Why Is My Dyson Vacuum Brush Not Spinning? [SOLVED]

It is no secret that vacuum cleaners can save you time and effort.

But they do tend to malfunction or break from time to time. 

A common issue is the brush bar not spinning.

If your Dyson vacuum brush is not spinning it may be due to lodged debris in the brush roller, dirty electrical connectors, a dirty transmission rod, blocked wand or bin inlet, or a worn brush roller.

In this guide, I will help you troubleshoot the issue and walk you through fixing it 🙂

Reasons Why Your Dyson Vaccum Brush Is Not Spinning 

As mentioned in the intro, a Dyson vacuum brush roller can stop spinning for the following reasons:

• The brush roller is full of hair and dirt
• The electrical connectors need cleaning
• The vacuum has a blocked wand or bin inlet
• Human hair and pet fur stuck in the transmission rod 
• The brush roller is worn out

Although each Dyson vacuum cleaner may differ slightly, this guide will help you troubleshoot most models.

However, make sure you contact Dyson should you need any further assistance.

How Do You Fix A Dyson Vacuum Brush That Doesn’t Spin?

Follow the steps below to fix a Dyson vacuum brush that does not spin.

Start with step 1 and stop if a particular step has helped you fix the issue:

1. Remove Any Lodged Debris From Your Dyson Brush Roller

This is the most common cause of Dyson vacuum brush rollers not spinning. 

There may be long hair tangled around the roller brush, as well as small debris that got stuck. Clumps of hairs can even cause your Dyson vacuum to stop working! 

I have a spare pair of these scissors at home that I bought specifically to clean my vacuum brush roll whenever it gets clogged.

I recommend you consult the user manual of your specific Dyson vacuum model as it will tell you exactly how to remove the brush roll, clean it, and put it back.

With some models you will need to remove some screws located at the bottom of the roller brush, usually by using this kind of screwdrivers.

While with others, you will simply need to rotate the side cap of the brush head using a coin.

Regardless of the Dyson vacuum you have, the steps below will give you an idea of how you can proceed:

Step 1: Remove the plastic lid on the bottom of the brush head or the cap on its side. 

Step 2: Remove the roller.

Step 3: Check for lodged hair and lint. Clean the brush to remove debris. You can use a pair of scissors to cut tangled hair.

Step 4: Put the roller back into the head. 

Step 5: Test your Dyson to see if the brush spins freely. If it doesn’t, proceed to the next step. 

2. Check The Electrical Connections

The Dyson cleaning head receives power through many electrical connectors. 

The connectors are located in the following places:

• The cleaning head
• Between the handle and the motor
• The wand

And any other parts that are connected together.

When these electrical connectors become clogged with dirt and dust, less power is sent to the cleaning head, and, as a result, your Dyson vacuum brush will not spin (or not spin freely).

To fix the issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Take all your Dyson vacuum components apart

Step 2: Clean the electrical connectors using a dry cloth (I use this type of cloth) or a brush

The red circle on the photo below shows where you can find the connectors on the actual brush head:

3. Clogged Head Attachment, Wand or Bin Inlet

As debris get sucked up, these go through your Dyson vacuum wand and into the bin.

This can cause one of these to get clogged:

Dyson Head Attachment:

Dyson Air Inlet:

Dyson Wand:

When dirt builds up, your Dyson vacuum loses suction. And without suction, the brush bar will stop spinning.

Steps to fix:

Step 1: Disconnect the wand from the cleaning head and the bin inlet. 

Step 2: Remove debris from the cleaning head, the wand and the inlet. 

Watch the video below from Dyson to see exactly how to unclog your vacuum:

4. Clean The Transmission Rod

The transmission rod is the mechanism on which the brush bar sits.

When debris such as long hair build up, the transmission rod will stop working.

Steps to fix it:

Step 1: Remove the brush bar and then the transmission rod from the head. 

Step 2: Clean the transmission rod.

Step 3: Ensure you put the roller brush back correctly.

5. Replace Your Dyson Brush Roller 

If your Dyson vacuum roller fails to spin despite getting rid of all the debris, you may need to replace it.

Check your Dyson vacuum manual to identify the exact name of your model.

You can find Dyson brush rollers on Amazon.

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 Dyson vacuum or use a coin to remove the side cap (Depending on the model) 

Step 2: Remove the old brush roll.

Step 3: Install the new roller brush, ensuring it sits correctly on the transmission rod. 

Do Dyson Vacuum Cleaner Brushes Wear Out?

Yes, Dyson vacuum cleaner brushes do wear out due to them continuously rubbing against the carpet. Just like a toothbrush, the vacuum cleaner roller bristles can flatten and get too soft. That’s why Dyson vacuum cleaner brushes should be replaced regularly.

When Should I Replace My Dyson Vacuum Brush Roller?

On average, Dyson vacuum brush rollers need replacing every 1-2 years. However, you may need to replace it more often if you use your Dyson 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 Dyson vacuum brush may not be spinning. Troubleshooting is crucial in order to get your vacuum roller to spin again:

1. Check that the brush roller is clean
2. Clean the electrical connectors present throughout the vacuum
3. Check for blockages in the wand or bin inlet
4. Remove debris from the transmission rod 
5. Replace your Dyson brush roller

Contact Dyson consumer care for further assistance.