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Anonymous Posted on Sep 16, 2014

Brushbar not turning

Hi, the brushbar on my dyson dc03 isn't turning, I have good suction & the belt is still intact

1 Answer

  • Official Brand Answer 2,572 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 17, 2014
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Hi there, it's Jack at Dyson.

DC03 doesn't use a traditional user-replaceable belt. Instead it has a brush control clutch mechanism which allows you to turn off the brush bar when cleaning hard floors and delicate rugs.

If the brush bar doesn't seem to be rotating, it's worth double-checking you have the brush control set correctly. When the machine is reclined into the normal vacuuming position, the brush control should move to the Drive/On position:

Brushbar not turning - f5e01f4a-b0fa-4e83-85e1-e63ee334ebef.jpg

Please note, as a safety feature the brush bar will never rotate when the vacuum is standing upright.

If you're confident the brush control is in the correct position, but the brush bar still won't rotate, please give our freephone UK Helpline a call on 0800 298 0298. We're available from 8am-8pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am-6pm on weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 3 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 01, 2008

SOURCE: Brushbar not spinning

Well dummy me. I called Dyson. There is an on/off switch RIGHT NEXT TO THE MAIN ON OFF for JUST the beater bar. Itis not highlighted in the manual and I never even looked at the front of the machine! Pressing did reactivate beater bar after the auto shut off caused by the sock! HOWEVER I am keeping the more complicated clutch instructions, just in case. Thanks!

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Anonymous

  • 3 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 24, 2009

SOURCE: Brushbar not spinning

did you make sure that the dial is set to carpet if you have a dyson animal then the dial will be purple and on the right side or the vacuum make sure it is in the carpet posistion

Anonymous

  • 701 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 24, 2009

SOURCE: The brushbar is not spinning.

Even though the belts are intact they can still be stretched and will not turn the brush. Here is a link to the belts you need:

Dyson DC14 Replacement Belts

Anonymous

  • 438 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 23, 2010

SOURCE: Dyson hose suction strong...when using the brush

Hello,

There are several things that this could be. Probably the most common problem that we see when customers come in with this problem is actually a fairly simple problem to fix. Here are just a few things that this could be.

The fist possible problem sounds like the most probable to me, just because of the fact that you said you had just replaced the clutch, and therefore you had to remove the bottom sole plate. This is a VERY common problem actually.

Possible Problem #1. The first problem is extremely common. In fact, we probably see between 2-3 of these problems every week. It mostly happens after people take the bottom plate off the vacuum cleaner2_bing.gif in order to clean the roller brush. What happens is when they reinstall the bottom plate, they put it on on incorrectly. It's actually very easy to do. When the bottom plate (soleplate) is installed wrong, there will be a gap between the bottom plate, and the agitator housing, or the purple tray the roller brush sits in. This will cause the soleplate to be a few inches higher off the ground then it should be, preventing the brushes from even hitting the carpet. This makes it seem to the user that vacuum has lost suction power because without the brushes hitting the carpet, the machine will not pick up very well on floors, but when they use the attachment hose there's plenty of suction power.

Here's a picture of the WRONG way to install the bottom plate. Notice the gap in between the two housings:


9739790.jpg
Here's another picture, that is the RIGHT way to install the soleplate:


8b953d0.jpg
I would say probably 6 times out of 10 this is the problem with the customers machine. If you checked the soleplate and it is installed correctly, move on to the second possible problem.

Possible Problem # 2. Turn the vacuum cleaner2_bing.gif upside down so the brush roller is facing upwards. I found the easiest way to work on it is to put it on a counter top or work bench. On the left hand side behind the roller brush you should see a flexible transparent hose that goes from the motor to the agitator housing. This hose actually has a lot of strain on it when the vacuum cleaner is in the reclined position. When the first few series of Dyson DC07 models came out, they didn't make this hose long enough, so when the vacuum was in the reclined position, it would put too much stress on the hose, and cause the hose to actually crack, usually right where the end of the hose that goes into the agitator housing. Examine your hose and see if you have any visible cracks in this hose. If you need to you may just remove the entire hose assembly by pulling on it. It will easily come right out of the machine so you can inspect it better. Here's a picture of where the hose usually cracks:


