Dyson DC14 Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

If there is a clicking sound when you rotate the side brushes manually (with the side brushes on). It indicates that the noise is from the side brush motor. Replacing the side brush motor could fix the issue. You can refer to the video about how to replace the side brush motor to replace the side brush motor.
That`s nothing to worry about. The whooping noise is air coming between the post motor filter and it`s seals. This is very common on DC25, DC40, DC41 and DC55 machines. Yours doesn`t sound too bad, they can be much, much louder.
Usually, when the leak isn`t too bad, you will hear hissing noises coming from the engine. This may also sound like whining sounds or whimpering sounds. For more severe vacuum leaks, the noise is sucking or suction, much like a vacuum cleaner.
If all you hear from the vacuum unit is a click at the when you try to start the vacuum motor from inside the house, then the motor in the unit is dead and has to be replaced. A strong odor from the shellac, which coats the copper coil windings, is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out.
A Dyson vacuum cleaner has a lifespan of around 10 years. This is considerably longer than most other vacuums. So, if you`re looking for a high-quality vacuum cleaner that will last you for a long time, a Dyson could be a good choice. However, remember that Dyson vacuums are expensive.
Most cases of a jammed or stuck brush bar are quick and easy to fix, simply pulling the debris gently from the brush bar. Alternatively, if you need to clear a problematic blockage, you can take the brush bar out of the housing easily, for quick maintenance.
Check the LED light to determine the battery level. A solid blue light indicates that the machine is in normal operating mode. A flashing blue light indicates that there is no power, and the battery needs to be charged for a minimum of 3.5 hours.
Most cases of a jammed or stuck brush bar are quick and easy to fix, simply pulling the debris gently from the brush bar. Alternatively, if you need to clear a problematic blockage, you can take the brush bar out of the housing easily, for quick maintenance.
One of the first things to do when your Dyson vacuum cleaner keeps starting and stopping is to empty the bin. It may be full, or the machine may simply perceive it as too full to continue working. Dyson vacuum cleaners require constant airflow through them to work, and a full bin can stop this from happening.
To isolate the leak we would need to invert the process and pressurize the system to a pressure high enough to be able to detect the pressure leak. At that point a “Water Dispersant Oil) WD40 won`t do what you need it to do.
Check that the vacuum cleaner is plugged into a working power outlet and that fuses and breakers don`t need resetting. An activated thermal cut-out due to a blockage is the next most likely cause of the problem. Check for blockages in the hose and filters, and remove any obstructions that you find.
The average life expectancy of a mid-range vacuum cleaner is about six years. You can fix or replace things like blocked filters, jammed brush rolls, frayed hoses, worn-out stick vac batteries and broken accessories yourself.
Most problems arise because of a blockage – if not a dirty filter or cyclone unit, then something could be caught in the wand or the brush bar. Once again, the lack of suction could be caused by a dirty filter or a blockage somewhere in the vacuum`s system.
Give it a break

By letting the battery run down to empty at least once a month, you`ll help to prolong its life. If you have a spare battery, we recommend you swap them out from time to time, so that they both have time to naturally discharge.

The most common cause of no power is the machine overheating and cutting out. In this case once the vacuum cleaner loses power leave it for at least half an hour and then try turning it back on again. If it comes back on again after an hour then clean your filters and check for blockages.
To reset the machine, turn the power off (using either the power button on the remote or the Main body), wait 60 seconds and then turn back on.
What should I do? If your vacuum cleaner whistles, this is usually a sign that your device can`t suck in sufficient air. Often, it`s the dust container or bag that`s full. Check these first and exchange them if necessary.
Check the MAX Button

If the MAX button lights up and flashes when your Dyson cordless vacuum keeps pulsating on and off, hold the power button and depress the MAX button to turn off that function. You may have to try a few times to get the hang of it.

