Dyson suddenly hard to push on carpet

Dyson DC17 Animal became extremely hard to push on carpet.

[@kathybraykovich9373]

Thank you so much for posting this. I started having this problem and I was completely and totally exhausted after trying to vacuum my home. I did not have this problem when I originally purchased my vacuum, but it started right after we put our house on the market. (Great timing.). Anyhow, I am so happy to know I don’t have to become some strongman with biceps the size of a refrigerator to vacuum my carpet. This lady is very grateful to you!

[@davidturinetti1409]

Man, I know this is an old video but you just saved my arms from a lot of pain, and likely saved my aging in-laws from and early death by exhaustion. Thank you sir!

[@tammymayo3112]

I can’t thank you enough for posting this! I have loved my Dyson for many years now and I thought I was going to have to get another one. This simple fix completely solved my issue so thank you so much.

[@refined1664]

Thank you so much for posting this easy fix!!! It totally resolved the issue I was having with my Dyson DC28 Air Muscle on carpeting. Now it works perfectly!

[@onyx7561]

My wife says the vaccum feels like your plowing a field. Thank you for your quick and to the point knowledge!

[@itjustis]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I had contacted Dyson twice to tell them I could not push my dyson upright. they did tell me to release a button on teh right hand side which helped but it was not enough. It was hurting my back so I hired a cleaner and even she could not push my dyson so I was on the verge of buying a non dyson cleaner but found your youtube video. What a difference. Thank you so very much.

[@naturalobserver]

Have an old DC07. Still going strong after changing both the HEPA and regular filters a year ago. However, suddenly hard to push today. Couldn't find the strip of rubber on the foot plate, thought it disintegrated. However, then spied it embedded on the opposite surface along the perimeter of the roller bar holder and pulled it out. Rolls like a dream now! Thank you!

[@dovachick69]

Thank you for this timeless post. I’m 70 and while I can appreciate getting a workout while vacuuming, it doesn’t help if I avoid vacuuming just because this thing is so hard to push. The gasket came out easily and the vacuum cleaner is much easier to push.

[@ToastyFlavors]

I have not vacuumed in two weeks since we replaced our carpet. Just found your tip and now I can vacuum again. Thought I was going to have to throw out my expensive vacuum. Dyson should be ashamed for not giving this tip. Thank you!!!!

[@sarahwheeler6032]

Thanks so much for your post we just got a dyson 56 animal to vaccuum our new carpet, and the vaccuum dug in so deep the brissels shut off. I just called customer service and the service representative was totally unhelpful. Claiming the problem was the dyson's legendary suction. Not that ledgendary suction matters if I can't vaccuum my carpet. With nothing to loose I tore the seal off the bottom and now I am actually able to use my rather expensive vaccuum. The stripping on the 56 is more like foam than rubber and I don't think I would be able to reinstall it if necessary, but this fix got us moving.

[@theocourrejolles1077]

Thank you for posting a quick and understandable video that is not longer than three minutes! Some people want to tell their whole life story! Appreciated!

[@tiffanyfuruya7910]

This helped a lot! We had taken the vacuum in for servicing and were ready to give up on it when I found this video.

[@thebeasters]

Me too! Paid a pro and after it was serviced it became non usable. I'm going to try this tomorrow

[@fionamauroo6334]

This worked on my old DC07. Thank you so much. This is brilliant.

[@kernowwing]

Thanks for sharing this on KZbin. We've recently had a new carpet fitted and it was almost impossible to push the Dyson DC07 over it. Removed the rubber strips and it's 100% improvement. Thanks again @Rockclimbky

[@andreaamrhein2519]

Thank you SO much for sharing this with us! It WORKED and my shoulders thank you!!!!

[@bobpalmer6292]

I know this is an old video, but Darn just got my VAC back from repair and they couldn't fix it. I did exactly what is in the video and it Worked, So many thanks.

[@georgebasham2279]

Dude, you're a lifesaver! Just got this oldie but goodie model we've had for quite a few years back from the vacuum store folks who did a maintenance and cleanup. We have thick carpeting upstairs and I started it up and thought "what the heck, can't hardly push this thing!". Your tip did the trick, amazing what a uber thin gasket can do to mess things up. I guess in the past when they did a maintenance / cleanup they did not replace the gasket because I don't remember this happening before.

