My Dyson DC44 has a funny odor and noise - and doesnt seem to have any suction. I followed the directions online, but it didnt help.

SOURCE: Dyson DC14 all floors.

sept 30,08 bought dc14 all flloor. After 3 to 4 uses it started making lots of noise when on carpet setting. I examined the roller brush and it was cracked at one end. I returned it Oct 13 ,08 and got another dc 14 all floor. Now this one after 2 uses has the same problem only a larger crack in the brush and a small piece of the brush broke off. Very dissapointed.

SOURCE: Dyson has lost suction and loud noise from base(?),

I had the same problem, from right out of the box. Now that I just threw mine out, I see this site that indicates there's a fix for it:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cleaning/msg0415060828462.html

And search for other sites isung "dyson grinding" or similar.

Since I was an early adopter (had one as soon as they came stateside), I did not have the benefit of countless others having the same problem, I just attributed it to a junky design, since so much else about this vacuum was poorly designed, like the seals, hoses, etc.

Give them a call, and good luck! I might rescue mine from the heap and do the same.

SOURCE: no suction on dyson dc24 ball

Well i just fixed my Dyson Ball with the same problem you have. My wife and i found out it was a crumpled receipt in the lower section of the hose at the upright/handheld pivot #3 in diagram and it was catching cat hair and other things. I began by removing the canister and turned on the vacuum to see if the direct access to the fan had suction. Then i moved to #5; i reattached the canister and threw in some cat hair into it from the bottom. i turned on the vaccum to see if it spinned around; it didnt. I then moved to #4, i removed the head and then turned on the vaccum to see if maybe the head had a leak at the top connecter; as i predicted the strength was minimal. I then worked my way to #1 to see if the strength was the same or if there was a difference. no difference for us. Well then it must be #3.. of course the last one i checked. I used a small flashlight and peared in and i didnt see anything... i then used a coathanger very softly as to not puncture the hose. i then noticed some hair being pushed out but the main culprit wasnt showing. my wife gave me needle nose pliers and i pried the hose off of the top connection in #3; so i could get a better look; you may be able to push it off with your hands. and viola! a crumpled reciept for 3 Monster energy drinks.... the same ones....i drink... oops!... hopes this helps. just go through it step by step. youll know its working once stuff begins to spin in the canister. almost regretted throwing that dyson registry junk away.

SOURCE: wand lost suction

cleaning all filter Assy and all Handle Assy and Hose Assy...