54cb5e5.jpg
This would also explain why the vacuum works fine when using the attachments, but not on the floors. The attachment hose uses a different suction channel, and when the machine is in the upright position, no suction goes through this hose. If you do find a crack in this hose, the this hose needs to be replaced. Here's a direct link to that hose on our GoVacuum website.
Dyson DC-07 & DC-14 Upright Replacement Internal Hose Part # 904219

Possible Problem #3. I would suspect that this may not be the problem, but if neither of the solutions above worked, then try this one. Dyson's in general are prone to clogging. There are a few clog ports throughout the vacuum cleaner that were added there due to Dyson prototypes becoming clogged at these points. Here are pictures of how and where to check for these clogs. Simply remove the suction port covers at both of these locations:


8b33cd4.jpg

be63721.jpg

If you are getting suction power from the hose, but the vacuum still doesn't pick up on the floors, I think that these solutions should fix your problem. If you just replaced the clutch mechanism, the roller brush should be fine, but turn the vacuum over on it's side and make sure that the roller brush is actually spinning while it's on carpet mode. If none of these problems fixed your Dyson, please use the Clarification Request, or leave another comment here on the Fixya repair page, and I'll be happy to further diagnosis the vacuum cleaner with you.

I hope this was helpful to you. If so, please be sure to rate the repair as helpful by clicking the thumbs up icon in the top of the repair page. This is what keeps Fixya repair professionals like myself continue posting these detailed repair solutions for free. We really do appreciate when someone recognizes the work you've done. Thank you very much,

Roger Potts

  • 694 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 13, 2010

SOURCE: Hi loss of suction on Dyson DC07 and I have

Check for a clog where the power nozzle connects to the hose. Clogs or leaks in the hose will both cause loss of suction/air flow. Another possibility is broken or worn out fan blades.

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1helpful
1answer

My dyson dc28 brush stopped turning after a pop and smoked. Smelled like burnt plastic. The attachment hose still has suction and is working fine. What happened?

Hiya.

When an object gets under the machine it can
cause the brushbar to suddenly jam. The belt between the motir
and the brushbar however is forced to keep turning
causing the rubber belt to burn an then break.
0helpful
1answer

Loud whining when the dyson goes on and off

Dyson vacuum cleaner - Strange noise troubleshooting.
WHISTLING NOISE
If you are getting strange noises from your Dyson vacuum cleaner, listen very carefully as each one is telling you something different. Look through the list and see if you can spot your strange noise.
If you are getting a whistling noise, that usually indicates an air leak (vacuum leak) of some kind.
If you also have a loss of suction, make sure you check for blockages, torn seals, or parts not fitted correctly such as u-bends etc.
A seal may also be missing so go through our poor suction troubleshooting and see if you can spot where the suction dies.
If you try all of that with no luck and have a machine that has a HEPA filter like the DC07 or DC14 especially, then remove the HEPA filter and check the circular seal underneath the HEPA filter. If this has moved even slightly this may be causing the whistling, try removing the seal and putting the filter back in.
The DC24 and DC25 ball models are known for this, you turn the machine off and it gives off a strange revving/flapping noise. To diagnose this properly then remove the HEPA filter (the one in the ball) turn it back on and off again. If the noise has gone then replace the HEPA filter with a new one. Go to our parts store to order one


POPPING NOISE

A popping noise accompanied by a really pungent burning smell 99% of the time indicates a motor failure with your Dyson vacuum cleaner.
This will involve a motor and usually a post motor filter replacement as it usually burns the post filter or at best traps that lovely smell in the filter for eternity.
Sometimes a popping noise is a bit simpler.
All Dyson vacuum cleaners are fitted with something called a bleed valve, if the Dyson becomes blocked the bleed valve opens allowing air to get to the motor so it doesn't get too hot and fail.
The bleed valve on most models makes a popping noise, clear the blockage and/or wash your filter and that should solve it.
Go to our suction problems page to troubleshoot it.