Summary. Dyson batteries should last around 2-6 years before needing to be replaced. This wide range reflects the fact that how you care for and maintain the battery will affect how long it lasts. If you want your vacuum`s battery to last longer, make sure it`s stored at room temperature.
Blue light flashes 10 times indicating charge required. Charged until light goes out, same thing happens.
If your agitator brush roll on your Dyson DC07 isn`t turning correctly even though the motor runs smoothly, a snapped or worn out drive belt may be causing trouble. If the drive belt in your vacuum cleaner has either perished or damaged, don`t fret it`s fairly simple to replace.
Generally, a timing belt that goes bad makes a noticeable ticking or clicking timing belt sound that is unusual. When the timing belt starts falling the ticking or clicking sound becomes pretty audible.
Next to the motor, the belt on your vacuum is just about the most important part of your vacuum. Without the belt to spin the brushroll, most vacuums won`t pick up on carpeting at all! If your vacuum uses a rubber belt, check it once a month for cracks, melting, and especially, slippage.
Dyson Belts, Fits: All Upright Vacuum Cleaner Models Using one Belt System, 3 Belts in Pack.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I replaced the belt on my Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagless Vacuum and the brush roller rubs and makes a very loud noise when turned on. I have gone exactly by the manual instructions and made sure the belt and end caps were on correctly, but the bristles still rub the back and it makes a very loud noise. Without the brush roller in the vacuum, it sounds and runs normal. What could the problem be?
ANSWER : Http://www.geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=0&thid=561283
.Generic problem for all Vacuums
.I replaced the belt on
.Posted by piggytail on May 01, 2008
.I replaced the belt on my Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagless Vacuum and the brush roller rubs and makes a very loud noise when turned on. I have gone exactly by the manual instructions and made sure the belt and end caps were on correctly, but the bristles still rub the back and it makes a very loud noise. Without the brush roller in the vacuum, it sounds and runs normal. What could the problem be?
.
.Hello,
.I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
.The Royal Dirt Devil Featherlite Bagless Vacuum has just bushings in the ends of the brushroll and not bearings and once the bushings are bad I suggest that you replace the brushroll in the vacuum and put a new belt on the vacuum as well. There is no way to repair the bushing s in order to it to work properly. The suggested belt change is every 4 to 6 months and to store the extra belts in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Suggest looking at a local vac dealer. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
.http://www.royalvacuums.com
.Customer Service
.For help with a model that is not working, if you want to check an order, if you need help finding a part or service center or have any other comment, complaint or question that is not a technical question about this web site use the link above. You can also call our Customer Service department between 8AM and 7PM EST Monday through Friday at (800) 321-1134.
.www.A-1Vacuum.com 1-800-657-1874 If you cannot find a local dealer near you they can ship you the parts UPS.
.Don – The Vac Man
.Go Ahead. Use Us.
.

LOUD noise Turned on vacuum one day and it made a reallly loud noise like the belt
had broken. So we replaced the belt correctly, and turned it on and the
noise is still there it is also rattling violently. HELP PLEASE not exact same model but close enough
ANSWER : The armiter or fan is broken and if you get it replased it should work like new

Hoover WindTunnel Self-Propelled V Belt
ANSWER : I had this same problem with the V belt on my Hoover Vaccuum..
.There are three (3) basic things that will cause the brush roll not to spin..
.1. When handle is upright, brush roll is OFF..2. When switch is set for HARD surface, brush roll is OFF..3. Broken/worn FLAT belt or V Belt, brush roll will not spin.
.
.I noticed that the brush roll was not spinning when my vacuum was set for CARPET. After removing the cover I noticed that the V belt was loose, I thought the belt was worn so I purchased a correct replacement belt and installed it, but the new belt was also loose and when I turned the large flat belt pulley it did not turn the V belt pulley at the same time..
.I double checked the surface setting and I had the vacuum switch set for carpet, but still when I released the handle out of the upright position the brush roll would still not spin..
.My aggravation finally led me to this posting on FixYa’s website..
.The first thing I did was checked the screw to the left of the V belt as suggested by ejmjr5 and this did nothing to solve the problem or create more tension on the V belt, even when the upright handle was not in the upright position..
.After playing around with the surface setting control switch/nob I notice that when I moved the switch out of the HARD surface setting and over to CARPET, I had thought that the switch was set for CARPET as it visually appeared, but I was not pushing the switch over hard enough to click it into the CARPET setting mode..
.VOILA, the brush roll now spins correctly even though the V belt seams to be too loose for the pulley..
.You really have to force the switch into the CARPET setting. Be sure that you hear the switch/nob click into place..
.Now you can effectively clean up after that hangover of a party!.
.Burp!

