Xiaomi electric scooter M365 โ One of the most popular and reliable options for city trips, but even he wears tires over time: cracked rubber, punctures or just the desire to install stronger tires - all this requires replacement. If you've never done a scooter repair, it can be a complicated process: motor wheels, belt tension, risk of rim damage. M365 You can do it yourself in 1-2 hours, saving on the service center.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with photos and videos, a list of necessary tools, tips for choosing new tires and unique life hacks to facilitate the process (for example, how to remove the wheel without a remover or how to lubricate the thread so as not to tear the bolts).
We warn you right away that replacing the rear wheel (with the engine) is more difficult than the front wheel, but there is nothing impossible.
What tools will be needed to replace the tire
Without the right tools to remove the wheel from Xiaomi M365 It's almost impossible -- especially if you're talking about a rear wheel with a motor -- here's the minimum set you'll need:
- ๐ง Set of hexagons (mandatory with a size of 5 mm - for wheel bolts)
- ๐จ End key by 14 mm (for the rear wheel axle nut)
- ๐ฉ Bearing Remover (or alternatively, two 17-19 mm carob keys)
- ๐ ๏ธ Flat screwdriver (for tyre smacking)
- ๐งด Lubricant WD-40 or litol-24 (thread-and-bearing)
- ๐ฅ Hair dryer or hot water (to soften old rubber)
- ๐ฆ New tire (suitable size - 8.5" for M365)
If you don't have a bearing removable, you can do without it, but it's going to take more effort. You'll also need protective gloves -- rubber and metal parts can hurt your hands. For convenience, prepare a workbench or a table to fix the scooter in the inverted position.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use a hammer to knock out bearings, this will deform the wheel rim. If the bearing does not move, heat it with a hair dryer or lubricate it with penetrating liquid.
If you are planning to replace a tire with a puncture-resistant one (such as Honeycomb or Solid), keep in mind that these tires require more effort when installing, but they last 3-5 times longer than normal tires.
How to remove the wheel from the scooter Xiaomi M365: front-end
The process of removing the front and rear wheels is different because of the presence of the motor in the rear, starting with the simpler option, the front wheel.
Removal of the front wheel
The algorithm is as follows:
- Turn the scooter upside down and fix it (you can repel it into the wall).
- With a 5mm hexagon, unscrew the 4 bolts that attach the brake caliper to the fork. Carefully pull the caliper aside without disconnecting the brake cable.
- The same hexagon twist the bolt of the wheel axis (it is in the center).
- Take the wheel off the fork. If it doesn't come out easily, tap the axis lightly with a wooden bar.
We can start replacing the tires now.
Removal of the rear wheel (with motor)
It's more complicated here because of the belts and the bearings.
- Remove the plastic cover from the engine, pulling it up with a screwdriver (it is attached to the latches).
- Weaken the tension roller belt: unscrew the nut by 10 mm and move the roller to the side so that the belt is loosened.
- Remove the belt from the gear of the motor.
- Unscrew the axis nut with the end key by 14 mm (it is tightened strongly, you may need an extension cord for the key).
- Remove the wheel from the axle. If it doesn't move, gently tap the axle through a wooden pad.
Important: don't lose the washers and the locking rings that are on the axis! They'll need to be set back in the same order.
โ๏ธ Preparation for the removal of the wheel
How to remove an old tire from the rim
This is the most time-consuming stage, especially if the rubber has not changed for a long time and has stuck to the rim. Here are 3 proven methods:
Method 1: Classic (with mounting blades)
If you have a pair of sleeves (or two sleeves), do this:
- Release all air from the chamber (if it is intact).
- Insert the blade between the rim and the tire, gently dent the edge of the rubber.
- Lock the first blade and insert the second at a distance of 10-15 cm Gradually remove the tire behind the rim edge.
- Repeat the process from the other side.
If the rubber is not amenable, moisten it with soap solution or WD-40 โ It'll make it easier to slip.
Method 2: With rope (for hard tires)
Suitable if the tire is "stiffened" and does not move the shoulder blades:
- Wrap the tire around a circle with a strong rope (for example, a parachute).
- Tie the rope with a knot and insert a screwdriver between it and the rim.
- Press on the screwdriver, pulling the rope - this will help to "squeeze" the tire.
Method 3: Heating (for old rubber)
If the tire is not removed, heat it with a hair dryer (or pour hot water) for 5-10 minutes. the rubber will become softer and it will be easier to tamper with.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not use an open fire (lighter, burner) - this will damage the rim and can melt plastic parts!
After removing the tire, check the rim condition: it should not be dented or rust. If there is damage, clean them with sandpaper.
What to do if the tire breaks when you remove it?
