Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Today I took my Bissell deep cleaner (the commercial grade "BigGreen" Rug Doctor killer) to my parents house to do some carpet cleaning as a favor. I get there, use their Dyson DC14 to vacuum everything first, then went about carpet cleaning. Throughout the process, I noticed clumps of cat hair and carpet fibers trailing behind the Bissell on the forward passes. This led me to believe that the huge brushbar on the Bissell big green was picking up stuff the Dyson was leaving behind. Since the Dyson is seven years old at this point, do you think that it is in dire need of a brush roll replacement, belt replacement, or both? In the case of having the belt replaced along with the brushroll, I'm assuming that my parents would have to take it to a repair center since they do not have the special tools for taking the clutch apart and slipping the belt in and out. How much would such a replacement job with parts and labor generally run for? Thanks, Keith

Well, it would cost $100 to get the Dyson in proper working order. My dad was appalled by that, saying that it changing out the brush roll should not cost that much, and that he'd rather get some $50 bargain bin special once that Dyson breaks. Indeed. What I wanted to do is get the brush-roll and belt replaced, because I have never in my life heard of a flat belt that never had to be replaced, especially one with seven years of use. In the UK, those who service vacuums say that you should replace the belt and filters once every 5 years (or so I've read) despite the claim that these are life time components. The shop says that I'd basically have to replace the entire clutch assembly because the belt that goes from the clutch to the brush is a non-servicable item. I'm not sure if I believe the guy, since I have seen videos of the clutch being disassembled and reassembled for the sole purpose of replacing the belt (which looks like a time consuming pain in the ass by the way). So my dad doesn't want to pay that money to get the brush replaced, and I do not have the time (or the special tools) to do the job with school in full swing. So I just gave them my Electrolux Oxygen canister, and I'm just going to see what I can do to the Dyson to get it in decent condition and sell it. I'm sure I can just sell it through the local 'for-sale' listings after all, because it's a Dyson after all.

iMacDaddy wrote:

Your Dad is absolutely right.  $35 to replace brush roll and belt and it should be a do-it-yourself job.  No special tools required.  Why on God's green earth Consumer Reports didn't [hasn't] taken dyson to task for this on DC07 and DC14 models is beyond me.  Not really I know the reason.  Both are discontinued now so it's a moot issue.

Carmine D.

iMacDaddy wrote:
I have a friend who is bringing her 6 year SEBO X1.1 to me on Wednesday for repair. She says the brush roll isn't moving which can mean a couple of things, but most of all due to her cleaner personnel abusing the SEBO with rugs, it may well be the drive belt which is supposed to be a lifetime part. Mine lasted for 14 years before needing to be replaced - so it very much depends on the kinds of abuse the Dyson has been put through before the drive belt shears off. You can't put a duration of time on a drive belt even on a "lifetime" machine and regardless of whether its flat or otherwise. Vacuum cleaners these days have a relatively short shelf life and from the amount I've seen turfed away in our local recycling site, most vacuums only seem to last three to five years before owners chuck them out. PLUS Dyson parts are made of cheap plastic and don't tend to last very long.

I'd pay the $100 to get the Dyson repaired. At least it has served its use and will probably continue to do so after the repair. How much are Dysons in the U.S brand new? Compare and contrast. If nothing else getting the Dyson repaired will give you a machine you can use and maybe swap it back with your parents.

I'd be reluctant to shell out the hundred bucks on on repairs for a seven-year-old vacuum, especially one that's basically all plastic anyway.  My reasoning being that the seven year mark may well be the beginning of the machine's downhill slide.  However if at this point in time you feel assured the $100 will get you at least five more years freedom from problems -- maybe.  If you don't, the best thing to do is save the hundred and put it toward the price of a newer, better machine.

Venson

CarmineD wrote:



Well, I think dyson has ushered in a new generation of clutch servicing and long term replacements with the DC33. As far as I'm aware, the DC33 is just a cheapened DC14 with the same clutch assembly.

Keith

iMacDaddy wrote:

Hello Keith:

I'm not the least surprised.  Very typical of dyson and its proclivity on over-engineering.  Hard to let go of product failures and move on in a new/different directions.  Especially if it means accepting the tried and true standards of the industry which have past the test of time and consumer confidence. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Thing is though, Carmine. They're all doing it - fitting clutches or protected motorized brushes with belts that have to be replaced by the engineers. Hoover in the UK have adopted it, Vax (under TTi) of course and others are following this trait. I might add though to SEBO's credit, they were one of the first to fit "lifetime" motorized brushes/floor heads - but at least the belts can be replaced by the owners!!

vacmanuk wrote:

Hello Vacmanuk:

RICCAR/SIMPLICITY and others use [for many years in the industry] a fail safe switch that automatically shuts off the motor when the brush roll is under a strain and not revolving normally.  Allows the user to unclog the obstruction in the nozzle head then restart with the fail safe switch.  No clutch involved.  Haven't seen the $130 clutch on any USA vacuums yet except for dyson.  And.... I thought, until Keith told me, they were gone after DC07 and DC14.  If clutches are the wave of the future for vacuums in the USA, I'm glad I retired.  Brush rolls and belts should be a user replacement for $40 repair for both with no special tools required.

Carmine D.

I recently replaced the brush roll on the Lux Guardian in use at the home where I clean on a regular basis. I had forgotten what a chore that is SIX screws in the bottom plate, the neck has to come out, which means removing the light socket and the shutoff switch. No local service.
The closest service center charges 79.99 and replaces the brush roll, belt, both bearing/end caps, and the lightbulb.

The simple round or flat belt really is a better way to go. BTW Consumer reports did take Miele to task once for difficult belt replacement, failing to mention it is at most a twice a decade chore.

Trebor

Trebor wrote:

Hello Trebor:

The brush roll in the Guardian is wood and extra long length.  I would recommend replacement of brush roll complete, belt and bulb for $80 even if 7 or more years old.  The Guardian will easily last 20 plus years.  As will the MIELE.  Dyson DC14 with clutch?  7 years is a good run.  I wouldn't expend $100 to fit a DC 14 with a new brush roll and belt.  I'd do exactly as Keith opined.  Resell as is and use the money on another vacuum purchase. 

Carmine D.