Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

Buzzing is a normal sound that may occur when the refrigerator compressor or fans are adjusting to optimize performance. If this becomes a loud refrigerator noise, contact a certified technician to determine if there`s a problem.
If your Whirlpool refrigerator runs loud and sounds like a rattling noise, it could be the drain pan located under the unit. Over time with the vibration from the refrigerator, the screws can loosen. Tighten up the screws on the drain pan to secure it better. Easy fix!
Fridge making loud buzzing noises

Buzzing is typically caused by the refrigerator`s water valve opening in order to fill the ice maker and is a normal function that should not be a cause for concern.

Loud noises coming from the back of the unit could indicate an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or compressor. If the loud refrigerator noise is coming from the inside of your appliance, the failing part is probably the evaporator fan, which circulates air through the freezer and fridge.
Clanking or rattling sounds may indicate failure of the compressor motor mounts. Clicking, rumbling or ticking sounds are often the cause of loose refrigerant tubing, loose bolts or a broken spring. Constant clicking or buzzing noises may come from a failing electrical relay near the compressor.
A mild humming sound coming from a fridge is normal because it is the sound of the compressor. However, if the sound becomes so loud that you can hear it from next door, your compressor needs to be repaired. If you hear a kind of chirping sound from your fridge, don`t take it lightly.
It`s a good idea to try some simple fixes for a fridge making a squealing noise before you call a technician to save yourself money on professional repairs. Check the fans for obstructing debris and gently clean the blades with a damp cloth. It`s also worth checking that the ice dispenser is connected correctly.
Loud humming is often caused by a dirty compressor. The compressor coils on the back of your refrigerator dissipate heat, but when they become caked with dust, they need to work harder to dissipate heat and do so in a louder manner. Often giving your compressor coils a good cleaning can solve this issue quickly.
If the sound emanates from inside the freezer, remove the evaporator fan cover located inside the freezer. Remove any debris that may be blocking the fan blades and inspect for broken parts that need to be replaced.
Loud clanking or banging can also indicate that your compressor needs replacement. Rattling, ticking, rumbling: these kinds of sounds often point to a loosening piece of hardware or leaves clogged in your outdoor unit. Check for any debris, loose screws or bolts in the casing.
Banging: When banging noises are coming from your compressor, there may be a loose or damaged connecting rod, crankshaft, or piston pin inside that`s causing the issue. Clanking: Loose or unbalanced compressor parts can also create a clanking noise, which may escalate to loud banging when left untreated.
If the noise stops when you open the door, the evaporator fan could be to blame. It may be hitting something or defective. Occasionally the fan causes a buzzing sound due to dirt build-up.
If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, especially when one of the doors are opened, either the evaporator or condenser fan blade may be at fault. First, check out the evaporator fan blade in the freezer behind the back panel. Try turning it by hand.
Your refrigerator compressor is responsible for that humming sound. So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning.
The ideal fridge temperature is between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C). And your freezer temperature should be at 0°F (-18°C).
A refrigerator generally runs between 32 to 47 dB (decibels). Forty decibels is the accepted noise level of a quiet indoor space such as a library. Sixty decibels is the accepted noise level of an AC unit. So if you feel like your unit is louder than it should be, it is time to call in a refrigerator repair expert.
Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). The freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). Check temperatures periodically. Appliance thermometers are the best way of knowing these temperatures and are generally inexpensive.
Is your fridge silent? Normally your fridge should `hum` periodically throughout the day. A silent fridge freezer is never good news and, in this instance, it could be that the compressor is broken.
If your fridge is vibrating or making a rattling noise, it`s likely due to the condenser coils. The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerator, and they can make a rattling noise if they`re not adequately secured.
It could be whining, buzzing or grinding – all audible indications that the fan that cools the fridge is getting caught on something that shouldn`t be there. The noise stops when the doors are open because the fan automatically turns off when the fridge doors are open.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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

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Floormate noise Floorscrubber is only 6 mo old. It is making a grinding noise. Sounds like popcorn at times. I don’t know why? It still cleans but the noise sounds like it is going to stop at any time.
ANSWER : The motor sounds bad. Use the Hoover web site to locate a shop near you for warranty repair. hoover.com

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Hi. I have a Kirby from back in the early 90s (model G3D). Never had major issues with it. Can’t remember the last time I had maintenance/tune up done. It’s just sounding different when I run it the last few times…almost like it’s louder and kind of echo-ey. Still suctioning well, but something’s not right and I don’t want to run it until I know if anything’s up. Any suggestions? I’d like to try and figure this one out on my own with your help. Thanks in advance for your help. Marci
ANSWER : Check the belt. this is a strong vaccume and even without the belt it will still have a decent amount of suction. If the belt is not tight or intact it can let the motor turn faster which will sound louder. other than that check all the hoses for holes and blockage, be very picky.( look deep and everyware!
.good luck
.~John

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Kenmoore Intellivac w direct drive suddenly started making internal sound like something was stuck. Hose is clear, and sound is made when hose is detached from main unit. Vacuum sounds find at lower pressure, only makes sound with bag door closed and/or placing my hand over the end of hose.
ANSWER : Shut off the vac and open container and remove the bag. Try dropping a coin into the hose, then raise up to see if it falls thru to the bag area. If it does check the throat of the vac where the dirt is sucked upward to dump into the bag itself.

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My scooba seems to work fine but no longer makes the beeping noise. Several weeks ago the beep was sounding very strange almost like a battery was dying. Now it’s not making any noise at all. Is this the beginning of more problems or can the machine function just fine without the beeps? If not then how can I fix it?
ANSWER : Your speaker went out. It could be totally isolated. You’re not going to be able to determine what’s wrong with your Scooba if something does happen, though, because without those beep codes, there’s no way for the robot to communicate with you.
.
.If you’re under warranty, call support at 1-877-855-8593 and let them know your speaker went out.

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Makes a loud noise like a grinding noise then smokes comes out and it smells like burning rubber? When I take the (rod) brush off with the belt then run the vacuum there is no more noise? Please help me thank you
ANSWER : Your belt is worn and stretched and so it is slipping on the motor drive shaft. That is why it is noisy and smells like burning rubber. You simply need to replace the belt. You can get replacement belts here:

Replacement Vacuum Belts

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My vacuum is making a loud whirring sound and is hotter than normal.
ANSWER : Hi Kelsey! I understand how frustrating this must be. Dirty filters or a clog can cause the vacuum to change sound and be hotter than normal.

Here is a quick link to troubleshooting the excessive noise:.

http://www.bissell.com/FAQDetail.aspx?id=1362&cid=ccsocial

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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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