[@debbiemccash6447]

Thank You so much for sharing!! I bought my Dyson Animal about 15yrs ago and this was the only issue I have ever had with it. Such a simple fix that Dyson should of alerted their customers about. I mean this vacuum was $500.00 and definitely worthy of the time it would of taken Dyson to let their customers know to avoid the expense of repair or replacement. Anyway, that you for taking time out of your day to make this video as I was about to spend unnecessary $$ for a new vacuum.

[@LucasTetrault]

Um, thanks so much! This is exactly the solution we needed for our Dyson and it worked! Bless you sir!

[@bryanduncan6255]

Dang dude, Mr. Rockyclimbky, Old video but i have one of these exact same Dyson, same issue and problem. I'd set this vac in the closet collecting dust until I found this video. Worked perfectly as described. Saved me from having to buy a new vacuum.

[@sherrymaughan8486]

So glad to have found this! After a year of struggles, I love my Dyson again!

[@staceyhucks971]

Didn't think this would actually work, but went through the motions and surprisingly, IT WORKS! Thank you for this random solution.

[@Melodina25]

"I" just fixed my Dyson ....... because of YOU and the wonder of the internet. Grazie tanto!!!

[@Rockclimbky]

Melody Pfeifer, thank you!

[@moman4kids1]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this video. I could not figure out why the sudden noise when engaging the brush bar after changing my filter. I tried different things and almost bought another vacuum. This solved it. My Dyson is just to powerful and was sucking the bar to the carpet almost stopping it. I've had it for over 10 years. Thanks again!

[@alselby5525]

Thanks for your informative video. We had the exact same problem and your 'fix action' fixed our vacuum's over-suction problem. Appreciate you taking the time to video and demonstrate!

[@normanewcomb2014]

Omg, FIXED MY FAVORITE VACUUM! My husband had just taken it in for service, and they wanted him to trade it in for another corded - heavy - vacuum. With a perfectly wonderful trade-in and an additional $300, we would've had a newer, out-dated Dyson. YAY YAY YAY! I get to keep and use my current absolut animal and use the money I would've spent on a robotic or a cordless Dyson when the time comes. You ROCK! Thank you so much for the fix. I am a daily vacuumer with a terrible back, so I am incredibly happy now!

[@JoeyTooNice]

WOW... thank you for the tip! I can push my vacuum again! I was actually researching new vacuums and going with a self propelled because I thought it must be my carpet!

[@jeanconelli4435]

HOW I LOVE YOU FOR THIS. HAVE NOT VACUUMED IN 6 mos BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTY PUSHING..you saved my 74 year old body!! Thank you!

[@waynejanne7504]

This was exactly what I needed. Worked like a charm. Thanks.

[@karlknappett4671]

Excellent advice. I have the dyson dc41 had the same problem. Took the seal out gave the brush a clean and done. Thank you.

[@BeauPoehls]

I tip my hat to you, Sir! This helped dramatically.

[@cristianabarsuglia629]

I see that this is a very old posting, but I had the identical problem with my Dyson DC07 on carpeting: over a few months, it got harder and harder to move forward, until it would absolutely NOT move forward at all, making it impossible to vacuum carpeting (it still worked fine on hard flooring). The bottom of the DC07 is very similar to the DC17, so I tried the solution the video recommends but it made no difference at all. I took that bottom plate off again, and happened to notice the underside (the side that is in contact with the carpeting) had a slightly sticky feel to it, and noticed a blackish residue. So I got out some solvent and a rag and went to work on the sticky residue. When it was gone, I put everything back together, turned it on, and voilà: it worked just like new!!! My theory is that when I shampooed the carpet, a sticky residue was left that built-up on the bottom of the Dyson.

[@katherinebarg4189]

Thank you so much = we fixed both our Dyson's this way - but wondering if it affects floors. But solved problem with shag rugs! You are a genius! Husband was impressed!!!!

[@jamescase6678]

Great post, thank you. Very upset with not being able to use my Dyson after new plush carpet install. Removing gasket fixed the issue. 👍😎

[@nikkideller3332]

Thank you! We've had a deep pile carpet fitted and I could barely push my Dyson with two hands, let alone two fingers! I did as you suggested (also cleaned the roller of hair/threads/junk etc) and it now works a treat - I don't dread getting the vacuum out now. Isn't KZbin a wonderful thing?!

