Replacement of the rear wheel camera on the Xiaomi scooter: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Why the rear wheel camera fails and when to change it

The rear wheel camera on Xiaomi scooter is one of the most vulnerable parts. It takes the brunt of the load when driving on rough roads, often punctured with sharp objects or wears out with time. If you notice that the wheel has become soft, the scooter holds the road worse or you hear the characteristic hissing sound when you press the tire - these are sure signs of puncture or depressurization of the camera.

Many owners of Xiaomi M365, Pro 2 or 1S This is a problem that we're facing after 1-2 seasons of active use, and unlike the front wheel, the rear wheel is more likely to suffer from the weight distribution of the rider and more intense braking. Xiaomi scooters from 2021 use cameras with reinforced cord, but even they are not protected from puncture with nails or glass. In this article, we will discuss how to replace the camera yourself without using the service - saving up to 1500-2000 rubles.

Before you start repairing, make sure that the problem is in the chamber, not in the rim of the wheel or bearings.

• 🔍 Inspect the wheel for visible damage (nails, cuts).
• 💨 Submerge the pumped wheel in water - the bubbles will indicate the puncture site.
• 🛠️ Check if the wheel is plunging (this may indicate problems with bearings).

If the diagnosis is confirmed, we will proceed to replace it. Below you will find a step-by-step instruction, a list of tools and tips for choosing a new camera.

What tools and materials will be needed

To replace the rear wheel camera on the scooter Xiaomi does not need professional tools - enough basic kit, which is found in most owners.

Pay special attention to the choice of a new camera. for scooters Xiaomi M365/Pro 2/1S standard-size 8.5×2 You don't have Presta bike nipple cameras, they're not compatible, and you also have a flap that protects the camera from friction on the spokes.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal mounts to board the tire - they can damage the rim or the camera itself. Plastic blades or even durable spoons will do better.

If you plan to drive off-road or in high-risk conditions (such as construction sites), consider a tubeless tire or a gel-filled camera (such as a Slime), which are more expensive but minimize the risk of puncture.

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Before you buy a camera, check it for leaks: pump it up and leave it for 12 hours. If the pressure does not drop, you can install it on a scooter.

Step-by-step: Removal of the rear wheel

The first step is to dismantle the wheel, and the key is to take your time and follow the sequence so that you don't damage the brakes or the wiring. On Xiaomi scooters, the rear wheel is attached to the frame through the quick-removal axle and brake cable.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the scooter from power (take out the battery or turn off the button).
2. Turn the scooter upside down with wheels, setting it on the steering wheel and footrest.
3. Remove the plastic wheel cover, duping it with a screwdriver (it is attached to the latches).
4. Reduce the wheel axis nut by a key of 10 mm (do not unscrew completely!).
5. Disconnect the brake cable from the lever, compressing the lock with pliers.
6. Carefully remove the axle from the frame slots and remove the wheel.

At this point, there are often difficulties with the brake disc, which can interfere with the removal of the wheel. If the disc clings to the frame, slightly spin the wheel back and forth, while pulling the axle. Do not exert excessive effort - this can bend the disc or damage the bearings.

⚠️ Note: On models Xiaomi Pro 2 and newer uses electronic brake (E-ABS). When removing the wheel, do not pull the sensor wires - this can tear off the contacts!

Once the wheel is removed, clean the axle and bearings of dirt. If the bearings are sluggish or creaky, they should be replaced too, this will save you from unnecessary repairs in the future. To check, spin the wheel in your hands: if it rotates unevenly or with resistance, the bearings require attention.

Whether the axle nut is weakened (not fully!)|Is the brake cable disconnected?|Are there any scalings (on models with a E-ABS)|Whether the bearings are clean from dirt-->

How to remove the tire and remove the old camera

Now, the most laborious part is to board the tire, where many newcomers make mistakes that damage the rim or the new camera, and the rule of thumb is, don't use sharp objects and act carefully.

Procedure:

1. Lower the air from the chamber by pressing the nipple.
2. Insert the mounting blade between the tire and the rim, starting on the side opposite the nipple.
3. Tap the edge of the tire and fix the shoulder blade, inserting the second shoulder blade at a distance of 10-15 cm.
4. Carefully turn the edge of the tire behind the rim, moving in a circle.
5. After removing one side, take out the old camera, starting with the nipple.

If the tire is stuck to the rim (often after long use), moisten the edge with soap solution or use silicone lubricant. WD-40 or other aggressive compounds – they can damage the rubber.