RATCHET NOISE

If you hear the dreaded ratcheting noise it'll scare your kids and pets and make you switch it off immediately. It sounds like a football rattle but worse.
The ratcheting noise only happens on Dyson vacuum cleaners with a clutch.
Don't know the difference?
Look at the two models below, the one to the left does not have a clutch the one to the right does.
Still don't see it? Look at the bottom left of each machine, the purple ones have a purple dial meaning it has a clutch (could be any colour dial) the yellow one doesn't.

Anyway, back to the ratchet noise. This usually only happens when something is obstructing the brushbar, it stops the brushbar to prevent the belt from breaking (clutch belts cannot be replaced by the customer) and makes the ratchet noise to warn you.

Removing the obstruction, like a sock or paperclip from the brushbar will usually get it working again.
If you remove the obstruction and it still ratchets, then unplug your Dyson and try turning the brushbar by hand. It should be quite loose, if not remove the brushbar by grabbing it and twisting and pulling until it comes out.

When you get it out try turning it if it is still tight then remove the end caps and check for dust or hair build up in the ends and also remove any hair built up around the brushbar. Spray some WD40 in the ends if necessary, put the end caps back on the brushbar and try again. If it is still tight to turn then I recommend a new brushbar.
If the brushbar is spinning freely by hand then the odds are it will require a new clutch. We sell these in our parts store one clutch fits most models, the only exception is any DC03 and the DC04 Zorbster model. We sell all clutches and brushbars in our parts store

Dyson vacuum cleaner - Strange noise troubleshooting.
If you are getting strange noises from your Dyson vacuum cleaner, listen very carefully as each one is telling you something different. Look through the list and see if you can spot your strange noise.
If you are getting a whistling noise, that usually indicates an air leak (vacuum leak) of some kind.

If you also have a loss of suction, make sure you check for blockages, torn seals, or parts not fitted correctly such as u-bends etc.

A seal may also be missing so go through our poor suction troubleshooting and see if you can spot where the suction dies.
If you try all of that with no luck and have a machine that has a HEPA filter like the DC07 or DC14 especially, then remove the HEPA filter and check the circular seal underneath the HEPA filter. If this has moved even slightly this may be causing the whistling, try removing the seal and putting the filter back in.
The DC24 and DC25 ball models are known for this, you turn the machine off and it gives off a strange revving/flapping noise. To diagnose this properly then remove the HEPA filter (the one in the ball) turn it back on and off again. If the noise has gone then replace the HEPA filter with a new one. Go to our parts store to order one

POPPING NOISE

A popping noise accompanied by a really pungent burning smell 99% of the time indicates a motor failure with your Dyson vacuum cleaner.
This will involve a motor and usually a post motor filter replacement as it usually burns the post filter or at best traps that lovely smell in the filter for eternity.
Sometimes a popping noise is a bit simpler.
All Dyson vacuum cleaners are fitted with something called a bleed valve, if the Dyson becomes blocked the bleed valve opens allowing air to get to the motor so it doesn't get too hot and fail.
The bleed valve on most models makes a popping noise, clear the blockage and/or wash your filter and that should solve it.
Go to our suction problems page to troubleshoot it.

RATCHET NOISE

If you hear the dreaded ratcheting noise it'll scare your kids and pets and make you switch it off immediately. It sounds like a football rattle but worse.
The ratcheting noise only happens on Dyson vacuum cleaners with a clutch.
Don't know the difference?
Look at the two models below, the one to the left does not have a clutch the one to the right does.
Still don't see it? Look at the bottom left of each machine, the purple ones have a purple dial meaning it has a clutch (could be any colour dial) the yellow one doesn't.
NO CLUTCH

CLUTCH
Anyway, back to the ratchet noise.
This usually only happens when something is obstructing the brushbar, it stops the brushbar to prevent the belt from breaking (clutch belts cannot be replaced by the customer) and makes the ratchet noise to warn you.

Removing the obstruction, like a sock or paperclip from the brushbar will usually get it working again.
If you remove the obstruction and it still ratchets, then unplug your Dyson and try turning the brushbar by hand. It should be quite loose, if not remove the brushbar by grabbing it and twisting and pulling until it comes out.

