Dyson DC17 Animal 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 :

A clogged filter in a Dyson vacuum can create a muffled sucking sound or a high-pitched squealing during use. You may need to remove and clean out the vacuum`s filter. Remove the filter by twisting the purple dial labeled “filter” located at the top of the vacuum.
First thing to try is empty your bin and make sure there are no blockages, if that doesn`t solve it then remove the brushbar and then try switching your Dyson back on again. If the noise is normal again then it is your brushbar or possibly clutch if applicable.
A Dyson vacuum cleaner has a lifespan of around 10 years. This is considerably longer than most other vacuums.
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.
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.
With excessive use and regular exposure to dust and dirt, the filters attached to the vacuum cleaner get grime on them. This dusty layer closes the way for air to pass through the channel. Thus, the machine puts a lot of effort and generates noise in excess to pass the air throughout the system.
If the noise is intrusive, switching the machine off at the wall will stop the noise, or altering the position of the product in the room might make the noise less audible.
Sometimes your vacuum pulsates on and off or keeps dying when using the extra powerful `Max Mode`, which can be related to the charge of your battery. Try turning this function off by pressing the Max button on your vacuum.
The cleaner head housing is not washable and should only be wiped over with a damp lint-free cloth. To maintain optimum performance, check and wash your brush bar regularly. Make sure your machine is disconnected from the charger and take care not to touch the trigger.
Dyson offers a 2-year warranty on all cordless machines and parts, including the battery. If your machine is within its warranty period, we`ll replace the battery for you free of charge.
In many cases, you probably can repair a Dyson yourself, especially when it comes to common issues (see below). However, even if your machine needs some extra TLC by a Dyson expert, it can be worth getting it repaired.
If there is a strong burning smell coming from the motor area of your Dyson DC14 or DC07 then it is most likely that your motor has burnt out.
The Dyson V6 is designed so that you can store the unit on the charger. Storing the Dyson on the charger will not harm the battery and it is not necessary to use the unit until the battery is depleted.
We recommend replacing your air purifier filter every 12 months. That`s because over time, filters can get clogged with pollutants, and even let unpleasant odors back into the room.
To reset the Brush bar press the Brush bar control button twice or switch the machine off and back on.
If you listen very carefully, sometimes you can hear a “hiss” sound that is the signal of a vacuum leak. However, the most common way to notice this is when the engine loses fuel efficiency. The reason for this is due to the fact that vehicle exhaust is delayed on exiting the combustion chamber.
Low suction or poor pick-up may be due to a clog in the vacuum cleaner. If you notice a change in the sound of the motor or a reduction in the spinning action, check for clogs. First, remove the Easy Empty dirt tank from the vacuum and discard all dirt and debris.
Sound enclosures, noise reduction blankets, sound curtain noise barriers, or sound barrier walls are a few options to consider when reviewing noise reduction materials. If the vacuum pump is indoors, a noise enclosure would be the recommended solution.
It will last up to 30 minutes with the fluffy head attached, up to 25 minutes with the traditional spinning brush head or seven minutes when in maximum suction mode.
On average a brushroll should be replaced every year or two. If you`re not sure if the vacuum is working as good as it could or should be, replacing the brushroll can be an easy fix .
Sound meters measure sound in the unit decibels (dB). We compared Dyson to three other vacuum cleaners on the market. Dyson has two modes, “weak” or “strong”. We found that the loudness from the “strong” mode is indeed very strong compared to other vacuum cleaners.
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.
There are a number of possible causes of the pulsing in a Dyson vacuum – a malfunctioning power cord, battery or charger, clogged filter, damaged motor, or obstructed hose or wand. It`s important to troubleshoot all the possible causes of pulsing in your Dyson vacuum cleaner.
When Continuous monitoring is active, and when the machine is in a standby state, users may hear a low humming sound. This is caused by the onboard sensors.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My dyson DC17 animal has started to make an extremely loud noise after a rug got caught in the roller brush. What do I need to do to fix it?
ANSWER : Probably a flat spot on the belt, replace the belt

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

Loud noise I have a brand new Dyson and it is great on all my floors except one of my area rugs when it starts making this really loud vibrating noise. I am not sure why – nothing is stuck in the roller or vacuum and it doesn’t make it on any of my other rugs. Also it is really hard to push whereas all the other floors it just glides. I don’t want to return it but I also don’t want to hear this sound every time I vacuum.
ANSWER : This is the clutch as it jams up in the brush. Usually happens with rugs that are not secured to the floor.

I have a Dyson DC17 that has started making a loud noise when on carpet when the brush is engaged but not on hard wood when the brush is not turning. I have remove all the material (hair,lint, etc.) wrapped around the brush itself, but it is still making the noise
ANSWER : You need to replace the belt. Here is the belt you need and a manual you can view which has instructions:
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.Dyson DC17 Belt and Manual

Dyson DC14 Animal Vacuum – terrible loud noise
ANSWER : I have purchased six Dyson DC14 vacuums on eBay at rediculously low prices as they were being sold “as is” because they made a “terrible noise” when the brush bar was engaged. Each of the vacuums I received were like new, literally, and did make the terrible noise that was described. For less than $25 each, I purchased replacement beater bars (brushrolls) from an eBay seller in England and ALL six of the vacuums work perfectly.
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.When I dismanteld each of the units, some beater bars only had hairline cracks and and others were falling apart. I first purchased beater bars from eBay that were very cheaply made and broke within one or two weeks. The beater bars I got from England have been going strong in a commercial business for over a year now. That’s equivalent to 5 years use in a residence.
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.Defective beater bars are more frequent than most people realize. I’d lay odds that is your problem but you will never know until the beater bar is removed and closely inspected. Some fractures of the plastic can be hard to see.
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.Hope this helps.

While using my Dyson a rug got caught and that ratcheting sound started. I removed all signs of strings, etc until the brushes rotated fine but when I started the Dyson the ratcheting started again. I have the DC 14 Animal.
ANSWER : The rattly sound means the drive belt has snapped or the protective clutch has slipped. This needs repair by someone who knows how to repair Dysons officially. Sadly its the kind of model that can’t be done by the owner.

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.
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Terrible noise My dyson was working great then started making this horrible noise. I cleaned the bar but noise is still there. I discovered the beater bar went around three passes then froze and started horrible noise again. my husband got the bar turning but after 2 swipes vacuuming it did it again. Can it be fixed or is it time to retire it and buy a new one. Wendy Kiser
ANSWER : That noise is the clutch. A very expensive part and very hard to replace. When a problem with the clutch happens it’s generally not worth the time and money to replace.

I suggest getting a different type of vacuum, maybe a Miele or Sebo. With the money spent on one of those vacuums, you wont have problems like you would with a Dyson. And the cleaning power is so much more powerful than what any Dyson can offer.