Fixing the Shark Navigator Vacuum

[@mylitajacob6158]

I was about to put my Shark out with the trash! I had spent a lot of time trying to troubleshoot and reading posts. Finally I saw your video.It worked!!! I am a 67 year old woman and I am feeling pretty pleased with myself! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@susanb8436]

Mylita Jacob I bought a new one and was about to put this in trash! But after I pulled the head off and found where to clean the debris it is working again, it was completely plugged up and I had no idea!

[@ReneeCascone]

Ditto but I'm 47!

[@lbpinnwa]

I have been allowing this sweeper to sit in the corner for so many months. One hour, your video, the 20%, and it is working like a charm again! With 2 females, 2 long haired dogs, and a cat I cannot say THANK YOU enough.

[@susanrosshill6724]

OMgosh , OMgosh and OMGosh!!!! For 3 weeks I have been trying to fix this sucker and tried all kinds of things troubleshooting and watched lots of videos. After watching yours I found the problem. You are a genius! TYTYTY for shraing and teaching!

[@Cassintha37]

You are AWESOME! I was about to give up. I had previously done 2 of the maintenance items on your list and could not get the vacuum to work. When you revealed the opening to the feeder bar - that did it! There was a major blockage. I cleared it, and wholla! Back in service. I did it in about 10 minutes - you were not kidding. Thank you for sharing.

[@bobbarger6361]

I was getting really frustrated with my Shark Navigator, I have had it over 3 years now and the last week or so it has been shutting off after just a few seconds of running it. Well thanks to your video and very little work from me, it is running like a new one. Thank you so much for posting.

[@torbiejane]

I know this is an old post, but I found and saved your video the first time I bought my Navigator Freestyle, and your clear explanation has helped me more than a few times to get my vacuum cleaner working again--MANY THANKS!

[@1freegrl]

This is my favorite vacuum to use every day between major vacuumings. I have two dogs and 3 of us who have very long hair. The first I had about 5 years, after the first year this happened to me and I figured out on my own how to do just what you did. Back in December 2018 the battery went in it, rather than buy a battery I bought a new one I found on clearance as the battery purchase was nearly $40. It's now March and my beater bar just did this. So here I am taking it apart and pulling out all the hair. I love this vacuum, but I hate having to do this every month. It would be great if the company could figure this out. Thanks for sharing, hopefully, this will help many people with this frustrating problem.

[@nathanstephens9284]

I’ve had this for three weeks and had the issue. I was about to throw it in the street. You saved this young vacuums life. You sir are a saint.

[@catherinevanetten-kahl9818]

This was the MOST HELPFUL video ever. I had already ordered a new one on amazon when I couldn’t get the roller to move again... now I can return that one unopened. Thank you so much!!!

[@SchroederRanch]

So glad it worked for you :).

[@V0ltaire79]

Gary!! My man! I was so frustrated with my new Shark Navigator Self-Cleaning Rollerbrush vacuum when after only a few months it stopped working. Not only the roller brush but after a few second the vacuum would shut off completely! I always clean my vacuums well and perform regular maintenance. Was totally stumped and about to give up on it and call Shark or just toss it, and then I saw your vid. Wow! The rollerbrush was being obstructed by a small piece of soft cardboard and a toothpick that you couldn't see unless you removed the entire brush from the belt. Thank you SO much. Worried even thanking you is going to jinx it and make it stop working again but thank you SO much. P.S. Remember if you're troubleshooting for this that the rollerbrush also will only activate if the vacuum is in the reclined position. Felt daft about that haha!

[@emilyz8571]

Thank you! I was gagging at the price of new vacuums assuming I’d have to buy one, but this fix brought my 3yo Shark back to life! The amount of hair I pulled out was staggering.

[@SailorGal7353]

Hooray, you just saved me a lot of money. Brush was not turning and I had cleaned it thoroughly. Never knew about taking the end piece off, but like yours was, mine was full of hair, preventing it from rotating!! Thank You!!!

[@judiecolligan8317]

It's not often that I return to a youtube video to comment- BUT... Your video finally helped me find that little spot on the end of the brush that was keeping my brush from rotating- clered all the depris and the vacuum works as well as it did when I first purchased it! Thanks for taking the time to post and for sharing your knowledge!

[@Starman-yt8lj]

Mystery solved! I was ready to trash the thing but now it works like new again. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this!