When you get it out try turning it if it is still tight then remove the end caps and check for dust or hair build up in the ends and also remove any hair built up around the brushbar. Spray some WD40 in the ends if necessary, put the end caps back on the brushbar and try again. If it is still tight to turn then I recommend a new brushbar.
If the brushbar is spinning freely by hand then the odds are it will require a new clutch. We sell these in our parts store one clutch fits most models, the only exception is any DC03 and the DC04 Zorbster model. We sell all clutches and brushbars in our parts store

LOUD VIBRATING, SCREECHING OR REVVING NOISE
If your Dyson vacuum cleaner is making a loud vibrating or revving noise.
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. Remove the brushbar, cut off any hair, remove the end caps of the brushbar and apply grease, WD-40 etc to the bearings. Put the end caps back on again and try and spin it, does it spin freely? If not then the brush may need replacing.
If the noise remains with the brushbar removed then I'm afraid it is a motor failure and will need a motor replacement.
If your motor fails with this noise usually it is down to the filters not being washed often enough and dust choking the motor.
If you have one of the ball model Dysons, such as DC15, DC24, DC25 etc. this could be your brushbar motor, brush bar or the end cap!
Best thing to do is remove your brushbar and end cap and inspect them. Any obvious sign of wear or damage then replace them. Also inspect the part at the other end of were the brushbar sits (this is the brushbar motor and drives the brushbar) Is it worn or damaged? If so you will need a new brushbar motor.
Try switching it on with the brushbar removed and the brushbar motor turned off at the switch.
Is the noise still there? If yes then there is a good chance you need a new main motor (not brush bar motor)
If your answer was no, try switching it on with the brush bar motor on (will need to be in the leaned back position for this) Is the noise still there? Yes, then you will need a new brushbar motor.
If your answer was no again, then replace your brushbar and end cap.
One more thing to try with the DC24 and DC25 ball models is to remove the HEPA filter (the one in the ball) switch it back on and off again. Has the noise gone? Yes, then the HEPA filter needs to be replaced.


http://www.repairmydyson.com/#!strange-noise/c3ha

1helpful
1answer

Dyson DC07 belt change has resulted in very noisy vacuum!

Hi I agree with the first 2 solutions above but not the 3rd one.
If you have suction coming through the hose when the machine is in upright position then the u bend has nothing to do with this problem.

Right so ... The belt snapped.

The answer to you question is "why did the belt snap" its true that it could just be old age but its more likely to have been caused by a foreign object being sooked up.

How the belt/brushbar/motor interact

Your belt simply connects the motor to the brushbar know as Direct Drive. If an object get inside the space between the motor and the brushbar or if it can jam the brushbar then this will cause the rubber to burn. The motor will keep spinning and the belt wont be able to so will snap.

So its easy to see that the belt has snapped and people just think "'oh the belt has snapped"

You might wonder where im coming from here.

Anyway because the brushbar got jammed it may also have been buckled slighty either as a result of the foreign object causing it to stop suddenly from spinning at high speed or/and the result of the heat build up.

The rattling noise you now find your Dyson making is more than likely because your brushbar is buckled and when it spins the bristles are hitting the housing unit.

Your belt will snap again unless you replace the brushbar
0helpful
1answer
0helpful
1answer

Where is the reset button on the brushbar head?

Hi there,
Your DC25's belt is engineered to last the lifetime of the machine, and cannot be accessed. If something jams the brushbar, a sensor will shut it off, protecting the belt. If the brushbar isn't rotating, it's likely the machine simply needs resetting. For guidance on doing this, please follow the steps shown in the video below.
Please note, the brushbar will never rotate when the machine is standing upright, so make sure you recline the machine into the vacuuming position before testing it.
I'd strongly advise you not to attempt to disassemble the cleaner head, as this may cause damage, and will void our 5-year guarantee. If you'd like further assistance with your machine, please call us on 0800 298 0298 (UK), or 1-866-693-9766 (US).
Best wishes,
Jack
Dyson Online Customer Support
http://www.dyson.com/

1helpful
1answer

Belt is still attached, but brush will not turn.

