Onewheel XR Motor & Bearings Replacement

Difficulty: Hard

Steps: 10 – 12

Time Required: 1 – 2 hours

Introduction

For your safety, power off your Onewheel XR prior to disassembly. This reduces the risk of electrical malfunctions and/or damage during the replacement process.

Note: Altering or damaging any component of your Onewheel XR during disassembly/reassembly may render your existing warranty void or lead to refusal of non-warranty service at the discretion of Future Motion, Inc. (the creators of Onewheel).

Step 1 Remove the bottom bumper screws

Remove all twelve (12) screws using a 1/8″ hex bit.
Note: Keep screws organized as they are easy to mix up and/or lose.

Step 2 Remove the top footpad screws and footpads

Remove all four (4) screws using a 1/8″ hex bit.
Caution: For the front footpad sensor connector, turn (counter-clockwise) only the smaller part of the connector closest to the controller. Turning the entire body of the connector can damage it or your controller.
Note: If you are unable to remove the footpad sensor connector using your fingers, you may use a Future Motion™ footpad connector wrench or a pair of long nose pliers (be gentle).

Step 3 Remove the top bumper screws and bumpers

Remove all four (4) screws using a 1/8″ hex bit.
To remove the front bumper, pull it toward the nose of the Onewheel™. DO NOT pull it straight down.
You should also remove the cable compartment cover at this time.

Step 4 Disconnect the motor connectors

Caution: For the motor barrel connector, turn (counter-clockwise) only the smaller part of the connector closest to the controller. Turning the entire body of the connector can damage it or your controller.
When removing the 6-pin motor connector, you must partially pull out the white (or red) tab on the top of the connector. DO NOT pull the tab out completely.
Once the tab has been pulled out, you can remove the connector by pressing firmly on the black tab on the top of the connector and pulling out; away from the controller.
Note: If the 6-pin connector isn’t coming loose easily, re-seat it by pushing it back toward the controller (you may hear a click), squeeze the black tab more firmly, and try again.
If needed, you may use a flat-head screwdriver to help pry the 6-pin connector away from the controller, but BE CAREFUL as the connector is fragile and will break if the black tab is not pressed in as you pry.

Step 5 Remove the wiring harness t-plate and motor cable retaining clip screws

Remove all three (3) screws using a #1 Phillips bit.
Note: DO NOT remove the motor cable t-plate and the wiring harness retaining clips.

Step 6 Remove the hub bolts

Remove all four (4) hub bolts using a 1/4″ hex bit.

Step 7 Remove the hub/tire assembly

The hub and tire assembly can be removed by lifting/pressing it through the top of the rails (in order to clear the wiring harness).
Caution: Be extremely careful not to damage the motor cables as you separate the hub from the rails. The cables must be gently manipulated in order to allow adequate clearance.

Step 8 Loosen the axle carrier bolts

Using a bench vice, tighten down on one of the axle carriers and loosen the two (2) bolts using a 5 mm hex bit. DO NOT fully remove them.
Flip the hub and repeat the same process on the other two (2) axle carrier bolts.
Once all four (4) axle carrier bolts have been loosened, fully remove the two (2) bolts on the side of the axle opposite the motor cables. DO NOT remove the bolts on the motor cable side.

Step 9 Remove the motor cover screws

Remove all seven (7) screws using a 3 mm hex bit.
Caution: DO NOT use power tools to remove the screws as they are easily broken.

Step 10 Remove the stator

Using a rubber mallet or arbor press, knock/press the side of the axle without the axle carrier into the hub (until it is nearly flush with the enclosed side of the hub).
To remove the stator, position the hub so that the side of the axle with the axle carrier faces upward. Placing your feet or knees on the tire, pull straight up on the axle carrier until the stator slides fully out.
Caution: Be extremely careful not to let the stator drop/pull back toward the hub as the magnets are very strong and can be damaged by the impact.

If you need to remove your bearings, proceed to Step 11.

Step 11 Remove the remaining axle carrier and motor cover

Remove the two (2) bolts using a 5 mm hex bit.
To remove the motor cover, pull it straight up on the axle; away from the stator.
Caution: Be extremely careful not to damage the stator PCB, hall sensors, or the motor cables while removing the motor cover.
Note: If you find it difficult to remove the motor cover from the axle, place the palms of your hands on the end of the axle with your fingertips curled under the edges of the motor cover; then squeeze.
Note: In the event that the motor cover comes off, but the bearing remains stuck on the axle, use a bearing puller to remove the stuck bearing.

Step 12 Remove the bearings

Remove the two (2) bearings using an arbor press and a 44.5 mm aluminum collar/disc.
Caution: Be extremely careful not to leave the hub magnets unprotected as they are very strong and can be damaged by an impact from the bearing.
Note: Inspect the two (2) axle o-rings after the bearings have been removed. If they appear damaged/stretched out, replace them.