Shark Navigator Brush Not Spinning? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Shark is one of the hottest vacuum companies on the market right now, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their problems. With the Shark Navigator, the most common issue is having a roller brush that just won’t spin. When this happens, your vacuum ends up being unable to handle its regular load. So, what do you do when you’re confronted with a “locked brush?”
A roller brush that isn’t spinning can be caused by several different things, the most common being:
- Not Having The Brush Turned On
- Excess Debris
- A Broken Belt
- A Disengaged Nozzle
Troubleshooting your Shark vacuum might feel like a herculean task, but it’s really way more simple than you would expect it to be. This guide will help you understand what can cause the problem, and when it may be a good idea to replace your vacuum.
Troubleshooting A Shark Navigator Brush That Won’t Spin
So, clearly, you have a problem with this brush. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s time to say goodbye to your vacuum. To troubleshoot (and solve) this issue, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Check to see if the roller brush is actually turned on. You should have the vacuum turned to carpet (or brush roll) mode. If it’s on floor mode, switch it to carpet mode to see if it will start spinning.
- Turn off the vacuum. This is a safety procedure! You should never try to open up a vacuum cleaner without turning it off first. It’s just not a smart move.
- Grab a Phillips head screwdriver and remove all 10 screws at the bottom of the Navigator’s suction piece. Then, pop off the plate and set the screws aside. Remove the white cover to take a look at the roller.
- Examine the roller brush area to see if the roller brush belt is broken. If your belt broke, then you need to replace it in order to have your roller brush spin. (In fact, you might even need to do this just to get your Shark Navigator to work!) To replace the belt, remove the belt from the rotator brush, get a new belt, and place it in the corresponding slots.
- Pull out the roller brush and remove any hair, strings, or debris from the roller. Replace the roller in the vacuum and screw the plates back into place.
- Check to see if the vacuum’s nozzle is actively engaged. In order for your rotator brush to spin, the vacuum’s nozzle has to be properly connected to the brush. To figure out if this is the case, push down on your vacuum’s handle. If you hear a click, you probably just fixed your problem.
- If all else fails, it’s usually safe to assume that your roller brush motor is fried out. This will require a motor replacement, if you want to bother with it.
If you just have a Shark vacuum but don’t necessarily have a Navigator, the instructions for troubleshooting are slightly different. Click to see how to fix a Shark brush that isn’t spinning!
When Should You Call A Professional?
Calling a professional is a good idea if you really are emotionally attached to the vacuum cleaner and cannot figure out what is causing the clog. Since the price of getting professional repairs often exceeds the price of replacing your Shark vacuum, this is one of those tools that is best replaced rather than repaired.
You have to remember that vacuum repair costs between $50 to $60 an hour, with most companies requiring at least an hour of work billed. Considering that most vacuum repair projects done by a pro will also include spending for parts, it’s often just easier to splurge on a new vacuum. However, that call is up to you to make.
How Much Do Shark Navigator Parts Cost?
If you need to replace parts due to a brush that won’t spin, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue, and it happens to virtually every type of vacuum. If you aren’t sure whether you want to replace a part or the whole vacuum, these price points will tell you what to expect:
- Navigator belts can be obtained for $8 to $10 a pop.
- Shark Navigator roller brushes cost $20 to $23, depending on the vendor.
- Shark Navigator roller motors can cost between $15 to $30 depending on the specific model in the line.
Are Shark Navigator Vacuums Good Quality?
Though you might have a hiccup when it comes to the roller brush, most people would agree that Shark is a highly reliable vacuum brand. According to Consumer Reports Shark has an “Excellent” rating for the reliability of their corded stick vacuums and a “Very Good” for the reliability of their upright vacuums.
All things considered, vacuums made from Shark are reliable enough to handle hard-up homes. If you’re looking for a vacuum that won’t quit, Shark is a good brand. With that said, they do have belt problems as well as roller problems from time to time.
How Much Does A Shark Navigator Vacuum Cost?
One thing people often forget is that Shark’s Navigator line doesn’t just consist of a single vacuum model. It’s a wide range of different vacuum models, ranging from the more affordable to the upscale. Depending on the specific model, you should expect to pay anywhere from $99 to $200 for a navigator.
If you want to replace your Navigator, we strongly suggest getting a moderately upscale model. It’ll last longer while also giving you more functionality.
Do Shark Navigator Vacuums Come With A Warranty?
While it can be a pain to deal with a Shark vacuum that’s overheating or a roller brush that’s just not doing what it should, there is some good news. Shark vacuums all come with a 5-year limited warranty. Here’s what you need to know about the warranty:
- Shark warranties are totally up to the discretion of SharkNinja. To get a replacement and repair for free, they have to determine that the parts failed of their own accord and not due to regular wear and tear.
- The damage that caused your roller motor to stop moving cannot be due to misuse, neglect, or commercial use. In other words, if the company determines that you didn’t maintain your vacuum well or if you threw it down the stairs, chances are you won’t be covered.
- You need to contact the company directly to get the warranty help you need. If the company replaces your item, you have six additional months before your limited warranty is done.
- Shark may replace your vacuum with one of equal or greater value. So, you might be able to get a quick upgrade.
- Another major caveat you need to be aware of is that Shark doesn’t fix units that have been damaged as a result of damage done by an unlicensed repairman. This is why it may be better to try to call them if you are not able to determine the cause of your failure than take it to a repairman.
Are Refurbished Shark Vacuums Worth It?
Believe it or not, a certified refurbished Shark Vacuum might be one of the best bargains on the vacuum market. If you get a certified refurbished vacuum, you’ll pay around 50 to 75 percent of the price of a new model. Despite that, the vacuum will have all functional parts, will be tested for functionality, and also will come with a warranty.
While you do get a warranty, it is not going to be the same as Shark’s classic 5-year limited warranty. They have two different warranties designed to cater to refurbished vacuums. In order to get the warranty, you have to make sure your certified refurbished vacuum came from a proper dealer.
Related Questions
Who owns Shark vacuums?
Believe it or not, Shark Vacuums is owned by SharkNinja Operating LLC. This is the same company that most people recognize for creating Ninja blenders. It’s privately owned. The company holds its headquarters in Needham, Massachusetts. Technically, the company is owned by CDH Equity since 2017, but most people see it as a standalone company.
Where are Shark vacuums manufactured?
If you were hoping to hear that Shark is an American-based manufacturing company, you’re going to be disappointed. According to the most recent reports, Shark vacuums are all made in China. The trend of using Chinese factories does not seem to be going away anytime soon, either. They recently underwent a rather large expansion and currently employ over 800 people overseas.Shark vacuums aren’t the only product that this company makes in China, either. China’s factories also manufacture all the company’s Ninja products, including blenders, food processors, and similar kitchen goodies. It’s all China-based!
What parts are not covered by Shark’s limited 5-year warranty?
Any parts that are considered to be “wearable” are not going to be covered by a limited warranty. When SharkNinja says “wearable,” they mean parts of your vacuum that are prone to wear and tear. This includes (but is not limited to) parts that require regular replacement, such as filters, bags, and similar items.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
More by Ossiana Tepfenhart