[@edtrembicki-guy993]

Thanks for this tip! We've had our DC-07 Animal for well over a decade, working flawlessly. We recently replaced all our upstairs carpeting (the original, 20 year old, builder's grade carpeting) with much plushier carpeting on much more substantial padding. It's like walking on pillows by comparison. The Dyson was nose-diving into this carpeting. I was pulling the handle down almost to the floor, to raise the nose when going forward. I thought I was going to have to get a new vacuum, but then I tried this tip. The DC-07 has two gaskets, one in a channel in front of the roller brush and one behind. As most everyone is mentioning, this must be allowing for more air flow and reducing the suction to an acceptable level for this carpeting. I will retain the gaskets, but rarely use the Dyson on the tile and hardwood floors - Swiffer is much simpler for them.

[@kathiek8117]

Thank you so much!!!!! I have a very old Dyson and this exact problem happened. I was ready to put the thing out for the garbage when I stumbled upon your video. I followed your steps and even though the rubber strip was rotten and stuck, I got it out and like magic, it then was simple to push. Can't tell you how much I appreciate this information!

[@martinedwards3436]

Thanks for this. I have a DC40 and I removed the similar seal. This then made it so much easier to push, still not one finger but at least it did not stick to the thick pile carpet. Saved me £299 on a new Dyson.

[@beatricecarroll4271]

Great advice. We just bought a new DC 41 and could barely push it. Removed the seal and it got a whole lot easier. Thanks so much.

[@gagann1091]

fantastic tip works with my dc40 too was surprised how much difference this makes. thanks for making the video

[@russm3727]

Wow!! We bought a gently used DC28 Animal last year. The lady said it works great on bare floors which is all she had. We have all bare floors except for a few area rugs. Vacuuming the rugs was a major pain in the *ss. Every time it got on the rug the red light would flash and the beater bar would stop. No matter what height setting it was on. We were almost to the point of tossing it and buying a new one. I found this video and watched it...saying the fix can't be that easy. Well, it was. Took out the gasket and no more problems. No gasket = happy customer. Thank you.

[@markmccormick4461]

Great advice. I will remember this. When my Dyson wants s attitude

[@nikkinothstein8417]

This absolutely worked! We have a DC28 and it suddently wouldn't vacuum new carpet in our bedroom that was a little thicker than the rest of the house. I took it apart and used dawn and elbow grease to clean it (it wasn't the problem), as well as cleaning the filters. It still did the same thing. :( I took this stripping out, and suddenly I could vacuum the carpet again (not on the deep setting, but definitely on the medium one). This was sooooo helpful and saved me a LOT of money!

[@johnandersen1930]

THANK YOU FOR HELPING YOUR FELLOW MAN! We just got new carpeting installed and had quite a work out trying to vacuum it. If we knew you, my wife would want to bake you cookies! Many thanks from CA.

[@TechCrazy]

It does the same on mine as well. I was asked by Dyson to remove a seal on the floor nozzle. Then you lose the suction the Dyson is infamous for on bare floors. Dyson seems to have realized this design flaw and the floor nozzle on their "Cinetic" models have a adjustable slider to let air in on the aforesaid carpet and then lock it back in for max suction on other surfaces. Dyson should just do a recall on those power nozzles and issue the new one with a slider to control suction! Way cheaper than all the returns they are getting and having to sell the returns as refurbs and to maintain customer loyalty.

[@tmetzner01]

Great suggestion. Sure beats the guy who mutilated his Dyson by drilling holes. Just hang on to the gasket, and you're fine. While you have the bottom plate off, you might inspect the area around the rubber belt. It might be a design flaw, but a lot of dirt and hair gets caught up around the belt. I used a needle nose pliers and got a lot of stuff out of the area around the belt. Just be care not to damage the belt and get it aligned properly when you put it back together.

[@30ShadesFromGinger]

I was very sceptical whether or not this would work, bit tried it anyway and it actually has helped! Thank you for sharing 😁

[@darlynehayes3145]

New, right out of the box, it started dragging to the point that I couldn’t push it over my carpet. Thank you for this tip. I will try it tomorrow to see if this solves the problem. Who knew? You saved me a trip to the chiropractor!

[@thebeasters]

What a massive design flaw. I have the same vacuum

[@maddybrock1720]

WOW, thanks so much for sharing this!!! I can finally push my dyson easily again!!!!

[@thebeasters]

My dc33 is doing this AFTER being serviced at a "professional" place. I'm going to try this tomorrow

[@limited40]

OMG! Holy Cow! I can't believe this works. We added some really nice plush carpet to our living room three years ago and our Dyson Animal did not want to work on thick carpet so we bought a cheap model which burned up tonight. Thanks to this video we are now back in love with our Dyson.

