Is your Dyson vacuum giving you trouble, and you're not sure how to fix it? A vacuum belt is an essential part of the machine, and if it becomes damaged, the vacuum will not work right. If you think the belt is the culprit behind your vacuum woes, you've come to the right place. We've done the research to help you diagnose and repair your belt problems.
Yes, Dyson vacuums do contain a belt.
So how do you know if the belt is causing your problems? And how do you go about fixing a vacuum with a broken belt? To learn all about Dyson belt repairs, keep reading.
What is a Vacuum Belt?
The vacuum's belt is the part inside the machine that makes the roller brush spin, scrubbing dirt and debris out of your carpet. This scrubbing motion brings dirt to the surface and allows the vacuum's suction to take it into the bag or cylinder.
The belt may also help power self-propulsion and suction on some vacuum models. Overall, it is an integral part of how the machine works, and without it, you will notice a sharp decline in the quality of the machine's performance.
Do All Vacuums Have Belts?
Almost all home use vacuums have a belt. Some vacuums offer beltless models, usually Shop-Vacs and other vacuums that rely purely on suction. Vacuums with belts tend to clean carpet better than those without belts. The roller brush is an essential part of carpet cleaning, and without a belt, you can't have a roller.
How Do You Know if the Belt is Broken?
There are highly noticeable changes that can indicate a broken belt. If it seems like your vacuum has lost suction power, or you notice dirt coming out behind the machine when you push it forward, this is a good indication that the belt is broken. The vacuum may also seem louder than average, and you may pick up a burnt-rubber smell when the machine is running.
JEDELOS Replacement Belts for Dyson
These belts are designed to fit a variety of Dyson vacuum models. Click here to see them on Amazon.
Can You Use a Vacuum Without a Belt?
While your vacuum will turn on and create some suction without a belt, the roller brush is an essential part of this cleaning system. On carpet, a vacuum cleaner without a roller brush won't clean very well and will hardly pick up any material stuck to the fibers of the floor. The roller brush would usually agitate clingy or embedded materials, pulling them into the vacuum's airway.
What Causes Vacuum Cleaner Belts to Break?
Trying to suck up large, hard items like coins or small toys can cause them to get stuck near the belt hole in the roller brush area, tearing the belt up or wearing it down. Getting hair, carpet, or other long, string-like materials wrapped around the roller brush will also put a strain on the belt.
To avoid breaking your belt, make sure you pick up any larger debris before you vacuum or do a quick sweep before running the vacuum. If you see carpet frying anywhere, make sure to clip it with scissors before vacuuming.
How do You Put a Belt on a Dyson Vacuum Cleaner?
Replacing the belt on a vacuum cleaner isn't too challenging, and most homeowners can manage to do the job without any professional help. The only tool you will need is a coin or a flathead screwdriver. Here's a quick step-by-step rundown of the process, as well as a video to help you along:
- Make sure the vacuum is off and unplugged.
- Lay the vacuum down so you can see the brush roller.
- Find the large plastic fasteners that hold the casing on the roller. Use a coin or a flathead screwdriver to loosen them.
- Remove the casing so you can access the roller brush.
- You should be able to see the broken belt at this point. It will be wrapped around the roller brush, remove the belt and dispose of it.
- Take the roller brush out of the vacuum and insert it into the new belt where the belt hole is.
- Replace the roller and stretch the belt through the belt hole until it can slip around the belt pin towards the rear of the machine.
- Put the plastic housing back in place and tighten the fasteners.
- Test the vacuum.
How Many Belts Does a Dyson Vacuum Have?
Dyson vacuum cleaners contain one belt. It is powered by the machine's motor and turns the roller brush, and power the suction. Replacement belts are easy to find and can be installed quickly and easily.
Does the Dyson Small Ball Have a Belt?
Yes, the Dyson small ball has a belt, but it is a little tougher than the belts on some other models. The Small Ball and Ball models both have a harder, thicker belt that reportedly burns out less often than standard vacuum belts. The Small Ball model is slightly smaller than the other. Other than size, they are built the same.
Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum
The Dyson Ball is a sleek and powerful machine that will make clean-up a breeze. Click here to see it on Amazon.
Where is the Belt on Dyson Animal?
The belt on the Dyson Animal is also housed in the base of the vacuum cleaner. You can find the belt by removing the plastic housing protecting the roller brush. The belt stretches from the belt pin in the rear of the base through a hole up to the front of the base and around the roller. To replace the belt on the Dyson Animal, follow this step-by-step guide and watch the video for reference:
- Make sure the vacuum is disconnected from any power sources.
- Lay the machine down so you can see the roller brush.
- Find the large plastic fasteners that hold the plastic casing. Use a coin or screwdriver to release them.
- Remove the casing and set it aside so you can access the roller brush.
- You should be able to see the broken belt dangling from the roller brush at this point. Remove the belt and dispose of it.
- Take the roller brush out of the vacuum and place the belt through the belt hole and around the belt pin.
- Replace the roller brush by inserting it through the belt and into its brackets.
- Put the housing back in place and secure the fasteners.
- Test the vacuum.
MFLAMO Replacement Belt for Dyson Animal
This replacement belt for the Dyson Animal vacuum comes in a two-pack so you can have a backup. Click here to see it on Amazon.
What Size Belt Do You Need?
To figure out what size belt you need, use the Dyson website to find replacement parts and serial numbers. If you're still having a hard time finding the parts you need, contact Dyson's customer service team for assistance locating your parts. You can also remove your broken belt and bring it with you to the store to find a replacement.
What if Replacing the Belt Doesn't Work?
If you checked the belt and it seems okay, or if you already replaced the belt, but the vacuum still isn't working right, there are a few other things you can try. Here are some easy solutions that could help:
- Check to make sure the canister or bag isn't full, and if it is empty it.
- Check for clogs in the hoses, canister, and towards the mouth at the base. Clear any obstructions you find.
- Check to see if the roller brush is twisted with hair or frayed carpet. Remove anything wrapped around the brush.
- Wash and dry all filters to ensure that the vacuum is getting proper airflow.
All Tidied Up
Now that you know how to determine whether or not you need to replace your vacuum belt, as well as how to do it, you're ready to get your machine fixed up and back to cleaning your floors. If you've tried our recommendations, but your vacuum still isn't working, you may want to contact the manufacturer to see if they can provide guidance on what could be wrong. Good luck!
If you need more assistance with your Dyson vacuum, read our article "How To Find The Model Number On A Dyson Vacuum?"
For further assistance in diagnosing an issue with your Dyson vacuum, read our article "Dyson Ball Vacuum Has No Suction – What To Do?"