Shark Vacuum Brush Not Spinning? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Although Roomba vacuum cleaners are becoming more popular by the day, many people still prefer traditional vacuum cleaners. Shark is one of the most popular brands of vacuum cleaners. Shark is a household name; thanks to the quality and value this brand offers.

However, as good as they are, Shark vacuum cleaners have its fair share of frustrating issues. One very common issue is when the Shark vacuum brush just stops spinning.

Your Shark vacuum brush won’t spin if the roller brush switch is off or the floor nozzle is disengaged. Remove hair and debris from the brush and remove clogs from the hose or dust cap if the brush won’t spin. A broken belt will prevent your Shark vacuum brush from spinning and you will need to replace it.

Fortunately, the Shark vacuum brush not spinning issue is an easy fix. Keep reading to know the causes and potential fixes for this problem.

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With continued use, your brush roll will get dirty and accumulate debris or hair. This can cause your Shark brush roll to stop spinning. This is more likely to happen if you don’t regularly clean the brush. Hair is the most common culprit that causes the brush to get stuck.

For hair accumulation on the brush, use a pair of scissors to cut the hair. For a particularly heavy buildup, you should use a razor blade. Just make sure you don’t cut the bristles of the brush bar. For instructions on how to clean the brush roll, refer to our guide below.

If the vacuum brush has stopped spinning and there’s no suction power, check if there are blockages in the dust cap or hose. Generally, blockages in the dust cap are easily seen once you have emptied it. So clean and empty the dust cap to see any obstruction.

For checking the hose for blockages, press the quick-release foot pedal and remove the hose. You should be able to see if there’s anything that blocks the hose. Remember, the blockage may not be enough to stop the suction, but it will surely affect how the vacuum sounds while operating.

The Shark vacuum brush roll needs to be cleaned regularly for optimal performance. Too much debris or hair buildup on the roll will cause the brush to stop spinning. Follow the steps below to clean the brush roll.

Step 1: Unplug the vacuum. Look for three plastic knobs in the brush roll plate and unlock them.

Step 2: Remove the belt. You have the choice of taking out the brush bar or not but for a thorough clean, it’s better to remove the bar.

Step 3: Use a pair of scissors to cut the hair and string that are stuck on the brush. For heavy buildup of hair, you can use a large razor or a stick picker to loosen the tangled hair. Shark does have a hair removal tool that may come with your vacuum.

Step 4: Thoroughly clean the bar because all the hair and string can hamper the vacuum’s suction power.

Step 1: Remove the vacuum body by pulling the handle while pressing the lift away button.

Step 2: Turn the vacuum over to access the bottom of the base. You should see two small wheels from both ends which you can remove using a metal spudger.

Step 3: Using the Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the nine 16 mm from under the panel. Firmly push the side tabs in the center of the panel and pull up the hose connection to reveal two more 13.5 screws. Take out the two 13.5 mm screws using the screwdriver.

Step 4: Remove the top cover and put it on the side. You’ll see a wire attached via a pin that can be removed by squeezing and pulling up.

Step 5: There should be a pair of 11 mm screws that can be removed by your #2 screwdriver. Lift the transparent cover and take out the roller brush.

Step 6: Remove the belt on the side of the roller brush. Install the replacement belt and just follow the instructions in reverse to reassemble the vacuum.

This guide should work for Shark vacuum cleaners with a traditional drive belt. Otherwise, refer to the user guide to replace the belt correctly.

Related Questions

Why Does My Shark Vacuum Cleaner Smell?

Foul smells are quite common with vacuum cleaners considering what they do. This is why it’s highly recommended that you clean the vacuum and empty the cup, once every three months. If you’re cleaning the filter, use water only. It’s also a good idea to check the carpet for damp surfaces as they are known to smell.

Can I Clean My Shark Vacuum Felt Filter?

Some models of Shark vacuum cleaners come with felt filters. Shark doesn’t recommend washing the felt filter because it is prone to damage. Therefore, you can just take out the filter, tap them gently to shake the dirt off, and wipe the surface clean.If you’re going to wash the felt filter, wash it with soapy water but lightly and carefully. Do this at your own risk.

Is Shark a Good Vacuum Cleaner Brand?

Shark is one of the household names in the vacuum cleaning space. At some point, Shark has even surpassed Dyson as the top brand in the United States.From sucking sand from bare floors to pulling pet dander, many Shark vacuum models are highly-rated. In terms of reliability, only 11% of consumers have experienced a breakage within three years of ownership.