[@paulaswanson13]

Thank you so much!!! This issue was driving me crazy as I had done all the maintenance steps you had described and even went so far as to buy a replacement battery thinking the battery was failing. I had just about given up when I found your video. Took 5 whole minutes to fix 😊

[@johnsteketee5529]

I cleaned the beater. But the beater worked when housing was opened and quit when I swiveled the vacuum. After reopening the housing I discovered a wire that was pinched in factory assembly. Once it was replaced the vacuum has worked well.

[@sophiekay5523]

Was getting frustrated because I couldn't fix my Shark! I even took the screws and bottom off (no luck). Found this video and learned I could take out the beater bar and found the issue. Thanks so much for your video!

[@pamelaquina1060]

I was having the exact same problem. I thought I was going to need to buy another one. I followed your video instructions and it now works perfectly! I’m thrilled! Thank you so much!

[@TheCatLeeCat]

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!! I've been trouble shooting this problem for weeks now, even replaced the belt. I'm so happy my Shark IS back to working properly again!!! THANKS!!!!!!

[@k-squiggz5893]

I feel like I owe you $90. I was in the 5% club. I figured out what the problem was but I didn’t know how to get the spinny bit off! Thank you!

[@gladysgarcia1313]

Terrific dyi info! So happy you spoke so very clearly and your good camera angles provided crucial closeups. Great job, Gary! Thank you.

[@paulhauber574]

Cleaning the foam filter did it for me. It would occasionally operate, but more often it would start and then stop. Let it sit for 5 minutes and it would do it again. Then sometimes it would run just fine until I turned it off. There must be some type of air flow sensor that triggers when the filter is too dirty. Once I cleaned it with Palmolive Foam soap, today it has worked multiple times with no issues. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@50hellkat2]

Thanks for the tips. Worked like a charm. Roller was not moving correctly. That fixed it. Another problem i had was had to order a new cord for the charge base because the other one got damaged. Good thing Shark has the parts for all these things. I had to order a battery for mine as well but I have had this for several years and it keeps plugging away and doing the job. They stopped making this stand alone one in this price range and you have to pay alot more money for the stand alone feature now. All you can get for the price i paid for the navigator is a stick vacuum which you have to lie on the floor or up against things which makes charging a pain as well.

[@nathantumey1888]

Thank you so much!!! You saved us $150! The new cordless vacuum is still in the box and is going back to the store.

[@cheesymice]

Omg dude, this worked!! I only had the tiniest bit of hair tucked inside the brush roll end piece but apparently that was causing my cleaner to shut off! Saved me wasting money on an unnecessary battery or buying a new machine. Thanks!

[@ashleysawyer1327]

This is EXACTLY what mine is doing and we have tried to fix it so many times. This was super helpful! However it didn’t seem to fix the problem entirely, i noticed because of your video I’m missing the little plastic piece for the lock! I hope I can order that!

[@mealab.1051]

Used to come back and let everyone know this did also works for when the vacuum only runs 5 seconds or so and shuts off. Thank you for this these now cost 130.00 and I was going to get another one because it is so great with cat litter and I don't have to use my expensive one for that. Thank you again.

[@robynkurdek4873]

Thank you! You saved me money and hours of agony! This video helped me fix my Shark navigator vacuum during a nightmare flea infestation. Thank you sooooo much!

[@fst1416]

Thank You. That fixed it. I did both sides. I saw another video to take off the opposite side because he could not get off your side. That seemed to work better than I saw your video and had twice as much hair on your side. Works great on full power but not so great on lower power. Thanks again.

[@ReneeCascone]

Thank you! I have been shopping for a vacuum and cursing my Shark Navigator and thanks to your tip about pulling that little white thing off, I found more hair to remove and low and behold, my brush started spinning again!!

[@michaelmande]

and 4 minutes - the second half saved me throwing this out as bar wasnt turning! THANK YOU

[@aroundthebendcabin]

Wow, I've done everything except taking off that little thingy on the "beater-bar." It worked. Thank you so much.

[@susanb8436]

I did buy a new one and was about to put the old one in trash! But after I pulled the head off and found where to clean the debris it is working again, it was completely plugged up and I had no idea! Thank you so much!

[@u4232wkg]

Hi Gary. Your info also fixed my portable vacuum. I love the ease of using this for a quick kitchen cleanup after dinner. Thanks so much!!

