Side Brush Not Spinning
iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
A Roomba side brush that is not spinning is usually jammed with hair wrapped around the spindle, or the brush has popped off its post. Check the spindle for hair tangles and press the brush firmly back onto its post.
Affected Models
- iRobot Roomba 600 series
- iRobot Roomba 700 series
- iRobot Roomba e5
- iRobot Roomba i3
- iRobot Roomba i7
- All side-brush Roomba models
Common Causes
- Hair wrapped around the side brush spindle stalling the motor
- Side brush popped off its post and not reattached
- Side brush module motor fault
- Side brush worn down to nubs and no longer gripping floors
- Debris caught between the side brush and the housing
How to Fix It
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Pull the side brush straight off the post and inspect the spindle for wrapped hair.
The side brush pulls straight off with gentle force. Look at the small spindle post — hair wraps tightly around it and stalls the motor.
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Use scissors or a seam ripper to cut and remove all hair from the spindle.
Do not try to unwind the hair — cut across it with scissors to release it in sections. Even thin layers of hair can cause enough resistance to stall the motor.
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Press the side brush firmly back onto the spindle post until it clicks.
The side brush must click onto the post to engage the drive. If it sits loosely, it will wobble but not spin. Apply firm downward pressure until you hear the click.
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Inspect the brush arms — replace the side brush if the bristles are shorter than 1 cm.
Worn side brushes do not reach the floor and lose effectiveness. iRobot recommends replacing side brushes every 6 months for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace the Roomba side brush?
iRobot recommends replacing the side brush every 6 months under normal use. If you run Roomba daily or have pets, replace it every 3-4 months. The side brush is inexpensive and easy to replace — it just pulls off and pushes on.
Can a broken side brush damage the Roomba?
A spinning side brush with broken arms can occasionally scratch hard floors. A completely still side brush simply means the edges of the room are not swept. Neither situation causes internal damage, but replace the brush as soon as possible for cleaning performance.