Shark Vacuum Cleaners Brush Roll Not Spinning: How to Fix It Yourself

Tools Needed

Watch the Video

Parts You May Need

Step-by-Step Repair

1. Step 1 of 5
   1

   Unplug the vacuum and lay it flat

   For cordless models, remove the battery. Lay the vacuum down so you can see the bottom of the floor nozzle.

   Photo: Unplug the vacuum and lay it flat
2. Step 2 of 5
   2

   Remove the brush roll cover

   Many Shark models have a removable cover plate held by screws or clips. Remove it to access the brush roll. On Shark Rotator models, press the two release tabs and lift the roll out.

   Photo: Remove the brush roll cover
3. Step 3 of 5
   3

   Pull out the brush roll and clean it

   Slide the brush roll out. Use scissors to cut through all hair wound around it. Pull off every strand. Clean the end caps — hair packed in the bearings is the number one cause of failure.

   Photo: Pull out the brush roll and clean it
4. Step 4 of 5
   4

   Check the belt

   Inspect the rubber drive belt. If it's stretched, cracked, or broken, replace it. Belts should be taut when installed — if you can stretch it easily by hand, it's worn out. Replacement belts are model-specific, so check your model number.

   Photo: Check the belt
5. Step 5 of 5
   5

   Reassemble and test

   Reinstall the belt, brush roll, and cover plate. Plug in and turn on. The brush roll indicator light should turn green. If the roll spins freely, you're done.

   Photo: Reassemble and test

If That Didn't Work

• The floor nozzle switch may be set to 'hard floor' mode, which disables the brush roll on some models.
• A blockage in the suction path causes some Shark models to shut off the brush roll as a safety feature.
• The brush roll motor on cordless models can fail — if the roll is clean and the belt is fine, the motor may need replacement.

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