[@kathyborkowski7745]

Awesome video. I was just about to go out to buy a new vacuum. This took less than 10 minutes and it runs like new. Thank you so much!!!

[@nicholasarico5494]

Taking the little nub off the beater bar, I found tight coils of hair that was stopping the beater bar from spinning. I took this thing apart about 3 times and never thought to do that, thought i was going crazy. This video was a lifesaver!

[@lisastarling6944]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Fixed the problem! I removed hair from both sides of the beater bar. I took off the white tops and cleaned out and popped back on. I cannot believe that fixed the problem! Yay! Thanks so much....made my day!

[@MichaelHoward-dr9op]

This seriously helped me out and saved time and money with that last step you showed…thank you!!!!

[@paulaswanson13]

2nd time your video has helped me keep my Navigator Freestyle in tip top shape. Thanks again!!!

[@Alizzy1991]

Thank Goodness I decided to search the problem for mine 😁 sat here for almost a month trying to figure out why it wasn't working. Even after I removed the hair from the bar. Didn't know about the pieces on the end. And omg there was a lot of hair in those. Thank you for making this video. Now every month when i clean the filter I'll be sure to check the ends too. 😁

[@scissorpower]

If I could reach through the computer and give you a hug, I would do that right now it worked. I was ready to trash this thing I even went out and bought a different vacuume that is inferior to my shark. I absolutely love my shark. It is so powerful and it worked great I’ve replaced the battery once and it still kept on going But then all of a sudden it would run and then stop in five seconds the first time I did what u suggested it didn’t work I thought it worked for him, I must be doing something wrong. I had already unwrapped the new vacuum cleaner I bought, I said, let me just try doing it one more time. It works !!!!!!!!!! I am returning the new vacuume You saved me $95.00 plus tax. Thank you so much for sharing your video.

[@patrickconway2623]

Excellent video...thanks! ALSO--CHECK THE EQUIVALENT SPOT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BEATER BAR. There is no bushing to remove on the outboard side, but the little cup gets packed with a bean-sized amount of compacted hair that is apparently enough to make the unit shut down after a second or two of running. Cleaned it out--all good!

[@doctorphoenix1498]

I followed the video and it didn’t work but this comment saved my vacuum! I might have a slightly different model but my bushing was removable, it was just so clogged with hair and dust, I could barely get it off. But now it works like a charm. Thanks!

[@toddshinohara]

This was awesome. I had taken apart the bottom to see the motor and that did not solve it. It was all that hair cause friction within the roller bar. You nailed the fix on this one. Thank you!

[@bryanhawkins6761]

Gary - appreciate the post. Just walked your steps and fixed my Shark in short time. Thank you for taking the time to post this!

[@donnaleeah5075]

Im throwing mine away. Those ridiculous screws. Just purchaded a Dirt Devil. TY because you did help me. Love the willingness to help others. Imagine if we all did this.

[@jenniferbernstein8529]

You are a lifesaver! I was a day away from tossing my vacuum in the trash. Thank you so much!

[@elizabethchurilla6693]

Wow! Just saved $120...Thank you so much for your clear explanations! By the way, I was repairing a Shark Rotator-basically the same machine.

[@ponchajoc]

Thank you... mine was acting up, too. I would have it fully charged and when powered on... it would turn off within a minute, So, I took my roller off as you had.. BTW, I always did that to clean the hairs but never thought to pull out the two end caps and cleaned within. So, in doing so...it solved the issue. I did not have a lot of hair, but it did the trick. Thanks! I had initially questioned whether the battery was at fault. It was not. So again... thanks. It's working like a charm. I love it!

[@ellenhaefner5636]

YES!!!! I was about to drop $60 on a new battery and found this. My vacuum is working just like before. THANK YOU!

[@yvonnemoreno8805]

Thank you for this video! I was having the exact same issue, and cleaning it out like you had solved my problem. 👍🏼

[@donnaminors3001]

WORKED! Thank you so much! You’re video was helpful. I thought I cleaned everything until you showed me I didn’t! LOL! Thanks again

[@ritabulger9512]

After I did all this, the brush only ran for 4-5 seconds then turned off. So I turned it on for 5 seconds and off and did that a few times. Finally the brush started working consistently. I don’t know maybe it just needed to get warmed up a bit. Just fyi, in case that happens to you.

[@RamonaQ]

Wanted to let you know that you just helped me out again. Thank you... again!

