Owning an electric vehicle from Xiaomi is a pleasure to drive quickly around the city, until the quiet hum of the engine is replaced by an annoying sound. Screaming, knocking or grinding can appear suddenly, causing the owner to wonder about the causes of the malfunction. Most often the problem lies in the natural wear of rubbing parts or moisture, but ignoring these signals can lead to more serious breakdowns.
Before you panic and bring a device into service, it's important to make a primary diagnosis: noise can come from the steering column, wheels, suspension or brake system. Understanding the source of sound is half the solution. In this article, we'll go into detail about the main components that need attention and how to maintain them.
Diagnostics of the source of noise: where exactly is creaking?
The first step is always to pinpoint the sound location. The Xiaomi M365 or Pro 2 has a lot of movable connections. To understand why Xiaomi's scooter is creaking, you need to drive a short distance and listen to the nature of the sound. Sometimes the source is obvious, but often the sound resonates across the frame, confusing.
Try to jolt the steering wheel from side to side in place. If you hear a thud or a creak in the area of the folding mechanism, the problem is probably fixing the steering column. Metal ringing when driving over irregularities often indicates backlashes in the suspension or wing mounts. It is important to distinguish the creak from the friction of plastic against metal.
If the sound is like a screech and gets stronger when you hit the brake, it's the brake system, and if you're dry creaking around the wheel, it can mean that the bearings are damaged, and if you're precise, you'll save time and money, because you won't change the parts that are working.
- 🔊 A sharp screech during braking - a problem with pads or disc.
- 🔩 Deaf knock in the steering wheel - backlash in the folding mechanism.
- 🛞 Shurshanging or hum in the wheel - wear of bearings or tires.
- 💧 Scream after rain - getting moisture into the nodes of friction.
Folding mechanism and steering column
The most common reason for knocking and creaking in Xiaomi scooters is the folding mechanism. This is where the most load is concentrated when driving. Over time, the factory lubricant dries out, and dust and sand enter the gaps. The zipper hook and the response part on the frame begin to rub against each other with a characteristic metallic sound.
To fix the problem, you need to open the mechanism and thoroughly clean the surfaces of the old dirt. Use rags and degreasers. After cleaning, apply a new lubricant. Lithium lubricant or WD-40 sprays (as a cleaner and then a thick lubricant) will be great for this task. Don't spare the lubricant, but also keep it from draining onto the plastic.
⚠️ Warning: When lubricating the folding mechanism, make sure that the lubricant does not fall on the rubber safety button and inside the electronics at the base of the steering wheel.
It's also worth checking the tightening of the bolts holding the steering column. Weakened mounts can cause a slug that feels like a knock. Use a hexagonal key to tighten the screws. If the creak is left, the sleeves inside the mechanism may have worn out and need to be replaced.
☑️ Maintenance of the folding mechanism
Problems with wheels and bearings
If the creak comes directly from the wheels, first suspect bearings. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter models have ball bearings that lose lubrication over time. Huzzing or howling, growing at a rate, is a classic symptom of wear and tear. Ignoring this can lead to a jamming of the wheel.
The second source of sound is the tire itself. If it doesn't fit well to the rim or has injuries (hernias, cuts), there may be uneven noise when spinning. Check the tire pressure: too low pressure causes the rubber to rub against the ground and rim, creating a rustling sound. Normal pressure should be about 50 PSI (3.5 Bar).
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Monotonous hum | Wear of bearings | Bearing replacement |
| Rhythmic tapping | Wheel/tyre deformation | Replacement of camera or tire |
| Screaming at the turn | Tie friction against the frame | Checking the wheel centre |
| Squeal on the pavement | Low tire pressure | Pumping up to 50 PSI |
Replacing bearings will require a skipper or a neat hammer and mandrel, and it is critical to install new bearings strictly perpendicular to the axis to avoid skewing and quickly re-incapacitating, and if you are unsure of your abilities, you should trust the procedure to specialists.
How to check the bearing without disassembly?
Brake system: squeaking and screeching
Disc brakes on Xiaomi scooters are prone to creaking, especially in wet weather or when sand hits. Squealing is caused by the pads vibrating against the disc. It doesn't always mean a break, it's often enough to just clean the system. However, if the pads are worn to metal, the creak will be constant and loud.
Check the thickness of the friction material. If it is less than 1 mm, the pads need to be replaced. Also, check the brake disc: it should be flat, without deep furrows and soot. The curved disc will constantly touch the pads, causing the grinding even without pressing the brake handle.
- 🧼 Wash the disc and caliper with a special brake cleaner.
- 🔧 Check alignment (centering) of the caliper relative to the disk.
- 🛑 Replace the pads if a metal base is visible without rubber.
- 💨 Blow the mechanism with compressed air to remove dust.
Sometimes it helps to lightly grind the disc surface with fine sandpaper (if there is no deep production) and the pads themselves, which removes the glazed layer, which is often the cause of the noise. After the procedure, be sure to do some smooth braking for laundry.
⚠️ Warning: Never lubricate brake discs and pads with oil or regular lubrication! this will lead to complete brake failure and the risk of falling.
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Scream brakes in 80% of cases is solved by cleaning the disc and pads from dust or replacing them with critical wear.
Suspension and shock absorbers
In shock absorbers like the Xiaomi Pro 2 or Xiaomi Scooter 4, the creak is often caused by shock absorbers themselves. The springs can rub against the body, and the rubber-metal sleeves will dry over time. Dry rubber will produce a characteristic nasty creak every time it hits a bump.
To diagnose, swing the scooter platform up and down by pressing the deck. If you hear a creak in the back, inspect the shock absorber. Take it off and check for the rubber bushings. If they have cracks or they've lost elasticity, they need to be replaced. Silicone lubricant can temporarily remove sound, but it won't restore the properties of the rubber.
Also, note the shock absorber attachments to the frame and pendulum, the loosened bolts cause lashes and knocks, and regular checks of these knots are mandatory, because the vibration constantly unwinds the threaded joints.
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To extend the life of rubber suspension elements, treat them with silicone grease-spray once a season, especially before winter storage, and this will prevent drying and cracking.
Effects of moisture and operating conditions
Why does Xiaomi scooter creak after rain or washing? Water flushes the grease out of the friction knots, and the remaining moisture causes corrosion. Metal shavings from rusting parts start to work like an abrasive. Metal oxides greatly increase friction and noise.
If you operate a scooter in wet weather, maintenance intervals should be halved. After each trip through puddles or snow, it is recommended to wipe the scooter with a dry cloth and let it dry at room temperature. Do not put wet vehicles in a closed case.
Sand and fine dust, when mixed with lubrication, form a solid mixture that destroys machinery: regular washing (neat, without high water pressure in the knots) and repeated lubrication are the key to silence. Aggressive chemicals for car washing can damage plastic elements and scooter stickers.