Roomba vacuums brought a revolutionary change in the robotics world right after their invention in 2002. They efficiently clean your homes and offices’ carpets and floors. Although a Roomba vacuum is very reliable, some users claim that its side brush stops spinning after some time. A few reasons cause the Roomba side brush not to spin.
This guide is all about reasons and fixes for a Roomba brush that is not spinning.
1. Jammed Side Brush Module
A jammed side brush module is a common reason why the Roomba side brush is not spinning. It will be jammed due to hair and other debris contaminants. If you are not habitual in cleaning your Roomba brushes, debris and dirt will definitely accumulate underneath them.
Besides this, the contaminants also accumulate on the gearbox of the side brush. Spinning gears are present in the gearbox that transfers power to the side brush from the motor. This power causes the side brushes to spin. If hair, dirt, and other debris accumulate in the gearbox, the gears will not work properly. Hence, the side brush also stops working.
2. Poorly-lubricated Side Brush Motor
If your Roomba side brush is not spinning, it could be due to a poorly-lubricated motor. A failure in the side brush motor will cause it to stop spinning. But if you contact the manufacturers, they will provide a warranty replacement for this faulty motor.
3. Damaged Brush Parts
Another possible reason your Roomba brush is not spinning freely is its damaged parts. Turn on the vacuum and check if the side brush is turning at the appropriate time or not. If the motor doesn’t gain any power, it could be due to a failure in the module.
If the side brush doesn’t spin, but the motor is running, it could be due to the cracks in the yellow part of the side brush. The cracks in the yellow part hinder it from spinning freely. If you find cracks or see this yellow part is worn out, it’s better to replace it.
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Fix Roomba Brush That Is Not Spinning
The simplest way to fix the side brush of the Roomba vacuum is to replace it. You can get the Roomba side brush module from Amazon at reasonable prices. But, if you don’t want to replace the side brush, you have to follow the given methods to fix the issue.
1. Remove Dirt From The Side Brush
Dirt mainly accumulates underneath the side brush. You have to remove debris that is hindering the movement of the brush. Take a small screwdriver to remove the side brush from your Roomba vacuum. After removing the brush, you will have to clean it thoroughly. You can use a clean cloth or a pointed object to clean the brush.
After cleaning, reinstall the side brush to its place. Now check if the brush is spinning freely or not. If it still doesn’t spin, you have to replace or repair it. To fix this issue, you should check the gearbox also.
2. Clear The Gearbox From Dirt
Remove the back cover to access the gearbox of your vacuum cleaner. Now, you have to unscrew the side brush. Then open all the screws holding the back cover to its place. After removing the side cover, you will reach the side brush module held by two screws tightly. Now, unscrew them and take the module in your hands.
Unscrew the cover of the gearbox with a screwdriver. After opening the cover, you will reach for the gear inside this box. Remove each gear one by one and inspect it thoroughly. The gunk buildup here prevents the gear from moving; hence side brush doesn’t spin. Remove any dirt, hair, and other accumulations on these gears.
After removing all the unwanted elements, you should lubricate your gears. Lubrication of the gears will help them to move easily.
3. Apply Lubrication to The Side Brush Motor
You have to lubricate your Roomba side brush motor for its smooth running. Access the motor and apply some oil to the areas of the motor shaft. A little greasing can improve the brush movement more than you think.
After cleaning and lubricating the motor shaft and gearbox, now reassemble everything and put them in their original places. Check your side brush; it must be moving freely.
4. Check Wires and Connections
If your Roomba side brush is not spinning after trying all the aforementioned techniques, check all wires and connectors. The connections may be damaged, loose, or corroded. If you find them worn out or damaged, you better replace the side brush module. The side brush modules are available for Roomba 500, 600, 700, and 800 series.
Replacing or changing the side brush module is not costly. The new side brush module will make your Roomba works perfectly afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Roomba side brush do?
The Roomba side brush is used for cleaning the edges to gather debris, dirt, and hair. The side brush spins and collects the debris in its way. Then it places it in front of Roomba’s suction path. Without a side brush, your Roomba will not reach the corners and edges for cleaning the floor.
2. Will Roomba work without a side brush?
Roomba without side brushes will not work as efficiently as it should. Side brushes help clean the edges and corners. Thus, if you run a Roomba without a side brush, it will not perform its cleaning duties up to the mark. It will be a sweeper, not a vacuum without brushes.
3. How to clean the side spinning brush of Roomba?
- Unscrew the side brush with a screwdriver.
- Pull off the brush and remove hair and dirt accumulated over it.
- Use a pointed object or a soft brush for cleaning.
- Reinstall the side brush back to its place.
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