Replacement of tires on Xiaomi electric scooter: from disassembly to assembly

Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but even the most reliable equipment requires maintenance. M365, Pro 2, 1S A puncture, a cut, or just a worn rubber can make the trip uncomfortable, but also dangerous. The service center will charge from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles for a replacement wheel, but with the tools and patience you can cope on your own - and save time with money.

In this article, we will discuss the whole process from A to Z: how to remove the wheel correctly, what tools you will need, how to choose a new tire (including a tubeless one or with a camera), and what typical errors lead to re-repair in a week. Particular attention will be paid to models with an integrated engine in the wheel - their disassembly requires care so as not to damage the winding or sensors. If you have never held a hexagon in your hands, do not worry: step-by-step photos and videos (links at the end of the article) will help even a beginner to understand.

What tools will be needed to replace the tire

Without the right tool, replacing the wheel with Xiaomi will be a pain. Here is the minimum set you need to prepare in advance:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Hexagonal keys (dimensions 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm) - for unscrewing the wheel mounting bolts and brake disc.
  • ๐Ÿ”จ Installation blades (2-3 So you can use plastic (to avoid damaging the rim) or metal with rounded edges.
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ End key or head 14 mm - for the wheel axis nut (on some models Pro can be 15 mm).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Pump with pressure gauge โ€“ for pumping the wheel after installation (optimum pressure for Xiaomi is 2.5-3.5 bar).
  • ๐Ÿงด Soapy solution or WD-40 โ€” It will make it easier to remove the rubber from the rim.
  • ๐Ÿงฒ Magnet or pallet - so as not to lose small bolts and washers during disassembly.

If you have a disc brake model (such as the Xiaomi Pro 2), prepare:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Adjustment key for brake pads (if after assembly the brake will rub against the disc).
  • ๐Ÿงด Brake liquid or cleaner - to clean the disc and pads from dirt.

Important: Do not use screwdrivers or knives instead of mounting blades - they will pierce the camera or scratch the rim! If there are no blades, you can cut them out of dense plastic (for example, from a stationery folder).

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi model are you repairing?
M365
Pro 1/Pro 2
1S/Essential
3 Lite/4 Pro
other

How to remove the wheel from the electric scooter: Step-by-step disassembly

Before starting work, disconnect the scooter from charging and make sure that the battery is not discharged below 20% - this will prevent the engine from accidentally turning on during disassembly.

  1. Turn the scooter upwards and fix the steering wheel so that it does not turn (can be wrapped with a belt or rope).
  2. Remove the brake disc (if any): unscrew two bolts with a hexagon of 4 mm and carefully remove the disk without touching the working surface.
  3. Unscrew the axle nut with a 14mm end key (or 15mm for the Pro 2). On some models, the nut can be left threaded - check by the axle tag!
  4. Remove the wheel from the fork by pulling it on you. If it doesn't lend itself, lightly tap the hammer through the wooden shed.

Critical! On models with an integrated motor in the wheel (all Xiaomi except 3 Lite) you can't pull the wires - they are soldered to the controller inside the hub. If the wheel is not removed, check if the wires in the fork are clamped.

Disconnected from charging.|Battery charged at 20%+|Steering wheel fixed|Tools at hand|Photo/video of the disassembly (in case of errors)-->

After removing the wheel, check the bearings and axle for backlash or rust. If the bearings crumble or creak, they should be replaced too (see the diagnostics section for more on this).

How to choose a new tire: sizes, types and brands

Not all tires are suitable for Xiaomi โ€“ a mistake in choosing will lead to management problems or rapid wear.

Model scooterWheel sizeType of tireRecommended pressure
Xiaomi M365, 1S, Essential8.5 inches (216 mm)Integrated or camera-wielding2.5-3.0 bar
Xiaomi Pro 1/Pro 28.5 inches (216 mm)Only a cameraless3.0-3.5 bar
Xiaomi 3 Lite, 4 Pro10 inches (254 mm)Integrated or camera-wielding2.0-2.5 bar

By type of rubber, distinguish:

  • ๐Ÿšฒ Slicks are smooth tires for asphalt (maximum speed, but slide on wet road).
  • ๐Ÿ”๏ธ Semi-slicks - a universal protector for the city and easy off-road.
  • ๐ŸŒฒ Winter โ€“ with spikes or soft rubber for snow and ice (for example, Kenda K-West).

Top.-3 brand tires for Xiaomi:

  1. Kenda โ€“ The original tyres for M365, long-lasting but expensive.
  2. CST โ€” budget alternative, softer than the original, but wears out faster.
  3. Innova - premium segment, improved grip on wet asphalt.

โš ๏ธ Note: On the Xiaomi Pro 2 can not put chamber tires โ€“ the factory design of the rim does not provide a camera, and it will constantly deflate due to friction on the spokes.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before buying, check the date of production of the tire (marking) DOT Rubber over 2 years old loses elasticity and cracks faster.

How to board the tire: instructions with a photo

The slinging is the hardest part, and if you have tubeless rubber, it takes 10 to 15 minutes, and with the camera, it takes longer, because you need to gently fill the camera inside the tyre without twisting it.

Procedure:

  1. Apply the soap solution to the rim edge and the inside of the tire - this will make it easier to slip.
  2. Insert one side of the tire into the rim with your hands (start from the side opposite the nipple).
  3. Use the mounting blades to fill the second side, press the blade on the edge of the tire and lead it around until the side is in place.
  4. For tubeless rubber: pump the wheel to 4 bar to the side "stand" on the rim (you hear a click).

โš ๏ธ Note: If the tire does not sit on the rim, do not hit it with a hammer - so you will damage the cord. It is better to use screed belts or a special lathe (you can make an old fork of a bicycle).