After removing the camera, examine the inside of the tire for foreign objects (glass, nails) or burrs on the rim that may have caused a puncture. Run your hand over the inside of the rim - if you feel irregularities, clean them with sandpaper.

Installation of a new camera and assembly of the wheel

Before installing a new camera, check for leakproofness (pump and leave for 10-15 minutes). Also make sure the nipple matches the hole in the rim - it must enter tightly, without backlash.

Assembly instructions:

1. Vacuum or blow the inside of the tire and rim with compressed air.
2. Insert the nipple of the new camera into the rim hole and fix it with a nut (do not tighten!).
3. Lay the camera inside the tire, making sure it does not overturn.
4. Start filling the edge of the tire into the rim on the side opposite the nipple using mounting blades.
5. Fill the last section (near the nipple) manually so as not to damage the camera.
6. Pump the wheel to 35-40 pressure PSI (marked on the sidewall of the tire).

One important thing to note is that before you pump it, make sure that the camera is not pressed by the tire. To do this, press the tire in several places — if you feel that the camera is walking inside, it means that it is lying right. If the tire is swelling somewhere, then the camera is twisted and needs to be reinstalled.

After pumping the wheel to half the pressure, look around it in a circle, and if you see the rubber of the camera somewhere, it's come out of the tire and you need to fix it, and then bring the pressure back to normal.

⚠️ Warning: Don't pump the wheel right away to maximum pressure! First bring it to 20 PSI, Check the uniformity of the tire, and then bring to the desired value.

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The camera is a long-lasting device, and even a slight skew can cause rapid wear and tear or re-puncture.

Installation of the wheel back on the scooter

The assembly is done in reverse order, but there are some nuances: the main thing is to connect the brake mechanism correctly and not to squeeze the wires (on models with the main system). E-ABS).

Procedure:

1. Set the wheel on the axle, combining the slots on the frame.
2. Connect the brake cable (on mechanical brakes) or the sensor connector (on the E-ABS).
3. Tighten the axis nut with a key by 10 mm, but do not overdo it - a tight fixation is enough.
4. Install the plastic wheel cover by snapping it around the perimeter.
5. Check the brake by twisting the wheel manually (it should stop smoothly, without jerks).

On models with electronic brake (Xiaomi Pro 2, 1S) After the wheel is installed, it may be necessary to calibrate the sensor:

• 🔧 Turn on the scooter.
• 🛑 Press and hold the brake handle for 5-10 seconds.
• 🔄 Scroll the wheel forward - a characteristic click should be heard (calibration signal).

If after assembly the wheel rotates with difficulty or you can hear a grinding, check:

• 🔄 Is the axis skewed.
• 🛡️ Does the brake disc cling to the frame.
• 🔧 Is the axis nut overstretched.

How to prolong the life of a new camera: tips for operation

Even the best camera will not last long, if you do not follow simple rules of operation, here is what will help to avoid repeated punctures and wear:

• 🚧 Avoid driving on construction sites, glass or sharp stones.
• 📉 Keep the wheel pressure at 35-40 PSI (Low blood pressure increases the risk of a “snake bite” – a double puncture).
• 🔄 Regularly inspect the tire for stuck objects.
• 🛡️ Use a camera sealant (such as Slime) – it automatically seals small punctures.
• 🔧 Every 3-6 months, check the condition of the bearings and lubricate them.

If you often drive off-road, consider installing tubeless tires (such as the Xiaomi Solid Tire).

• ➕ Not afraid of nails and glass.
• ➖ Harder driving (worse depreciation).
• ➖ It's more difficult to install/remove.
• ➖ More expensive than conventional cameras (from 2500 rubles per set).

Also pay attention to the armour belt - these are special tapes that are installed between the camera and the tire and protect against punctures. They are inexpensive (200-400 rubles) and increase the life of the camera 2-3 times.

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After replacing the camera, make a test run of 1-2 km with minimal load, which will help to identify possible defects in the assembly before a long trip.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced Xiaomi scooter owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing the camera, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is a leaky nipple. If the wheel is releasing air a few hours after pumping, check:

• 🔧 Is the nut of the nipple tightened (sometimes it unscrews when driving).
• 🛠️ Is the nipple sealing ring damaged.
• 🔍 Are there any microcracks on the nipple itself.

If the nipple is damaged, it can be replaced separately - they are sold in bicycle shops (cost about 100-150 rubles).

1. Get the air out of the cell.
2. Unscrew the nipple from the outside of the rim.
3. Pull the old nipple out of the chamber and insert a new one.
4. Secure the nut and pump the wheel.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions