How to remove the wheel on the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Roborock

Smart tech owners often face the challenge of having a robot vacuum cleaner make extraneous sounds or lose orientation in space. One of the most common sources of noise and unstable behavior is pollution or wear on the chassis. In particular, the question of how to remove a wheel on a Xiaomi Roborock becomes relevant when animal hair, threads and hair enter the rotation mechanism.

Timely maintenance of the chassis module allows you to extend the life of an expensive gadget and avoid critical engine failures. In this guide, we will discuss in detail the process of dismantling, cleaning and assembly of the wheel assembly for various models of the Roborock and Xiaomi line. It is important to understand that careless intervention can lead to damage to plumes or plastic mounts.

Before any manipulations are initiated, you need to make sure that the device is completely switched off and disconnected from the charging station. The lithium-ion battery is under voltage, so the use of metal tools requires special care to avoid short circuits. We will consider both standard extraction methods and ways of disassembling under strong jamming.

Diagnosis of malfunctions of the chassis

Before disassembling, you need to determine exactly what the fault is. Often users mistakenly believe that the problem lies in the motor, when it is enough to clean the wound hair. Symptoms of malfunction can range from a quiet hum to a complete failure of the wheel to rotate.

Turn the device over and try to manually turn each of the wheels, if one of them is scrolling with a slow force, creaking or, conversely, hanging too loosely, requires intervention. In suspension models, it is also worth checking the amplitude of the stroke.

⚠️ Note: If you hear the gears cracking when scrolling the wheel, this may indicate a mechanical breakdown of the gearbox inside the module, which will require a complete replacement of the node.

Also, look for the lights on the case or the messages in the mobile application. The error "Wheel stuck" (Wheel stuck) often appears when blocking the rotation of foreign objects, accurate diagnosis will help to avoid unnecessary disassembly of serviceable nodes.

  • πŸ” Visual inspection of the gap between the wheel and the body for threads.
  • πŸ”Š Listening to a characteristic hum or squeak when the engine is running.
  • πŸ”„ Checking the free rotation of the wheels with the device switched off.
  • πŸ“± Analysis of Mi Home or Roborock error codes.

Tools and workplace preparation required

To do the job properly, you need a minimum set of tools, the main tool will be a cross screwdriver size PH1 or PH2, as these are the screws most often used by the manufacturer, in some cases you may need a thin flat screwdriver or plastic blade.

Organize the workspace so that small parts are not lost. The screws in different models of Xiaomi Vacuum can differ in length and pitch of threads, so they are better sorted during dismantling. Using a magnetic mat or container with cells will greatly simplify the assembly process.

β˜‘οΈ Repair tools

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Don't forget to prepare pure rags and possibly isopropyl alcohol for surface degreasing. If you're planning to replace bearings, get compatible parts in advance, because regular ones are often not sold separately. Process organization is the key to successful repairs without unnecessary parts.

The process of removing the wheel on models without a side brush

In most modern models, such as the Roborock S5, S6, S7 and their variations, the wheel is removed quite simply after removing the fixing screws. Turn the robot vacuum cleaner up with the bottom panel and find the two screws holding the wheel module.

Carefully twist the screws counterclockwise. Don't put too much effort into not breaking the thread in the plastic seats. Once the fastener is removed, the module should freely exit the landing socket with a light sway.

If the wheel is not removed, it may be blocked by internal guides or contamination, in which case you can slightly press the center of the wheel inside the body and simultaneously pull the module outwards, plastic latches can hold the structure tight enough.

  • πŸ› οΈ Unscrew two visible module mount screws.
  • 🀏 Swing the module from side to side for loosening.
  • 🧲 Remove the module by pulling it down from the body.
  • 🧹 Clean the niche of accumulated dust before installation.

πŸ’‘

Before installing the module, blow back the niche with compressed air - the accumulated dust there can again get into the mechanism and cause jamming.

Features of dismantling on models with a side brush

In some models, such as some versions of the first generation Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum or specific modifications, the design may differ in the presence of additional protection elements or other mounting scheme.