[@montiac22]

Have you ever experienced the problem of the vac just surging. When you push it forward it almost goes off you pull it back and it goes on vice versa etc.etc. I have cleaned the contact where you snap the unit into the head several times with no luck which seems to be the most logical place that is causing this problem. Any help would be appreciated before I just order a new one which I will do no problem because this is the best vac of it's type in this price range. Thanks

[@EviesArk]

I'm having this same exact issue. Did you find out what the problem was?

[@montiac22]

@@EviesArk I did fix it and for the life of me I can not remember how. Oh wait I just remembered it was the contact when you take the head off. I sprayed it with electrical cleaner and may have sanded the contacts slightly with a nail file.

[@mariondroullard]

This didn't work for me the first time, but I went back in and popped off that second white end piece, the one where the belt attaches- it pops off just like the end pieces. When I cleaned that really well, I was back in business.

[@richardsegui1128]

Don't forget the opening behind the better bar that feeds dirt/debris to the canister. It plugs up completely at times and the vacuum will not pickup or hold onto the debris pieces and will spit it back out.

[@cheryldigital]

Thank you!!!! I feel like a badass because I was able to fix my vacuum following your clear instructions. Very helpful!

[@danamason4483]

The problem with my shark is the hole behind the beater bar that continues up to the housing container. It was clogged behind the bar and I didn't see that. The white tube that goes up to the dirt container was cleaned of primarily leaves.

[@rabczanska]

That small fix made my day!!! In 2020 small successes count double.

[@sarahpotts9264]

Thank you so much! I found a blockage in the vacuum that I never would have found if it wasn't for you video. Thank you!

[@doneraadcox5058]

Issues with the power button. . .it turns on for about 2 seconds and then goes off. The battery is showing fully charged. Do you have any suggestions to fix this issue? You have made an excellent video. I have another upright vacuum (different brand) that I literally taught myself how to take it completely apart and deep clean the hose and all. Where were you twenty years ago, "Fix-It Kiddo-Man"?

[@johnkoch531]

THANKS , I just got one at a garage sale for free. I removed the hair from the roller and it works great.

[@scottishsassenach865]

Thanks to your video, I was able to quickly and easily fix the issue with the roller brush. Works like a charm again!!

[@50hellkat2]

How that beater bar latch came off so easy for you is not happening for me. It seems stuck on. Maybe the screw is not turning to the unlock position and threads are stripped or do you have to do several rotations of that screw.???? Update....Got it off finally and repair worked but had to use tape to keep it on when i put it back. But it works. Thanks again.

[@ilovecornell]

Beater bar? That cracks me up. Isn’t it called a brush roll or carpet roller? Anyway that sewing tool you used is a seam ripper. Excellent tool to have for vacuum maintenance for sure and works great for the hair on the “beater bar” Lol... sometimes better then scissors.

[@Biggnuncio]

Thanks, worked for me too, pulling that bearing off the end and getting the hair out.

[@teqeliabradford1324]

Omgoodness thank you so much. Cleaned the bottom adjacent hose and now everything is perfect

[@physickgroup]

Thanks for this video. Didn't realize the pegs came off. Just finished cleaning off beater bar motor and it still didn't work. Wish i had watched this first!

[@BoxFanBuddy]

So helpful! You not only saved me 90 bucks but you've made my girlfriends day! Cheers to you

[@jpassist22]

Thank you so much. This was so helpful! I was able to get my vacuum back to run!

[@aipinvestigations5884]

Good, helpful video....the last "beater bar" section is what I was looking for.

[@bulsi]

Add me the the list of folks you helped. This was the exact fix I needed. Thank you.

[@jennifergreatsinger428]

So mine seems to be cutting in and out like it wasn't to die, even after being on the charger. I don't think the beater bar is my issue here. Or is it? When the bar stops turning does the motor shut off? Help! I love this vacuum!!!

[@phaedramcmillian2389]

Thanks so much for making this video! There was hair and debris around the other end of the roller bar, keeping it from spinning!

[@gemloverallday6389]

Easy fix just clean it

[@kathymcewan886]

Excellent video! You're really good at explaining things and making it possible to follow along. Thank you!

[@eddymazarredo2757]

Very good video. Covers 90% of the issues which 62% of the users would experience when dealing with a beater bar that is over 50% clogged with hair.

