Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter series electric scooters are deservedly popular for their compactness and reliability, but their pneumatic wheels are often a source of problems. Punctures, sidewall cuts or just wear of rubber make owners think about repair. Self-replacement of the wheel is a process that requires accuracy, the right tool and understanding of the design of the unit, but it is quite possible even for a beginner.
In this article, we will discuss how to safely dismantle a damaged wheel, remove an old camera and install a new one. You will learn about the specific nuances of disassembling cast discs, how to deal with sour bolts and select quality components that will last longer than factory counterparts.
Diagnosis of the condition and selection of components
Before you start disassembling, you need to determine exactly the nature of the damage. If the scooter starts losing air too quickly or you hear a characteristic hiss, most likely, the problem lies in the camera. Visual examination of the tire can reveal sticking out nails, cuts or cracks through which air escapes. Sometimes the cause lies in a faulty nipple, which can be replaced without removing all the rubber.
When choosing a new camera, it is important to pay attention to the marking. Most models, such as the M365, Pro, Pro 2 and Essential, use a dimension of 8.5x2. However, there are modifications with solid (cast) wheels or an increased diameter of 10 inches that require completely different parts. Buying an inappropriate camera will lead to the inability to install it or quickly fail.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not attempt to seal the camera if it has broken along the seam or has multiple injuries. In conditions of constant vibration and load, such repair will be temporary and dangerous.
Replacement may also require a new tire if the old one is badly worn or has deep cuts. It is recommended to choose products with reinforced sidewalls, as standard rubber often suffers from "chewing" between the rim and the frame when punctured. A quality tire will provide better coasting and protection from punctures.
Tools and workplace preparation required
To successfully complete the replacement work, you will need a basic set of tools that most home craftsmen will find. A key element is a set of hexagons, since almost all fasteners in the design of the Xiaomi scooter have an internal hexagonal head. Usually you need a key size of 5 mm, but it is better to have a full set in case of non-standard bolts.
You will also need a powerful pump to pump the wheels. Hand pumps, which come with a kit, often are not able to create the necessary pressure of 50 psi (about 3.5-4 atmospheres) to properly fit the tire on the disk. Using a compressor or a quality foot pump with a pressure gauge will greatly facilitate the final assembly and seal check.
- ๐ ๏ธ Set of hexagonal keys (mandatory presence of 5 mm and 6 mm)
- ๐ง Plastic mounts for removing the tire (so as not to damage the disc)
- ๐จ Powerful pump or compressor with pressure gauge
- ๐งค Talc or soap solution (to facilitate camera installation)
- ๐ฆ Lantern (to inspect the internal condition of the tire)
Prepare a clean, well-lit workplace, and you'll need space not only for the scooter itself, but also to place the parts you've removed in order to dismantle them, and cover the surface with soft cloth or cardboard so you don't scratch the frame and lose the small cogs that tend to roll into the most inappropriate places.
โ๏ธ Preparation for scooter repair
Dismantling of the front wheel
The front wheel removal process is the easiest and ideal for training before working with a more complex rear assembly. First, turn the scooter upwards with the steering wheel, pre-fix the steering wheel or place a soft lining on the plasters and display so as not to damage them. Open the folding mechanism if your model design requires it to access the fastener.
Focus on the axis of the wheel. In some versions, it is fixed with a locking screw, which must be twisted first. Use a suitable hexagon with moderate force. If the screw does not respond, do not use excessive force so as not to break the edges, you better drop penetrating lubricant and wait for a few minutes.
Sequence of action:
1. Unscrew the locking screw of the axle.
2. loosen the axle nut (if any) or dislodge the axle.
Remove the fixing plate (brake disc).
4. Remove the wheel from the fork.Once the fasteners are removed, carefully remove the wheel from the fork. Pay attention to the condition of the brake disc and bearings. If the disc is curved, you can try to align or replace it, as this affects the effectiveness of braking. Bearings should rotate smoothly, without crunch or backlash.
๐ก
When removing the front wheel, pay attention to the position of the speed sensor (if it is installed separately), do not lose a small metal washer magnet that is attached to the spokes or disk and interacts with the sensor.
Removal of the rear motor-wheel
Replacing the rear wheel is a more challenging task, because it's where the motor is located and the power cable is supplied. Start by turning off the power of the scooter. Then you need to access the wire entry point to the motor wheel. This often requires removing the lid covering the end of the engine, which is held on several screws around the perimeter.
The most critical aspect is the disconnection of the phase wires. Depending on the model (M365, Pro, Pro 2), the connector can be located inside the hollow of the wheel or output through special holes. Be extremely careful: the wires are thin and easily break when sloppy handling. In some cases, partial disassembly of the deck (foot pads) is required to access the internal wiring.
โ ๏ธ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pull the scooter on the wires or pull the motor-wheel until the connector is disconnected, this will lead to a break in the contacts inside the motor, which will require complex repairs with soldering of the windings.
After the electric is turned off, the mechanical removal process is similar to the front wheel: the axial bolt is twisted, the brake disc is removed and the shock absorber (if it interferes) is heavier than the front motor wheel, so hold it with the second hand when extracted so that it does not fall on the leg or floor.
What to do if the axial bolt is jammed?
Replacement of camera and tires: step-by-step algorithm
When the wheel is removed, the most time-consuming step is to replace the rubber. Xiaomi cast wheels do not have a collapsible side, like car wheels, so you have to remove the tire "to tear" using mounts. First, completely flush the air out of the chamber, twisting the nipple spool to make sure that the pressure is zero.
Using plastic mounts, you can slap the edge of the tire and throw it over the side of the disk. You can move around, gradually releasing one side of the tire. Then you can remove the camera. You can slap it up a little bit to keep it from getting pinched during installation, and sprinkle it with talc or smear it with soapy sliding solution.
| Work phase | Action | Important nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of the tire | Use of 2-3 installations | Act carefully so as not to damage the disk |
| Camera extraction | Pulling through the hole under the nipple | Test the nipple for integrity. |
| Installation of a new camera | Filling inside the tire | Slightly pump (1-2 psi) |
| Tire installation | Pulse-on-disk refuelling | Make sure the camera doesn't get underboard. |