Hi,

If the motor runs but the brushes aren't turning, there are several possible reasons:

1. There is something trapped in or around the brush bar. Lie the vacuum on one side and make sure you can turn the brushes by hand. They should give some resistance when turning by hand, but the should turn.
2. The belt is worn/stretched and is slipping. This is often accompanied by the smell of burning rubber.
3. The belt is broken. It may still look attached to attached to the brushbar but it could be broken inside.
4. The brushbar isn't inserted correctly.


REMEDY: Please follow these simple instructions to determine the cause of the fault.

Disconnect the power and allow to cool for at least an hour if you have been using it


1. Sit on a chair, turn the vacuum upside down and hold it between your knees:

belectric_43.jpg

2. Undo the 3 fasteners at the positions shown in the picture below on the underside of the dyson (use a coin). Pivot the back edge of the sole plate upwards and lift off the sole plate which covers the brush bar:

belectric_44.jpgbelectric_45.jpg

3. Check for any debris around the brushes that may be stopping it from turning

4. Check that the brushbar is correctly inserted:

belectric_49.jpg

5. Check that the belt is intact and tight and correctly looped over the motor spindle:

belectric_47.jpg

If the belt is intact and tight, the brushbar turns freely and is correctly inserted and the motor runs, then your belt is probably worn/stretched and needs replacing.

All of the other possible faults can be fixed once the sole plate is removed (Step 2). Remove any debris from the brushbar, make sure it is correctly inserted, and make sure the belt is correctly looped over both the motor spindle and brushbar.

If you need to replace the belt, please see my other post for replacing the belt on a DC07

http://www.fixya.com/support/t7232645-fit_new_drive_belt


If you have done all of the above and there is still no obvious reason why the brushbar isn't turning, please post back for further assistance.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
BElectric.
0helpful
1answer

Dyson vacuum beater bar will not spin, belt is fine

Hi, Thanks for using FixYa! My name is Don/

I will try and help you solve your problem with your Dyson.

If your brushbar wont turn and the belt is definatley fitted correctly then there is a problem with the brushbar itself.


If the brushbar is old then they can be affected internally by clogging up.


Assuming you have the "Clutch" version of Dyson. This is one that has a spiral brushbar.

There are 2 types of brushbar, 1 for the Clutch Version and 1 for the Non Clutch version.

Either way you will need to replace the brushbar. Please watch the video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BtlLNkQG08

1helpful
1answer

Dc17 Brushbar will not rotate,still under warranty

I'd purse the warranty angle and see what they can do for you first.

As to causes, can you turn the brushbar with your hand? If so, does it turn easily, i.e. maybe your belt is broken. If the brushbar is hard to turn, then look for any obstructions on the brushbar (string, tinsel, etc.) that might be keeping it from turning. Look at the ends and where the belt contacts the bar.

Here's the Dyson customer service number:

1-866-MY-DYSON
(1-866-693-9766)


And here's their website which has warranty and service information.

http://www.dyson.com/support/help.asp?article=916

Good luck!
0helpful
1answer

DC24. Why won't it turn on?

J Luke, it's not fully clear what the issue is - no power at all, or that the brush won't spin. The manual can be found here (
https://www.dyson.co.uk/medialibrary/Files/Dyson/Support/downloads/UK/floorcare/Manuals/DC24_Manual.pdf ) and a Dyson graphic for resetting the brushbar is here (
Reset brushbar ) A very common issue that a lot of people don't pick up on from a first perusal of the manual is that the brushbar will not spin when the vacuum is in a full upright position (this is what switches the suction over to the handle/wand, and no use spinning the brush with no suction, so it turns off). You may want to try again with the vacuum back inclined from upright. There are some models where part of resetting the brushbar after a blockage is to press the brushbar switch (grey switch next to main power switch according to forums, though not pointed out in the manuals) several times.

Other forums say that if something has actually failed, it's a PCB about 1% of the time and the actual brushbar motor the other 99%. That swap would go into a lot more detail than likely needed here.

Good Luck!
0helpful
1answer

The brushbar is not spinning.

Even though the belts are intact they can still be stretched and will not turn the brush. Here is a link to the belts you need:

Dyson DC14 Replacement Belts
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