[@richardpainter2534]

Might also be worth checking whether you have all the rollers in place on the sole-plate. We had lost the front two rollers (probably knocked off by knocking into something hard), which created a vacuum as we used it. Replacing the sole-plate resolved the problem to return it to factory settings.

[@mkjw12000]

Brilliant! Works like a champ. Dyson customer service was no help at all. This fixed my problem. Easy to push now on my new carpet.

[@StevenVigus]

That was stoopid. But it works. Took the gasket out like you recommend and it works great. Thanks for sharing!

[@WillyG15]

Worked like a charm! Thanks for the tip!

[@AviatorsGirl]

Thank you so much! My poor achy back and arms thanks you. I was dreading vacuuming but this makes it so much easier! I love KZbin!! Thank you for sharing!! 😊😊

[@tashawebb5487]

Thank you so much for this video. We just had new premium carpet installed. The first time I tried to vacuum it it was impossible! I could hardly push it at all! I used your advice and removed the rubber piece. Now it works perfectly! Thanks again.

[@14flywright]

Yes you can push on carpet easier, but you have lost suction through the bottom, its now sucking air through the sides which defeats the purpose of the vacuum in the first place. You can also turn it off and it will push very nicely, but this also defeats the purpose. It is easier to push because you have eliminated most of the suction through the bottom.

[@JJ-hl1xg]

Fixed my dyson with this video. Thank you

[@kendallgoodian2203]

same model dyson and we just got new carpet that is very thick and could hardly push it. took the seal out and it pushes much more easily. Thanks for the tip and video

[@mw7541]

That is the best solution - just remove the rubber stripping. It really worked. Dyson should have this info on their website. Thank you for taking the time to share this info with many of us that are apparently in the the same situation!

[@timothyriley6691]

Oh man that was unbelievable ! Thanks for your great video !

[@rosieduval4781]

You are amazing! It worked! Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@randytesch7664]

Thanks so much!! I have been fighting with my DC33 for two years. My DC33 has a very similar gasket that solved my same problem with its removal. I cleaned the gasket and may try putting it in again to see if a clean gasket also solves the issue. Thanks again!

[@thebeasters]

Oddly enough mine was usable and the lady took it to get service professionally and it was totally unusable. She's tried fighting with me about it and I'm like it's killing my back and like pushing an Ox. I'm going to try this tomorrow though in my nature to not be optimistic

[@EmmonsThomas]

It opens the gap between the floor and the bottom of the head enough to keep it from sucking down against the floor. I had the same problem when we got new carpet. Could barely pick the vacuum up when it was running!

[@billmcclure8551]

This was the right fix for us, amazing. Thank you!

[@chrluc]

This is great information, what you have done is make an adjustable height vacuum, the suction is just too great from the Dyson on these new premium carpets. Thanks!

[@melwisely4370]

OK, this is magic. I have a dc14 animal, and it only has one small gasket at the front. As others have commented, I just moved to a house that just had the carpet replaced, and it was so deep, we actually had to cut the bottom off of our bedroom door! Dyson had always been awesome, but was almost IMPOSSIBLE to push. Not anymore! I thought, "this can't possibly work!" But figured it would cost me 2 minutes of watching the video, and two minutes to follow the suggestion. I'm glad I did. Best 5 minutes I've spent in a while. (Now counting writing this review!)

[@TYPESTOP]

Worked perfectly! Thanks for posting!

[@margaretmurphy2455]

Thank you so much took that gasket out it works like a new vacuum thank you so much!

[@juiehyoak5049]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@rayh53]

Another success story, thank you!

[@brianmedlock5931]

You don't have to MacGyver your vacuum! If your vacuum is getting hard to push on the carpet, all you have to do is... Remove the cover from the brush head and you will see the grey flexible rectangular grommet that goes around the brush head. It acts like a seal and when dirt, hair builds up, this doesn't allow for any air to be drawn in, which in turn creates more of a vacuum and makes it harder to push! Just grab a little straight slot screw driver and clean the little crevasse out! You will be amazed on how much dust and dirt, is hidden in there. And that's it! Put the cover plate on and Hocus pocus... it works!

[@traveltym]

Old video but still relevant in 2020. Fixed my Animal DC14 and saved it from the trash. Thanks!

[@davidallyn3414]

I have a Dyson DC25 and it helped. On my there are about 8 screws you have to take out so it took a little longer.

[@lamyannhanna]

Thank you so much! U r the genius!