Belt wont turn makes a loud noise when put on carpet setting
ANSWER : If this is a Dyson with a protected belt that can’t be replaced then it will have to be sent out to Dyson or get a Dyson servicepersonnel to check it over – protected belt motors are difficult to fix by yourself. If its clicking all the time, then it means the belt has to be replaced. In the mean time check that there are no obstructions on the beater bar and behind it and also check that the brush stop roller at the top of the hood is in the right position. It should move automatically when the handle is swung down in normal operation. 

Kirby Sentria Hi, I have a new Sentria & used it for the first time today. It was going fine & then I could smell smoke & it started to make a loud noise so I turned it off quickly. If I turn it on it immediately starts making the noise again & I can see it is all lit up inside like something is burning or sparking. I have checked the roller & it is moving & I have checked the fan which is moving & doesn’t appear to be damaged in anyway. This product is from the US & we are in the UK & we are us
ANSWER : Sounds like the motor burned up. not sure if travel adapters will handle a large load like a motor, around 8 or amps. power needs in US are 110 volts ac, 60 hertz.
I believe UK is 220 volts and 50 hertz.
usually when a vac is brought to europe you must change motor.

Floor Attachment I took off my floor attachment, but now the belt seems to be off and I can’t seem to get it back on right. I can’t use the attachment and I don’t know why it’s so hard to figure this out. They say, just turn it to belt off, but when i turn it it lift’s it up and can’t line up with the belt off label. Then, when I turn it the other way, it’s off. So I’ve been trying to pull it off so when it lines up with belt off, it’s off. But the I turn it the other way and it’s still off a
ANSWER : Try this,
.
.With the floor nozzle off the machine spin the belt lifter around until the red arrows match. If you look at the side that attaches to the vacuum you should be able to see the belt up on the hook. If is not on the hook offf the machine you will never get the belt on. Once the belt is on the hook attach the floor nozzle to the front of the machine. At this point you need to spin the belt lifter back to where the green arrows match. Oh and another suggestion make sure your hieght adjuster the pedals with arrows are all the way up. Hopefully that helps you out.

Hi my proheat bissell 7901 stopped pumping water to the floor, but it pumps water from the hand hose. I read the manual and followed how to check belt and the flat belt on right side of shampooer is fine and I turned on and it turns and so do the brushes at the bottom of the machine. I was reading online and I guess there’s two belts on this machine? where can I find the other belt to see if it needs replacing. I guess it’s a ribbed belt? that is the water pump belt?
ANSWER : Just taken ours apart with the same problem… found it was caused by the 2 halves of the main casing coming apart in the area where the upright pedal release is. I found this to be due to the upper casing having broken in 2 places – the bottom of the screw wells..This means that the water tank cannot exert sufficient pressure on the valve to release the water..Only solution is a new top cover assembly

When I vacuum w/ the brush control in the on position it make a really loud noise, almost like a grinding sound. I have looked at it and nothing seems to be wrong, but I notice that the pin that engages the belt seems to vibrate a bit, possibly creating the noise. It started when I accidentally got part of a plastic grocery bag caught in the brush. Could it have stretched a belt? Nothing is caught any other place and it only makes the noise when the brush in in the on position.
ANSWER : Yes, the belt could have been stretched and is now vibrating and hitting other parts and creating a noise if much of the bag got caught under the belt. If you have another belt for this vacuum, please put it on and see if the noise stops. If it does, then problem solved, if not let me know and we can try something else and you can send a picture or video to me of the problem.

Let me know how this works out for you.

Benjamin