Several things could have gone wrong when you are faced with your Roomba brush not spinning.
Either dirt or debris, such as hair, has accumulated under it, causing it to move less freely or your side brush motor is old; probably you’ve used it for a while without replacing it, or maybe the module or a component is damaged.
Whatever it might be, it is generally something you can deal with. However, there might be some things you would shy away from doing if you are not so handy.
I am not assuming you are an expert at electronics, but with these troubleshooting steps, I will be showing you, If you carefully follow the instructions, you should be able to resolve your Roomba brush not spinning issue.
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Why is my Roomba Brush not Spinning?
Above, you might have an idea of the possible reason behind your Roomba brush not spinning. However, I will carefully break down what you should look for when your Roomba brush stops spinning.
The Side Brush Module is Jammed
The most frequent cause of a Roomba brush not spinning is because it is clogged with hair or other debris.
You may be amazed at how much dust and debris has built up behind the side brush if you haven’t cleaned it in a while.
You should always check for this first because it’s one of the most common causes of your Roomba brush not spinning.
The side brush gearbox may also become clogged with dust and debris.
In case you do not know, the side brush is spun by the gearbox’s rotating gears, which transfer power from the motor to it.
So when the side brush stops operating due to dust and grime building up inside the side brush gearbox, it prevents the gears from turning correctly.
Side Brush Motors are Poorly Lubricated
A poor motor is another factor contributing to a Roomba side brush not rotating freely.
Despite being uncommon, there have been a few instances of side brush motor failure.
But if this happens to you, don’t worry; iRobot will send you a warranty replacement if you get in touch with them and describe the side brush’s behaviour.
Damaged Component
When the components are broken, your Roomba brush may stop spinning.
Although it can be difficult to validate but you can do so by having your Roomba run the demo and seeing if the side brush motor turns on when it should.
If it powers on, then it means everything is OK; but if it doesn’t, the module may have failed.
However, if the Roomba motor runs but there is no sign of the side brush spinning, the yellow portion of the side brush should be inspected for cracks or significant tears.
Now that you are aware of the varied reasons why your Roomba brush is not spinning, let’s delve into the different things you can do to troubleshoot it.
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How to Fix a Roomba Brush not Spinning
After going over the causes of your Roomba brush not spinning, you should have a good idea of what to do to fix it. More information, on the other hand, is lethal.
In addition, I will be breaking down tried-and-true troubleshooting techniques to fix the Roomba not spinning, so keep reading.
Remove the Dirt from Beneath the Suds Brush
To start, empty your iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaner of all the dust that has accumulated behind the side brush module.
Here is how to go about that:
- Make sure to remove all exposed screws using a screwdriver.
- Now, remove and clean the side brush.
- Finally, replace the side brush module and screw it up again.
After cleaning the side brush thoroughly, reinstall it and make sure it spins freely.
If it begins to spin, the problem is resolved. But if it still won’t turn after that, check the gearbox.
Clean the Gearbox
The gearbox is another component that could be the culprit behind your Roomba Brush not spinning, but all you need to do is clean it.
That being said, here is how to go about it.
- Simply remove all visible screws using a screwdriver.
- After removing the rear cover, you’ll need to unscrew the module’s screws to raise it.
- Then you’ll notice a screw keeping the cover in place. Just remove it and raise the lid.
- Then, open the lid. The gears will be visible within.
- Next, remove each piece of equipment individually and remove any dust, dirt, hair, or other obstructions that you can see with your naked eyes.
- After you’ve removed all of the hair and dust, be sure to lubricate the gears so they can rotate smoothly.
NB: As much as you need to lubricate the gears, avoid putting too much grease into the gear.
Apply Lubricant to the Side Brush Motor Shaft
Firstly, you have to access the side brush motor. Once it is accessed, lubricate it with a decent amount of grease to keep it turning smoothly.
Doing this will improve the side brush’s movement compared to before. Just make sure you are not applying excessive grease.
- After doing that, reassemble the side brush gearbox.
- Now, attach the side brush and try spinning it by hand just before reinstalling it to see if it will spin freely.
- If it doesn’t, reassemble it.
Brand-new Roomba Side Brush not spinning
If you’ve just gotten a brand new Roomba vacuum and you tried using it but noticed that it wasn’t spinning, You do not need to fret about it.
The possible reason for this is the side brush motor. What you have to do here is lubricate the side brush motor with some grease and see if it works.
If it does, you should call the iRobot customer operator.
The Roomba Side Brush is not always Spinning
This is just about the same scenario as described above. Maybe you’ve tried a bunch of things or you’ve decided to keep a blind eye on the issue.
Either way, you can resolve this by cleaning the side brush, lubricating the side brush motor, or changing the gearbox.
Doing them one at a time and testing the vacuum afterwards will be worthwhile if you have the time to do it.
You can follow the instructions below to be more clear on how to carry that out.
If you struggle to identify any of the components, consult your manual.
The Brush on my Roomba J7+ is not Spinning
If you own a Roomba 7+ model and your Roomba brush is not spinning, all you have to do is clean the side brush for hairs and debris. Lubricate its motor and also lubricate the gearbox.
You can complete each one one at a time and then test them.
If after doing this, none of them seems to work, proceed to the next heading.
What should I do if the side brush is still not spinning?
After completing all of the aforementioned steps, if your side brush still won’t spin, the first thing you should look for is an electrical connectivity problem.
To further rule out any problems, consider replacing the battery in the cleaner.
If the problem persists, get in touch with iRobot support so they can replace or fix your side brush module or motor.
Conclusion
After going through this article, you should be well informed on how to go about fixing your Roomba brush not spinning. If this article has been helpful, feel free to share and bookmark this site to stay updated on the latest tech gadgets and fixes.