For chamber tyres:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Check that the camera nipple is peering out of the hole in the rim.
  • ๐Ÿ” Make sure the camera is not twisted inside the tire (otherwise it will burst when pumped).
  • ๐Ÿšด Pump the wheel gradually, checking if the camera has evenly spread out.
What to do if the tire does not sit on the rim?
If the side of the tire stubbornly does not stand in place even with soap solution, try the following: 1. Warm the tire with a hair dryer (not higher than 60).ยฐC) - rubber will become more elastic. 2. Use the third mounting blade as a lever, but without excessive effort. 3. Pump the wheel to 5 bar (only for tubeless tires!), then blow the pressure - sometimes this helps the board to "get back" in place. If nothing helps, the tire is not suitable for size or defective.

Wheel assembly and check after replacement

After boarding, it remains to assemble the scooter in reverse order, but there are several critical points:

  1. Check the centering of the wheel, it should rotate without a beat. If you notice an eight, relax the axle nut and adjust the position of the wheel.
  2. Set the brake disc so that it does not rub against the pads. If necessary, adjust the position of the pads with a hexagon.
  3. Tighten the axis nut with a force of 40-50 Nยทm (do not pull, otherwise damage the thread!).
  4. Check the engine โ€“ briefly turn on the scooter and make sure that the wheel rotates smoothly, without jerks.

โš ๏ธ Warning: After you change your tire, make sure you check the brakes! Press the brake lever - the wheel should lock without creaking. If the brake is weak, adjust the tension of the cable or replace the pads.

Drive carefully for the first 10 to 20 km, new rubber can be slippery, especially if you choose the slicks, and watch the pressure: tubeless tires can slowly poison the air in the early days.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the scooter vibrates at speed or pulls to the side after replacing the tire, check the wheel balance and tire pressure. Most often, the problem is solved by swapping to the recommended value.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced tyre makers sometimes make mistakes that lead to re-repair, and this is what you can't do when you replace a tyre with Xiaomi.

  • ๐Ÿšซ Use an inappropriate tire size โ€“ for example, putting 10 inch tires on top of your tire. M365 (8.5 inches. This will cause friction against the underwing and rapid wear and tear.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Pumping the wheel without a pressure gauge - excessive pressure (>4 bar) may break the tire and the insufficient (<2 bar) will worsen management.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Ignore the condition of bearings - if they crumbled, the new tire will serve many times less.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Tighten the axis nut without a dynamometer key - the pull deforms the axis, the tightness will lead to a backlash.

Another common problem is that the camera is punctured when you're on board, so you can avoid this.

  • Before installing the camera, inspect the rim for burrs or rust (clean with sandpaper if necessary).
  • Do not use screwdrivers for cabin - only plastic or special metal blades.
  • Pump the camera gradually, listening to hiss (a sign of puncture).

If after replacing the tire, the scooter began to accelerate more slowly or the wheel warms up, check:

  • Does the tire touch the brake pads or under the slats?
  • Is the engine wires correctly connected (on models with built-in motor).
  • If the axis is stretched, it increases friction.

When to contact the service: signs of complex breakdowns

Not all Xiaomi wheel problems can be solved by yourself.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The engine doesn't work after the tire is replaced - it may have damaged the wires or the Hall sensor.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š The wheel emits a grinding or crunch when rotating - this is a sign of destroyed bearings or damaged engine windings.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Wheel heats up above 60ยฐC after 10 minutes of driving โ€“ engine or controller problem.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The scooter twitches when accelerating - a malfunction of the speed sensor or a break in the winding is possible.

It is also worth going to the service if you:

  • You can't take the wheel off because of the axle thread.
  • They were destroyed by the stains (cracks, dents).
  • I noticed the sparkling or smell of burning from the engine.

The cost of diagnostics in official Xiaomi services is from 500 rubles. engine repair will cost 3,000-8000 rubles depending on the model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing tires on Xiaomi

Can I bet on Xiaomi? M365 10-inch wheels?
Technically, yes, but it would require a replacement fork and rear wing, because the standard design is not designed for a larger diameter, and it would change the clearance and could affect handling, and it would be better to stay at its native size of 8.5 inches.
How often should I change the tires on the electric scooter?
The service life depends on the style of driving and type of rubber: ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Urban driving on asphalt - 3000-5000 km. ๐Ÿž๏ธ Gravel/off-road driving โ€“ 1,500โ€“2,500 km. โ„๏ธ Winter operation - 1,000-2000 km (because of low temperatures, rubber bluffs and cracks faster) Signs of wear: tread worn off to indicators, visible cracks on the sidewalls, frequent punctures.
What if after replacing the tire, the scooter became worse to brake?
Probable causes: Brake pads have worn out and are not reaching the disc. Solution: replace the pads. The brake disc is contaminated or deformed. Solution: clean it with alcohol or drill it on a lathe. The tire is rubbing against the pads because of improper alignment. Solution: loosen the axle nut and adjust the position of the wheel.
Can I seal a puncture in the tubeless tire Xiaomi Pro 2?
Yes, but it's a temporary fix. Repair: Find a puncture site (plug the wheel in water and look for bubbles). Clean the puncture site with sandpaper. Apply a special glue for tubeless tires and install a patch. Pump the wheel and check the leakiness. For reliability after repair, use a tubeless tire sealant (for example, Slime). However, if there are several punctures or the rubber is old, it is better to replace the tire.
How to check the bearings of the wheel for wear?
Take the wheel in your hands and shake it perpendicular to the axis: If you feel the backlash, the bearings are worn out. If the wheel is rotating with noise or jamming, the bearings have crumbled or become dirty, 6004-2RS for M365). The process is laborious - if there is no experience, it is better to contact the service.