Sometimes, to access the wheel screws, you need to remove the side brush or decorative pad beforehand. Be careful: the screws can be hidden under rubber plugs or stickers with a serial number. Heat treatment (lightly heated with a hairdryer) of the sticker will help remove it without tearing if it interferes with access.

⚠️ Attention: When removing the module, carefully monitor the contact group. Do not pull the module by the wires if you feel resistance - first disconnect the connector.

The process of removing the wheel itself from the plastic case of the module requires care. It is usually held on a central axis with a lock. It may take effort to remove the rubber rim from the plastic hub, but act carefully so that the plastic does not deform.

Cleaning, maintenance and lubrication of the mechanism

Once successfully dismantled, the maintenance phase begins: carefully remove all the wound hair, wool and dust from the wheel axis. Tweezers and toothpicks are perfect for this. The sliding or rolling bearing inside the wheel also needs cleaning of old contaminated lubricant.

Wash the plastic hub and rubber rim with warm water with a mild detergent if they are heavily contaminated. Dry the parts completely before assembly - moisture inside the mechanism is unacceptable. The metal axis can be wiped with alcohol to remove oxides.

What lubricant is suitable for robot vacuum cleaners?
For lubricating plastic gears and bushings of robot vacuum cleaners, silicone lubricant is best used. It is not aggressive to plastic, does not dry out over time, and does not attract dust as much as lithium counterparts. Avoid using WD-40 in its pure form, as it is a solvent and can damage plastic, and also evaporates quickly.

When you build it, apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the rotational axis. Don't overdo it: the excess lubricant will cause it to squeeze out and smudge the floor or collect new dust. Regular maintenance every 3-6 months will avoid serious breakdowns.

Assembly and testing of the device

The assembly is done in reverse order. Place the wheel in the module body, making sure it sits tight and has no backlash. Insert the module into the robot niche, connect the contact group (if it has detached), and lock with screws.

Write the screws evenly, without distortion, but with sufficient force for reliable fixation. Check that the rubber seal (if any) is in place and ensures the sealing compartment. The quality of the assembly directly affects the noise level at work.

PhaseAction.Reference parameter
1Installation of the wheelNo beats during rotation
2Locking of the moduleTight fit to the shell
3ConnectionReliable connector contact
4TestFree rotation without noise

After assembly, turn on the device and start a short cleaning. Pay attention to the behavior of the robot: it must move straight, without dropping to the side or making any extraneous noises. If the problem persists, the engine may malfunction or the gyroscope needs to be calibrated.

πŸ“Š What is most often stuck in your robot’s wheel?
Animal fur
Human hair
Carpet threads and fibres
Small debris and dust

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove the wheel without removing the bottom cover?
In most Xiaomi and Roborock models, the bottom cover is part of the case or non-removable.The wheel module is removed directly through holes in the bottom after the locking screws have been twisted.The entire bottom panel is not usually required to be removed unless you plan to change the battery or the main board.
How to lubricate the wheel of a robot vacuum cleaner?
The best choice is a silicone lubricant in the form of a spray or gel, which is inert to plastic and rubber, has good temperature properties and does not collect dust as intensively as oil or lithium lubricants. Graphite lubricants are not recommended for use because of their electrical conductivity and markability.
What to do if the wheel mount screws are sluggish?
If the screw cap is damaged, use a thin drill to carefully drill the center of the screw, or use a screw extractor. Also helps is the method of gluing the screwdriver sting to the screwdriver cap with superglue (requires extreme caution). In extreme cases, the screw is carefully unpacked with a thin blade, trying not to damage the plastic of the case.
Why does the wheel make noise after cleaning?
If the noise remains, the bearings inside the wheel module itself may have worn out or the gears of the gearbox of the engine have been damaged, and the cause may be improper assembly or axle skewing, and in such cases, the entire wheel unit assembly often needs to be replaced, as individual bearings in them are difficult to change.
How often should the robot’s wheels be cleaned?
The recommended service frequency depends on the operating conditions: in apartments with pets, wheels and brushes should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks; for normal conditions, it is enough to check the condition of the chassis once a month; regular cleaning prevents engine overload and prolongs the battery life.

πŸ’‘

The main cause of noise and movement errors is hair wound on the axis, which is easily removed with regular maintenance.