Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hi, Looking for some suggestions regarding our DC17 Vacuum Cleaner and have noticed it really hasn't worked well for years. A friend of ours was over and mentioned that the cyclone area where it hold the dirt doesn't rotate like it should. We took it to the work bench and checked the holes that go into the cyclone area and by shining a bright light and probing the access holes into this area can see that the top area is blocked with dirt. Is this area serviceable or do I have to Drill a large hole in the side to clean it. Extreemly poor design but then what do you expect from a brit :) Any suggestions please, is there a work around or does Dyson have a exchange or replacement policy. I will call them eventually but I'm not good at being given the a run around or the gears, tad too old for that. Many thanks for any assistance on what I should do.            ............Dave

Your the Man!! It worked perfectly and your right, pretty dirty in there, cant believe how much stuff was in there. I might need a couple of those gaskets, any idea where they can be purchased? Many thanks for your help Procare .....Dave