[@maryseis4294]

This video saved our vacuum! I used my blow dryer on high and cool to blow out the clogged screen and then dislodge the clog in the lower part that I could not reach.

[@_cosmic_void]

Thank you! I had cleaned the bar, which is when it started acting up. I have long hair so I had to clean it out after only a few months. Cleaned under both caps and I can vacuum again!

[@jalamamama8977]

Thanks dude. Didn't know I could separate the handle from the base to unjam it. I had so much cat hair in there I could have made another cat.

[@janethall7887]

I have been trying to fix my vac for a year. I had given up on it. I'd never taken the beater bar OUT and so I completely missed the giant clog behind it going to the hose. this time i said, I will do everything even if it looks like it isnt a problem, just because. I have my beloved vac back. thank.you!!

[@BlueStar99995]

I've done all of these steps and it still has not fixed the problem for me. I'm having the same problem as described in the beginning of the video. The vacuum DOES suck debris and collects in the tank, so I do not think it is the motor. The belt does not seem worn out either. I've only had this for 2 years, and the roller stops rolling after about 3 to 5 seconds.

[@SarahBeth0828]

THANK YOU!! I’ve been frustrated with this for weeks. 😂

[@SchroederRanch]

So glad it worked out:).

[@michellescharphorn4816]

It worked finally I figured it out I took my vacuum apart cleaned everything inside and took the base apart cleaned inside that and all the time it was the brush I took both ends off the brush in both of them I have a working vacuum thank you so much

[@rosalievee4503]

Hi! For some reason I’m not able to remove the brush. You make it look so easy

[@BloodPlaguedWolf]

Thank you so much for your help and saving me cash!!! Now my vacuum runs great! :)

[@suzymcdowell]

Thank you so much for this video. I learned why my vacuum was not working! It is now good to go!

[@barbarafunk1522]

I did everything you showed on the video - Fix Shark Navigator. It does work better but…. As I’m vacuuming I push forward and pull vacuum backwards. A line of debris is left behind. Every time in pull back and then forward another line of debris is left behind. Any ideas on how to fix this?

[@raymondray3232]

Di you think this will fix mine? I have the same one and when ever I turn the steering to the right the suction stops. After it goes to straight or left it start back up. Any suggestions?

[@timothypieples7455]

Do you have a trick for removing the base from the upright. You pushed the button and your popped right off. Mine will NOT come off. The button is pushed in, but it must be jammed. Thank you for any advice!

[@LauraE-iv9sy]

This is a great video but after this working multiple times, it doesn’t work any longer. Is there another trouble shoot anyone knows about?

[@maritza4029]

Thank you so much for posting this video! It was very helpful and I was able to fix the issue with my vacuum.

[@sandeewoody8019]

Your awesome! I did this and it fixed it perfectly. Was totally going to take it to the shop. Thanks so much for taking the time.

[@shuang3816]

omg thank you so much for making this video!!! i had the same issue and your solution was spot on!! thanks again!

[@moorejazznow]

I cannot get up into the bottom of the vacuum, where debris is caught, how do you get it apart from the beater bar to clean the rest of the vacuum head?

[@adrianbruno3409]

I thought my battery pack was dead but I checked the voltage and it was well beyond the 10.8 volt rating. So I unsnapped the head the from the wand and examined the contacts. They looked fine but I went ahead and cleaned them anyway. Its not easy to get at them inside their plastic plug... used very fine sandpaper rolled into a tight u shape on the pins and a round jewelers file on the pins. Then I reassembled and hit the switch... BINGO runs like a champ. No need for a new battery after all. In fact the new battery would come with clean contacts on its plug so one might assume it was the battery when it was really the contacts all along. So, clean contacts first and if that fails THEN order a battery.

[@angelm8826]

Thanks for sharing it! Mine doesn’t work well now I guess lots of my long hair stuck at the bottom. I hate cleaning the vacuum, my mom cleans it every time she uses it and does nice job

[@Prez13100]

Another vacuum saved. Thank You!

[@SchroederRanch]

Awesome!

[@sudeshnaghose8751]

After cleaning the bar can’t fit it in proper place...can you help me?

[@jclust]

Thank you , my brush was stopping after 5 seconds removed the brush and remove hairs from corners and walla working perfect again.....Thanks...

[@stevedimarco4669]

Gary, I was 10% and you did it! and i did it! thanks for your help.