[@huskyvacs]

I think the only reason for that rubber is to reduce vibration noise and to cushion and support the bottom plate from cracking during use.

[@hothie3]

Wow!! I can’t believe the difference. Thanks so much

[@skzofrania]

Worked perfectly ! Thank you!

[@Crunchyconservativemamma]

Thanks so much for posting this video we are going to try it tonight

[@edkorman9657]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Cycle9568]

I cleaned my floor plate which fixed my issue of hard to push. I also sprayed it with a little furniture polish to make it slick.

[@candaceknobloch2584]

wow! So far so good! I don't know when I am going to finally learn to look for answers on the internet instead of taking into a shop and paying and then not getting any results from the money I pay out :(

[@laurawakefield1673]

wow thank you so much. I was getting ready to buy a new vacuum

[@lauriecalzaretta4130]

I had this problem with the yellow upright. So I returned it. Then bought the purple upright and it happens on some carpets. I will try this technique! Thank you.

[@MrChadwicj]

I’m looking for how to get the upright brush nearer the carpet so it picks up with better suction. Tried other ideas including buying a new brush. Removing the rubber strip may do it?

[@josephmiratsky3195]

I just purchased new model Model # 206031-01 The brush barely touches the carpet. Can I adjust the brush to go deeper into my carpet?

[@Rockclimbky]

What would you suggest? Replacing the part I removed with a new one? I am not even sure what dyson calls it to order a new one.

[@lindajones4742]

Thank you so much. You are a genius. I just got new premium carpet and couldn't afford a new vacuum. I have a little bit of a different Dyson but couldn't use it. I took out what little rubber strips were there and it works. Thanks.

[@robertfarrrell6963]

How thick is the carpet you are cleaning with your Dyson DC17? My carpet is plush about 3/8-inch thick. My Dyson Ball Multi Floor vacuum (No DC # on box or machine) is believed to be a DC-65. My vacuum has same problem as described in the video. Big problem is that Dyson changed the "Brush Bar Assembly" making into a floating plate with bellows gasket in the track groove that the gasket in the video was then adding another track groove opposite for the bellows to attach. NO air flow around bar plate except through the brush bar opening. Anyone who can please advise. The Dyson repair shop sold me a "Flat Out Head" as a solution. No good, it's the same problem of too much suction though to small an opening.

[@ritashotwell4985]

I called Dyson. They told me to remove the plate at the bottom. And it worked just fine less suction. Was told it would not effect the vacuum.

[@naveennoordeen2394]

You are smart. Mine is a latest model, dc66 how do I get that deal out.

[@gregtannermedia]

Thank you! Does anyone know why it goes from easy to push one day, then not the next? Same happened with my Dyson. Worked fine for 2 years, then hard to push.

[@johnboy1582]

Wow I was having the same issue easy fix. Thank you

[@einewolke9715]

For me, the resistance problem occurred after I cleaned and replaced my filters. While pushing the vacuum forward and backwards, you may notice that the round cover over the bottom left filter (Filter B) isn’t rotating forward at times. If this is the case, remove the round cover and try screwing it back on. After finally lining up the screw properly, use your thumb to push the top part of the cover towards the machine while screwing it. Once you hear the clicking sound, test the machine to ensure that the resistance problem has been resolved. If not, try removing the cover and screwing it back on again.

[@einewolke9715]

Before putting on round cover . . . Line up air filter into slot, push flush to vacuum, then rotate clockwise until “locked” into place.

[@nancyockene9740]

Thanks! Just vacuumed with the strip gone and vacuum much better

[@magsintn]

Very hopeful this will work for us but can't seem to find that shape of Super Sliders... I'll keep looking!

[@lisatablack5371]

Thank you. You did save me time and money.

[@jyopatch]

Problem solved. Awesome! Thank you!

[@day-cinvacuums5909]

I have a question and a concern. This Vacuum Cleaner DC 17 has a very stiff and aggressive brush, So much that fibers of the carpet can become unraveled. You might want to check the manufactures specification what recommendation that suggest.

[@nicopicco]

Yes. The same thing happened to me. New carpet ...were are the joins were made...dyson grabbed any loose ends and unraveled the carpet. It killed the carpet un 2 years.

[@TOPLS70]

GREAT tip, worked like a champ!!!!! You saved me $ not buying a new vac!!! Thank you!!!!

[@yasminalodat2016]

Chris S a xhc fggcgygyuuilmo 7

[@TOPLS70]

Did you pass out on your keyboard?