Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

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.
A carpet beater bar is essentially a floor nozzle for a vacuum equipped with a rotating beater bar that spins while the vacuum is in use. By spinning, it agitates the carpet and loosens any lead dust that might be stuck in carpet fibers.
(All full-sized machines, upright vacuums and canister vacuums, typically have a belt.) A vacuum will still create suction with a bum belt, but without a rotating brush roller, it won`t collect much in the way of dirt and debris, especially on carpets.
Roller brush is not spinning

Check to make sure the vacuum is switched to the correct mode. The switch should be in the Power and Brushroll mode to make the roller spin. If it is in just the power mode the roller will not move. The brushroll indicator light should be green when working.

The brush roll or its bearings may be clogged with hair, threads or dirt. Make sure they are clean and the roll spins. The belt may also have slipped because it was loose. Check the fit of the new belt when it is installed.
Vacuums without beater bars operate similarly to those that do have beater bars. However, their functionality can vary slightly. In the strictest definition, a vacuum without a beater bar will lack one entirely. Many canister vacuums are designed without a beater bar, relying simply on a suction nozzle instead.
Clear the brush roll of any hair and debris and inspect by placing it on its end and spin. The brush should spin freely. If it doesn`t spin; it may be time to replace.
A well built brush guard will protect the front of the vehicle from damage caused by brush when off road. It will also help minimize the impact of a collision with a small to medium sized animal. If you hit a cow, or a moose, or another vehicle, it`s not going to do anything.
Hair screw tool

It`s designed with an anti-tangle conical brush bar so that you can pick up long hair and pet hair – fast. Unlike other anti-tangle tools, Dyson`s doesn`t compromise on performance. An integrated motor in the brush bar spins at up to 3500rpm to remove ground-in dirt.

You should replace the belts on your vacuum at least every three to six months if the vacuum is regularly used. This is very important for proper cleaning.
Often, a belt breaks because the machine is running over the edge of a rug or other thick items, perhaps even the vacuum cord. This causes “snagging.” When this happens, the belt becomes stuck and usually overheats.
Suspenders are the Alternative to a Belt that`s too Tight. Whether you choose HIKERS® Button Fly Suspenders or Upfitter™ Suspenders, both will keep your pants up and your waist constriction free, and they can be your secret, hidden under your t-shirt. HIKERS® Co. Suspenders are the perfect belt substitute.
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away has one rotatory belt. The belt is responsible for the mechanical rotations of the brushroll. Without it, the vacuum will not function. The vacuum`s belt is designed to last approximately 7 years.
Shark vacuum brush not spinning is a common issue. The problem occurs mainly due to blockage, damaged belts, unemptied dust cups, or loose nozzles.
Should the brush not rotate freely there may be debris tangled around the ends of the brush, carefully remove any obstructions or replace the brush with a new one. We recommend that you fit a new belt and brush once per year to keep your Reactive vacuum working efficiently.
Remove the brushroll and clean all hair, string, and lint from the brushroll bearings. If the vacuum cleaner brush still doesn`t spin after you clean the brushroll, consider replacing the brushroll.
Inspect the belt to see if it is broken, stretched out, or out of place. If the drive belt is broken or stretched out, replace it. If the brushroll is sticking, it will cause too much friction and put too much strain on the belt. Remove the brushroll and clean all hair, string, and lint from the brushroll bearings.
The beater bar on Miele`s Turbobrush, powered by the passage of air through the suction wand, ensures the thorough removal of dirt.
A: Power button has a full on position and a beater bar off position.
Brushes. According to iRobot, brushes should be replaced every 6-12 months. Robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba j7+ have multiple brushes that allow it to clean.
For a small paint job that calls for a small roller, I just use a shoe box top as my paint tray! It`s lightweight and I can hold it in one hand as I roll. Plus, it`s sturdy enough to hold the paint!
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 .
After a year or so, you may need to replace your vacuum`s beater brush. If the bristles seem to be squished, broken or are varying heights, it`s time to replace the brush. These can be found online with the vacuum`s brand and model of your vacuum cleaner.
Discovering the advantages of the on/off brush roll

When vacuuming hard surfaces, the brush roll can often push dust and debris away from the vacuum before it can be suctioned. Turning off the brush roll switches the vacuum to “suction-only” for quick and easy cleaning of hard floors.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

The original belt on my upright Kenmore Progressive broke and I replaced it with the spare that was in the vacuum. The vacuum and spare belt are about 10 years old. Then the spare broke after one vacuuming session and there was a burning smell coming from the vacuum. I ordered new belts and replaced it with the new belt. It seems to be working fine with no smell. I checked the belt after I vacuumed the family room and although it was in tact, the belt was very hot. Is that normal? Should t
ANSWER : The belt heats up due to the friction, as well as being in contact with the shaft of a hot motor. It is normal.

