The need to dismantle the front wheel of Xiaomi electric vehicles is quite common, and this is not always associated with serious failure. Most often, the cause is a puncture of the camera or critical wear of the tread, which ceases to provide proper traction. Sometimes you need to replace bearings if you get a characteristic hum or backlash. In any case, the ability to disassemble the knot on your own will save time and money, since service centers often charge for diagnosis and simple replacement of consumables.
The replacement process on the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter M365, as well as their Pro, 1S and Essential versions, is structurally similar, but has its nuances. The main difficulty is that the wheel axis is rigidly fixed in the fork, and access to the fasteners is limited by the design of the shock absorber and wing. Before starting any manipulation, you need to understand that you are working with an electrical device where the mechanical parts are adjacent to the power cables that go to the motor wheel. Careless handling of the wiring can lead to short circuits and more complex connection.
To do this, you need a minimum set of tools, which you should prepare in advance so as not to be interrupted in the process. The main tools will be hexagonal keys, most often sizes 5 mm and 6 mm, as well as a cross screwdriver for working with wing screws. Experienced craftsmen also recommend having plastic blades on hand to disassemble the body so as not to scratch aluminum parts, and WD-40 for processing soured threads. If you plan to change the camera, then immediately prepare a new one, since old rubber products after dismantling are rarely re-installed without risk of damage.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to turn off the scooter through the application or press the switch on the 5-7 Mechanical action on the wheel when power is on can cause false operation of the Hall sensors or engine locking.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
Getting a repair site well prepared is half the success, especially when it comes to disassembling moving parts of a vehicle. You'll need a smooth, stable surface on which to put a scooter without fear of scratching the deck or steering column. The ideal option is a wide table or workbench covered with soft cloth or cardboard. If you don't have that, use a dense carpet on the floor, but make sure that small parts like screws and washers don't get lost in the pile.
The toolkit should be packed in advance, as the hands will be busy holding heavy knots in the process. In addition to the hexagons mentioned, you may need pliers with thin sponges to extract the lock rings or pull the nipple. For models with disc brakes, such as the Xiaomi Pro 2 or Ultra, you will need a special tool for breeding brake pads, so as not to damage the calipor when removing the disc.
- 🔧 Set of hexagonal keys (metric system, necessarily high-quality, not bendable).
- 🪛 Cross screwdriver (PH2) for screws of plastic elements and wings.
- 🧴 Spray lubricant WD-40 or analogue for processing threaded joints.
- 🧤 Tight working gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt.
- 📱 Smartphone for photographing assembly steps (in case you forget the procedure).
It is important to note that using inappropriate tools, such as too short keys, can lead to the licking of the edges on the screws.The aluminum alloys used in Xiaomi's design are quite soft, and excessive force can easily damage the thread.If the screw does not unscrew, do not apply force immediately - better drip the lubricant and wait 10-15 minutes for it to penetrate the thread.
Wing removal and access to the wheel axis
The first step in the process of removing the wheel is to free up space around the fork, which is achieved by removing the front wing. On most Xiaomi scooters, the wing is attached to the fork with several screws located at the top and bottom. The top screws are usually hidden under plastic plugs or are directly on the visible part of the bracket. Carefully twist them out, trying not to drop them into the mechanism, as it can be difficult to get out of there small fasteners.
After removing the upper anchor, you need to release the lower part of the wing, which is often pressed against the wheel axis or fork with additional elements. On some modifications, such as the M365, the lower part of the wing can be fixed with a screw that simultaneously presses the axis, or have a separate attachment to the inside of the fork. When removing the wing, be careful with wiring if it passes near the attachment points or is fixed on the wing itself with screed ties. In some cases, you need to remove the rear part of the wing to gain full access.
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Before removing the wing, take a picture of the location of all wires and screeds - this will help to properly assemble the structure back without clamping the cables.
When all the screws are twisted, carefully pull the wing aside. Don't pull it sharply, as reflective elements can be glued to the inner surface or wiring of position lights (if the model is equipped with this option). If the wing is removed with difficulty, check if all the screws are removed - sometimes one forgotten screw blocks the entire node. The freed space will allow you to clearly see the axis of the wheel and its mounting points.
Disconnection of the motor-wheel and work with wiring
The most important step is working with the electric part, since the front wheel in Xiaomi scooters is a motor-wheel. The cable from the motor passes inside the hollow axle and exits through the hole in the right side of the fork (when viewed as you go), before you completely remove the axle, you need to disconnect the motor connector from the controller or extension cable, which is located inside the steering column or deck.
Accessing the plug often requires removing the safety plug on the fork or partially dismantling the steering rack. In Xiaomi 1S and Pro 2 models, the connector can be hidden deeper than in the classic M365. Carefully pull the cable out of the axle, helping yourself with a thin spoke or tweezers if it is stuck. The main thing here is not to damage the insulation and not to pull the wires from the engine socket itself, as restoring the tightness of the wheel after that will be difficult.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to pull the wire itself, holding only on the insulation, this will lead to a break in the veins inside the rubber shell, and the wheel will stop working.
When the cable is disconnected, the axis of the wheel becomes free of electrical connections. However, on some models, the cable can be additionally fixed with plastic clamps inside the fork, they must be carefully cut with fork cutters or unbuttoned if they are reusable. Make sure that the wire is completely free and not stretched, otherwise, if you try to knock out the axis, you will damage the internal wiring of the motor.
Removal of the axle and removal of the wheel from the fork
Now that the access is open and the cable is disconnected, you can start mechanically removing the wheel. The front wheel axis is fixed on both sides of the fork. On one side (usually the left) is a nut or bolt, and on the other (right) is the return part or through stud. Xiaomi often uses a circuit where the axis is part of the integral hub, and it is fixed by bolts on both sides of the fork.
Use a hexagonal key (usually 6mm or 8mm depending on the year of release and model) to unscrew the axle mount bolt. If the bolt is bald, apply a lubricant and give it time to act. Once the bolts are unscrewed, the axis must leave the seat. However, it often happens that it clings or sits tightly in the bearings, in which case it will require careful tapping of the rubber cue on the axis to move it from its place.