Vacuum Cleaner Makes High-Pitched Noise – How To Fix That

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

To fix a vacuum cleaner making a high-pitched noise:

1. Check for blockages and remove them
2. Replace filters if they are dirty or damaged
3. Check the brush roll and ensure it is free from tangled debris
4. Inspect belts and replace them if necessary
5. Apply lubricant to the brush roll and motor bearings
6. Adjust the suction settings if too high

Reasons For High-Pitched Sound In A Vacuum Cleaner

A high-pitched sound in a vacuum cleaner can be caused by several factors. Here are the common reasons in detail:

1. Blockages: Obstructions in the hose, wand, or brush roll can restrict airflow, causing the motor to work harder and produce a high-pitched whining noise.
2. Dirty or Clogged Filters: Dirty filters reduce airflow, causing the motor to strain, leading to a high-pitched noise. Cleaning or replacing filters can resolve this.
3. Brush Roll Issues: Tangled hair, strings, or debris wrapped around the brush roll can create friction and cause a high-pitched sound.
4. Worn or Misaligned Belts: Over time, belts can stretch or become misaligned, leading to an increased pitch in the motor’s sound.
5. Motor Bearings: Worn-out or poorly lubricated motor bearings can cause the motor to emit a high-pitched noise during operation.
6. Suction Power: If the vacuum cleaner’s suction settings are too high, it can create excess strain on the motor, resulting in a high-pitched sound.
7. Loose or Damaged Components: Loose screws, broken parts, or damaged fan blades can contribute to abnormal noises during vacuuming.
8. Motor Issues: A malfunctioning motor or motor fan can generate high-pitched sounds.
9. Air Leaks: Air leaks in the vacuum cleaner’s hose or body can alter the airflow, affecting the motor’s performance and causing unusual noises.
10. Design and Quality: Some vacuum cleaner models may naturally produce higher-pitched sounds due to design or manufacturing differences.

What Ate The Steps In Fixing High-Pitched Noise In A Vacuum Cleaner?

It is easy to fix the issue of high-pitched noise in your vacuum cleaner by following some simple steps, including;

Unplugging The Device

If your vacuum cleaner makes noise while in operation, the first thing to do is turn it off and unplug it. Locate the handle release pedal, step on it, and lower the handle. (this part is usually at the base of the device).

Inspect The Nozzle And Brush Roller

After unplugging the vacuum cleaner and lowering the handle, turn it over and check the nozzle and brush roller to see if there are any obstructions. If long strings or hair strands are caught in the brush, use a pair of scissors to remove them. Check if anything is blocking the airflow in the nozzle and clean it away. 

Clear The Hose 

The next step is to examine the hose for any obstructions. To do this, put the device in an upright position and detach the hose from the unit’s base. Check inside and see if there are any blockages and clear them, and also remember to check the foot hose and diverter located at the lower back of your device. If there are any screws, ensure that you remove them, then make the hose loose and straight to see any obstructions, and then remove them. 

Check The Dust Bag Or Canister.

Check if the dust bag or dirt container has items that could be responsible for blocking the airflow. Remove this compartment and empty or replace it, then inspect the nozzle for any obstructions and clear it as necessary. 

Cleaning The Filter

Tap the vacuum filter over the waste bin to clean it, then rinse if it is washable. Make sure that the filter is completely air-dried before placing it back in the cleaning machine. 

Adjust The Device To The Correct Height

Use the adjustment knob to set the correct height for the surface you are cleaning. If you have delicate carpets or bare floors, use low settings. Conversely, you can use medium settings for many carpet surfaces and high settings when cleaning high-pile or plush carpet surfaces. 

Why Would A Dyson Vacuum Make High-pitched Noise, And How Do You Fix It?

Several issues can make a Dyson vacuum produce high-pitched noise, including;

The Clutch

Dyson vacuum makes a high-pitched noise when the clutch is engaging. But, if the clutch remains engaged for a long period, it might get burnt up. A noisy Dyson vacuum could indicate that something is stuck in the roller. To fix this problem;

1. Turn over the device and take out the plate on the button. This plate has only three half-turn screws, which you need to turn to remove. 

2. Remove any debris present and try turning the roller by hand. If the roller does not turn, pull it up and check if something is stuck beneath it. Remove whatever is stuck there to get your vacuum cleaner running again. 

3. Use a damp piece of cloth to get rid of any packed-on dust since it may also cause problems. 

4. After removing all stuck debris and dust, you can re-assemble the unit and try it out. The chances are high that it will start working normally after this step.

Filters

Dyson vacuum has two filters which, when clogged, will make it make a weird noise. You are required to clean the filter at the top of the chamber frequently after a few months. You can wash this filter and leave it to dry, then check if that fixes the problem. The other filter lasts longer, and it also could be clogged, so you can remove it and clean it too. 

If your machine is a couple of years old, it may be high time you replaced the lifetime filter. Cleaning it will only give a short-term remedy before the noise resurfaces. 

How Can You Replace Some Parts In Your Dyson Vacuum?

If you clean both the clutch and filters and your Dyson vacuum still makes noise, you will have to replace the parts. You can replace both as follows;

The Clutch

Purchase a new clutch which will cost around $25. You may also consider changing the brush, which also costs about $20

Flip the device over and remove the plate located at the bottom. (You can either DIY or get an expert to do it for you)

Since it is not easy to remove the roller, pull it out slowly and progressively from beneath the belt. 

To get at the clutch, you need to use a long no.15 Torx screwdriver, remove the screws, and then remove the cover plate. (The Torx screws are three, and you must unscrew all). 

Pull the clutch dial using a screwdriver to remove it from the vacuum but, remember to unhook the belt from the motor. Doing this makes the clutch completely free.

Insert the new clutch in place of the old one and loop the belt around the motor. You can use an Allen wrench or a screwdriver if necessary. 

Put back the cover as you pull the longer belt through the opening

Screw back the Torx screws

Finally, replace the roller and the bottom plate.  

The filters

1. Purchase the right filters for your particular model. (But you can reuse the washable one after washing it). 

2. Put the yellow washable filter into the compartment at the top of the vacuum cleaner canister.

3. The purple lifetime filter is normally located in a chamber below the canister, and it is held in place by three clips. Remove the clips using a screwdriver but be gentle as you do this, then get out the cover. Put the rubber gasket on the filter (if it came with it or use the gasket from the old filter and glue it)

4. When the glue dries up, drop it in the new filter. Put back the cover and the canister. Your vacuum is good and ready for use. 

Why Would A Vacuum Cleaner Whistle?

A vacuum cleaner will whistle when it cannot suck inadequate air. When this happens, it shows that the dust bag or container could be full. If the container is full, you need to empty it and then put it back. But, if it is not the issue; it could be due to blockage in the nozzle, suction pipe, exhaust filter, tube, floor attachment, or telescopic pipe. Check each of the pieces and remove any obstruction. 

If the whistling sound persists even after unblocking the above parts, you can contact an expert to see where the problem is and repair your vacuum cleaner. 

Conclusion

One of the main reasons your vacuum cleaner could be producing a high-pitched noise is airflow blockage. Check the nozzle, hose, or brush roller to remove any dust pile-up, then try your vacuum cleaner again. But, if your tool is several years old, you can consider buying a new one instead of replacing the parts.

References:

https://vacuumvela.com/how-to-fix-a-vacuum-that-is-squealing/
https://www.hunker.com/12002834/how-to-fix-high-sound-in-vacuum-cleaners