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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!

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I have 2 Hoover Wind Tunnel-self propelled bagged vacuums-U6433-900 model.The roller bar does not agitate, the self propelled feature does not work and, in general, the vacuum is not performing well. I have replaced the roller bar, the v belt and the wide belt. The filters have been replaced and it has a new bag. I have had both of these since 2004 and they were fairly expensive $200 each) but if the repairs are prohibitive, I might as well get new vacuums. Suggestions? I just spent $100 for bel
ANSWER : The Hoover WindTunnel self propelled is a machine that we see in our retail stores (Vacuums Unlimited) constantly. The benefit of having a supposed “self-propelled” machine wears of quickly after the numerous time you will need to take this machine in for repair.

It’s unfortunate you’ve had to spend so much money already on repairing this machine. I know you’ve said you’ve already replace the belts and filters, but if you want you can check out a video we made on repairing the Hoover Windtunnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meX8lgZo7DY

If you are looking for a reliable upright, at GoVacuum we’d recommend the Sebo X4 upright (http://www.govacuum.com/seauxseupvac.html). The machine is incredibly reliable and easy to maintain. Thus far, we haven’t had one warranty repairs come through our doors. The machine itself has a lifelong warranty on the belt because the machine automatically shuts off the motor if an obstruction is detected, preventing any undue stress on the motor or belt.

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I’m using (or WAS using) a Eureka ”the boss” model 8803. The belt broke, no biggie, so I replaced it with a Eureka model U belt, the problem is when I put the new belt on and turn on the vaccuum, the belt breaks again. I am also having trouble getting the brush roller to fit right when the belt is in place. I can’t find any sharp edges that would cut the belt,nor can I find where any small bits may have broken. Anyone have a solution for me?
ANSWER : First, make sure you have the right belt, second, i am thinking that you are not lineing the roller up right, it will only fit one way. look at the ends of the roller and the grooves where it slides in, you should be able to see clearly how it goes.

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The beater bar on my Dyson won’t turn. The vacuum runs and suctions but the bar won’t turn and the belt is not broke. The beater bar did get a carpet fiber caught and wrapped around it which stopped the bar and I removed the bar to cut the fiber loose and replaced it and now it won’t turn
ANSWER : The belt doesn’t have to be broken to make the vacuum not work correctly. If the belt is stretched the vacuum won’t operate the way it is supposed to. You can get replacement Dyson Belts here:

Dyson Replacement Belts

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I purchased a Eureka C4910 last year and have a question that I am hoping you can answer.

There are two motor actions with this vacuum, 1) the vacuum suction, and 2) the beater bar. The action of the beater bar is that motor is supposed to automatically shut off when the handle is in the complete vertical position assuming the vacuum is stationary, but then turn on when the handle is tilted toward the floor, assuming the vacuum is moving back and forth.

The beater bar motor turn-on mechan

ANSWER : Good day!

Normally when the motor is easily moved back and forth means that it have a proper lubrication,proper alignment and no clogs.

When the motor and the belt is OK the problem could be on electrical wiring and switch.

If found electrical switch burned out you need to replaced it because when the switch is burn the contact of that switch is open even you turn it ON.that’s why the motor is not function because the voltage is not pass through the circuit because of open switch.You need to replaced it.
And check some fuses if any and other burned electrical wire.Replaced it also.

Thank you and don’t forget to rate my answer.

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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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My Dyson Animal has good suction and works fine for actually picking up dirt, but when I use the vacuum with the roller, I hear a grinding/rumbling noise. Its only when I use the vacuum with the brush rotating. It does not happen hen I shut the roller brush off. The belt is fine. I cannot figure out what is wrong as there are no clogs, debris, or foreign objects stuck in the brush or in the belt. The noise seems to be the only issue. The vacuum picks up fine. It just doesn’t sound right a
ANSWER : Trace the path of the suction into the tank and see if there is anything loose or ingested..Also, remove the brush and clean as best you can. Perhaps there is something caught in it. Lubricate where it makes sense with some WD40.

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