Shark Robot Side Brush Not Spinning? (Solved)
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To ensure that edges and corners of an area are properly vacuumed, a Shark robot vacuum is equipped with 2 side brushes. The side brush is also known as a corner brush, a spinner or an edge brush.
These brushes rotate so that the dirt is swept towards the suction mouth of the robot vacuum. However, sometimes the side brushes of a Shark robot vacuum can stop spinning. Here’s why:
Shark robot vacuum side brushes stop spinning if dirt has accumulated beneath them, or the bristles have become deformed. Remove the side brushes and clean the housing. You can also straighten the bristles back into their original shape. If the side brushes do not spin after this, replace the side brush motors.
When the Shark robot side brushes no longer rotate, dust and dirt would no longer properly get vacuumed along the edges. Time to fix this problem ASAP and restore your Shark robot vacuum.
Why Shark robot vacuum side brushes are not spinning
Shark robot side brushes are not spinning because the soft bristles have become deformed, there is an accumulation of dust, dirt, and hair beneath each housing, or the side brush motors are no longer working.
1. The bristles have become deformed
Shark robot side brushes are equipped with super soft bristles that rotate whenever the robot goes on a cleaning run. However, because the bristles are so soft, they can become bent over time.
Whenever the bristles become bent, the side brush may have trouble spinning properly. The bristles can get caught on the floor or on an object that is on the Shark robot’s cleaning path.
There’s nothing wrong with the bristles becoming bent. It’s natural and will happen over time. What you can do is to remove the side brushes and restore the bristles back to their original shape. If the bristles are too crooked, do yourself a favor and buy new Shark replacement side brushes.
- 【Compatible Model】Compatible with Shark AV911SEZ R101AE (RV1001AE), IQ R101 (RV1001) AV1002AE, AV1010AE, AV2501AE RV2502AE AV2501S AV970, AV993,...
- 【Easy to Install】Snap into place for quick and effortless routine replacement without tools, These side brushes are made of high strength material and...
- 【High Performance】Replace the new side brush every 2-4 months to ensure the sweeping ability of the robot vacuum
Turn off the main power switch before performing any maintenance. Check the two side brushes on your Shark robot for tangles or deformation. When the side brushes are visibly worn, you can replace them.
To remove a Shark robot side brush, pull it off the post by its bristles. To install a new one, press the new side brush down onto the peg until it clicks into place. Be sure to replace both Shark side brushes.
I love Shark robot side brushes because they snap into place for a quick and easy replacement, no tools required. Other brands of robot vacuums require a screwdriver for maintenance.
2. Dirt, dust, and hair underneath the side brushes
Side brushes are housed beneath the Shark robot. As it does its job and gathers debris from your house, small particles of dust and dirt, including strands of hair, can find their way underneath the side brushes.
Once the housing of the side brushes are packed with an accumulation of dust, dirt, and hair, the Shark side brushes won’t rotate properly. You will need to remove the side brushes and clean the housing.
To do this, remove the first side brush from the Shark robot. Clear anything you see from underneath the side brush. Chances are, it is loaded with dirt. Replace the side brush and repeat on the second side brush. Make sure both side brushes are installed properly, otherwise they won’t spin.
3. Side brush motors are no longer working
The side brush motors power the two side brushes on the Shark robot. If your Shark robot still functions without side brush movement and the side brushes have already been replaced, it means the motors are no longer working. You need to replace a burnt out or malfunctioning side brush motor.
If you need to replace the left side brush motor, you can buy the replacement right here. If you need to replace the right side brush motor, you can buy the replacement right here. Both are different.
This procedure is as technical as it can be. If you are not confident with your skills, take your Shark robot to the repair shop and ask a professional to replace the side brush motors for you.
I’m not going to break down the steps to replace the Shark side brush motors right here, but if you are interested in doing it yourself, I will send you over to ifixit.com for the helpful step-by-step guide.
Bottom line
Now you know why the Shark robot vacuum side brushes are not spinning. Either the bristles have become deformed, or an accumulation of dust, dirt, and hair has gathered underneath each side brush.
However, it could be that the side brush motors have become burnt or malfunctioned. If this is the case, there is nothing you can do other than to replace the side brush motors of your Shark robot.
If you are ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the Shark customer service, especially if your robot vacuum is still under warranty. They would be more than happy to help and figure out the solution with you.
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Christopher White
I'm a freelance writer and editor for Cleaners Talk. I don't claim to be a cleaning expert, but I have 8 Roombas at home, including 2 robot mops. I love to tinker with them.