number stickers. After you unscrew all screws, use a plastic blade to walk along the junction between the top and bottom of the case.
Move around in a circle, gradually snapping the locks. You'll hear the characteristic clicks. When the bottom panel is released, don't lift it up abruptly. Inside, there may be plumes connecting the floor sensors or the side brush to the main board. Only disconnect the connectors after visual inspection.
Once you remove the panel, you'll have full access to the wheel mechanism, and here you'll see the gear motor, gears and the wheel's own fasteners, and you'll normally need to unscrew the wheel in this design by twisting 2-3 screws holding a plastic glass of the module.
| Model robot. | Type of wheel attachment | The necessary tool | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Robot 1S | Separate module on the propeller | Cross screwdriver | Low. |
| Roborock S5 Max | Separate module on the propeller | Cross screwdriver | Low. |
| Xiaomi Vacuum Mop | Under the bottom cover. | Screwdriver, spatula | Medium |
| Roborock S7 | Separate module (complex access) | Setting screwdrivers | Tall. |
Cleaning, maintenance and replacement of parts
Once you've managed to pull the wheel out, you'll have access to the inside of it, most often the cause of a malfunction is the wool that's wound on the axle, carefully remove all the impurities with tweezers and scissors, and remember to clean the body itself, which is inserted module.
Pay special attention to the contacts. On the inside of the module and in the body of the robot are copper plates for energy transfer. If they are oxidized or contaminated, the wheel may not work even with a proper motor. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or a special contact cleaner.
If a visual inspection reveals a gear failure or engine combustion, you'll need a replacement. You can find new modules in service centers or marketplaces. When you install a new part, make sure the connector is tightly seated in the socket and the sealing gum is intact to keep it moisture-protected.
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Lubricate the wheel axis with only special silicone lubrication. WD-40 or machine oil is unacceptable, as these substances break down plastic and collect dust, which will lead to jamming of the mechanism in a short time.
Assembly and performance check
The assembly is done in reverse order. Put the cleaned or new module into the seat. Make sure it's gone in to the stop and stood straight. If you've been removing the bottom cover, plug all the plumes first, then snap the lid and twist the screws.
Make sure you check if you have any spare parts left. After assembly, turn on the robot vacuum cleaner, put it in cleaning mode or send it through the app. Listen to the sound of the work: there should be no extraneous noise.
Run the test run on an open surface, and the robot must move forward with confidence, turn and overcome small obstacles, and if the problem was a software failure, sometimes after the wheel is replaced, you need to reset the errors through the application or restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: When twisting the screws of the lower cover, observe the uniformity of the force. A twisted screw can crack the plastic case, and an untwisted one will lead to the appearance of cracks and sucking dust into the mechanisms.
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Proper installation of the wheel guarantees not only high-quality cleaning, but also prolongs the life of the motors and battery of the robot vacuum cleaner.