I love Kenmore vacuums– they have been around since 1932 and have only gotten better ever since.
But, like with all electronics, Kenmore vacuums can malfunction or break.
For example, it is not uncommon to encounter issues with their brush rollers.
If your Kenmore vacuum brush is not spinning, there are a few things you can try yourself before contacting the manufacturer.
In this guide, you will learn:
- Why your Kenmore vacuum brush won’t spin
- How to fix each potential cause
- And more!
Why Is My Kenmore Vacuum Brush Not Spinning?
Your Kenmore vacuum brush may not spin due to the roller switch being turned off, lodged debris, a broken brush roll or belt, the wrong floor type settings being selected, the micro brush switch being broken, or the brush motor needing to be replaced.
How Do You Fix A Kenmore Vacuum Brush That Doesn’t Spin?
Whether your Kenmore Direct Drive, Kenmore Intuition, Kenmore Elite, Kenmore CSV Go, or Kenmore canister vacuum brush is not spinning, this guide will help you troubleshoot most models.
However, make sure you contact Kenmore if you need further assistance with your specific model.
Kenmore generally provide a 1-year warranty on their appliances, so don’t forget to check whether your Kenmore vacuum is still under warranty before ordering any of the parts mentioned in the guide 🙂
Follow the steps below to fix a Kenmore vacuum brush that does not spin.
Start with step 1 (the most basic fix) and stop if a particular step has helped you solve the problem:
1. Check Your Kenmore Agitator Switch
Your Kenmore vacuum brush may not be spinning simply because the agitator switch is off.
Therefore, this should be the first thing to check.
The position of the switch varies depending on the type of Kenmore vacuum you own. Check the user manual if you are unsure where the switch is located.
Here is how you can find the correct user guide:
- Click here
- Select your vacuum type (upright, canister, sticks & handheld)
- Find your Kenmore vacuum model and click on it
- Scroll down to where it says “User & Care Guides”
- Click on it
The user guide will open.
To quickly find information regarding the agitator, do the following:
- Press CTRL + F on your keyboard (windows PC) or Command + F (Mac computer)
- Type the word agitator and press Enter (windows PC) or Return (Mac computer)
This will enable you to quickly sift through any agitator/brush roll related parts of the guide.
If your Kenmore vacuum model does not feature a brush roll switch, you can skip this step.
But if it does, activate the switch to see whether the agitator spins.
2. Ensure Your Kenmore Vacuum Is Not Locked In Upright Position
Skip this step if you own a Kenmore canister vacuum.
The majority of modern upright vacuums are designed so that they can be locked in the upright position for storage.
The upright position prevents your Kenmore vacuum brush from spinning.
To fix this, press the agitator switch, recline your Kenmore vacuum and begin vacuuming.
3. Use The Correct Floor Type Settings
Most Kenmore vacuums feature settings you can change based on the height of the carpet.
For example, if you set the vacuum height too low while on a Premium Soft Carpet, the motor could stall, and your Kenmore vacuum brush will not rotate.
Change the Floor Type Settings to the appropriate height.
The location of the height setting knob/lever can vary depending on the type of Kenmore vacuum you own. Check the user guide if you are not sure where it is.
Once you have set the correct height, do the following to reset the agitator which may have stalled when the height was set incorrectly:
- Turn off your Kenmore vacuum
- Unplug it
- Plug it back in
- Turn it back on
- Check if the agitator is now spinning
4. Remove Any Lodged Debris
If steps 1-3 did not help, you should check for any lodged debris that could prevent your Kenmore vacuum roller from spinning.
There may be long hair tangled around the roller brush, as well as small debris that got stuck.
Check the user manual of your specific Kenmore vacuum model, as it will show you exactly how to remove the brush roll, clean it, and put it back.
However, the steps below will give you an idea of how you can proceed:
Step 1: Grab a screwdriver and take off the plastic lid located at the bottom of your Kenmore vacuum.
Step 2: Remove the roller.
Step 3: Check for lodged hair and lint. Clean the brush to remove debris.
Step 4: Put the roller down on the floor in a vertical position.
Step 5: Use one hand to push the brush roll to the floor while rotating it with the other hand. This will allow you to evaluate whether the roller spins smoothly. If it doesn’t, replace it.
Nukem384 also created a video showing how to remove the brush roller of a Kenmore canister 116-59319800. The process is pretty much the same with all vacuums, so use this video as reference:
5. Replace Your Kenmore Vacuum Brush Roller
If your Kenmore vacuum brush fails to spin despite getting rid of all the debris, you may need to replace it.
To test the brush roll, do the following:
- Remove the brush roll from your Kenmore vacuum
- Stand the brush roll on the floor vertically
- Use one hand to keep the roller firm on the floor and the other to spin it
If the brush roll does not spin freely, then you may need to change it.
Check your Kenmore vacuum manual to identify the exact name of your model.
Ordering the correct part is crucial!
Once you receive the new brush roller, follow these steps:
Step 1: Grab a screwdriver and take off the plastic lid located at the bottom of your Kenmore vacuum.
Step 2: Remove the old brush roll.
Step 3: Install the new roller brush, ensuring the belt is positioned correctly on the motor shaft and the roller.
Make sure you read the manufacturing instructions to see what steps to take for your specific model.
6. Replace The Belt
When excessive debris gets lodged in the brush roller, the vacuum has to work harder.
This results in extra tension on the belt, causing it to break.
Check your Kenmore vacuum manual to identify the exact name of your model.
This will enable you to order the correct belt for your vacuum.
Once you receive the new belt, follow these steps:
Step 1: Grab a screwdriver and take off the plastic lid located at the bottom of your Kenmore vacuum.
Step 2: Remove the brush roll.
Step 3: Remove the belt.
Step 4: Grab the new belt and attach one side to your Kenmore vacuum motor shaft.
Step 5: Stretch the belt over the correct side of the brush.
Step 6: Put the roller back in your vacuum.
Step 7: Close the lid and secure it with screws.
To help you further, here are the videos for two different Kenmore vacuum models:
How to Change Your Kenmore Canister Brushroll:
How to Replace the Brush Roll on a Kenmore Upright Vacuum:
FAQ
Do Kenmore Brush Rollers Wear Out?
Yes, Kenmore vacuum cleaner brushes wear out because they continuously rub against the carpet. Like a toothbrush, the vacuum cleaner roller bristles can flatten and get too soft, so you should replace vacuum cleaner brushes regularly.
When Should I Replace My Kenmore Vacuum Brush Roller?
On average, Kenmore vacuum brush rollers need replacing every 1-2 years. However, you may need to replace it more often if you use your Kenmore vacuum daily. Inspect the brush roll to see if the bristles are worn out and loose. That is a good indication that the vacuum brush roller needs changing.
Conclusion
There are so many reasons why your Kenmore vacuum brush may not be spinning. Troubleshooting is crucial to get your vacuum roller to spin again:
- Check that the brush roller is switched on
- Ensure your Kenmore vacuum is not locked in the upright position
- Use the right floor type settings
- Remove any lodged debris
- Replace the brush roller
- Replace the belt
Contact Kenmore consumer care for further assistance.