How to install a new tire on the rim
Installing a new tire is a reverse process, but it has its own nuances. Here's the step-by-step instructions:
- Check the direction of rotation: there should be an arrow on the tire (โ) And it says, "Rotation." Set it so that the arrow matches the direction of the scooter.
- Apply soap solution to the edge of the rim - this will help the tire "come" in place.
- Start putting on a tire on one side of the rim, gradually moving around. Use mounting blades, but do not put too much effort to avoid tearing the rubber.
- When one side of the tire is on the rim, pump the camera half-pump - this will lift the tire and make it easier to install the second side.
- Carefully tuck the second side of the tire onto the rim, starting from the section opposite the nipple.
- Make sure that the camera is not twisted and evenly lying inside the tire.
- Pump the wheel to the recommended pressure (35โ50) PSI for M365).
If you have a solid tire, the installation process is easier โ it just goes on the rim without a camera, but it takes a lot of effort to get it installed.
| Type of tire | Pluses | Cons | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular rubber | Soft move, good grip. | Frequent punctures, rapid wear and tear | Medium |
| Pro-piercing (Honeycomb) | Not afraid of nails, it lasts 2-3 years | Hard, heavier by 200-300 g | Tall. |
| Solid (Solid) | It doesn't puncture, it doesn't require pumping. | Very tough, vibrations on irregularities | Low. |
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Before installing a new tire, lubricate the inside of the rim with a waist or silicone lubricant โ this will prevent corrosion and facilitate future replacement.
Wheel assembly and scooter installation
After replacing the tire, you need to properly assemble the wheel and set it back, so it is important not to confuse the order of the parts and tighten all the bolts well.
Front wheel assembly
- Set the wheel on the fork, combining the holes.
- Insert the axis and twist the bolt with a hexagon by 5 mm (not to the end!).
- Set the brake caliper back and tighten its bolts.
- Check that the wheel rotates freely, without friction on the caliper.
- Tighten the axial bolt to the point (the moment of tightening is 40โ50 Nยทm).
Rear wheel assembly (with motor)
It is important to properly stretch the belt:
- Set the wheel on the axle, not forgetting about washers and locking rings.
- Put the belt on the gear of the motor.
- Adjust the tension roller: the belt should bend 5-10 mm when pressed with a finger.
- Tighten the axis nut with a key by 14 mm (moment - 60-70 Nยทm).
- Install a plastic motor cover.
After assembly, check:
- ๐ The wheel rotates smoothly, without jamming.
- ๐ No extraneous sounds (squeaking, knocking).
- ๐ The brake is working correctly (front and back).
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the scooter twitches at start or makes a grin, the belt is pulled or the wheel is curved!
๐ก
The most common mistake in rear wheel assembly is the wrong tension of the belt. Too little tension leads to slippage, too much to accelerated wear of the engine.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced wizards sometimes make mistakes when replacing tires with Xiaomi M365. Here. TOP-5 Problems and how to prevent them:
- ๐ง Axle threads are broken, which occurs when you pull the bolts over. Always use a dynamometer key or tighten "with feeling".
- ๐ If one side of the rubber is unevenly seated, the wheel will be eight.
- ๐ฅ Damaged camera -- often happens when you install a tire with a screwdriver. Use plastic mounting blades.
- ๐ Failure to work: If you forget to set the caliper or press the brake cable, check the brakes after assembly!
- โก Short circuit - if you damage the motor wires when you assemble the rear wheel. Always disconnect the scooter from the power before work.
Another common problem is vibration after replacement, which occurs if:
- The tyre is not in the direction of rotation.
- The rim is bent (check its smoothness by rolling the wheel on weight).
- Balancing is disturbed (relevant for worn rims).
If vibrations appear, take the wheel apart and check again.
How often to change tires on Xiaomi M365
The life of the tires depends on the style of driving, the coating and the type of rubber.
- ๐ฒ Conventional rubber: 1000โ2000 km (or 1-2 seasons with active driving).
- ๐ก๏ธ Pro-piercing (Honeycomb): 5000โ8,000 km.
- ๐จ Solid: 10,000+ km, but loses traction through 3000-4000 km.
Signs that it is time to change the tire:
- ๐ Visible cracks or scuffs to the cord.
- ๐จ Frequent punctures (more than 2-3 times a month).
- ๐ The scooter begins to "swim" on the corners (clutch deteriorated).
- ๐ There was a hum or vibration when driving.
If you drive on asphalt, regular rubber will last longer, and for gravel, pavers or winter driving, it is better to put puncture-resistant tires immediately.
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To prolong the life of tires, regularly check the pressure in the tires. Low pressure increases the wear of rubber by 30-40%!