Shark Rotator Vacuum - Access Brush Roller Belt

Access the roller brush belt area. Easy.

[@dawnellebryant2244]

7 YEARS LATER AND THIS VIDEO IS STILL NEEDED. YOU ROCK.‼️ Thanks so much for this. My poor shark was a hot mess from years of heavy cleaning, dogs cats etc. I found the tool to my Milwalkee Fuel Brushless 3 n 1 power drill, that removes the drill screws worked perfectly!!! It looks like an Allen wrench but has the star shape and a hole in the center to let the tamper resistant bump in center of screw to go into it.

[@angalablank]

Thank you so much for this video!! My husband recently passed away and now I have to figure out how to do all this stuff myself. This was truly so so helpful thank you!

[@Jean78578]

Glad it was helpful.

[@mavamQ]

My son bought a house and in it was a Shark Rotator. He tried it and said it didn't pick up well. I turned it up and noticed the beater/brush was not spinning. I thought maybe the belt was bad. Thanks for the tips about the the hidden screws. I got it apart and the belt is good. I then noticed a switch and thought I'll bet the beater/brush motor doesn't spin on less that switch is on. The switch it on when the handle is tipped down, So I reassembled it and yes the beater brush works. So, I'm still at a loss as to why my son says it doesn't pick up well. A helpful video.

[@strangytie]

Still helpful 6 years later! I struggled to get my screws out with a T20 despite it seeming like the right size, as the center of each screw actually has a small protrusion that prevented me from getting into it. I switched to a flathead size 3 and shoved it against the center peg and that worked like a charm!

[@j3o5h8n5j5a3y8]

I had to do that on the deep screws because my special tool would not fit.

[@SinisterChris]

This helped so much! I couldn't find the screws under the little wheels.

[@Nope-nope707]

It's a good thing I remembered to check KZbin BEFORE breaking my vacuum. Those hidden screws under the wheels would have been the death of me.

[@roncook8409]

That was an awesome video, Donna, and very refreshing to have a Lady who knows her way around a toolbox. I enjoyed your video and hope you keep making more. Very informative. A Thousand Thumbs Up For That One! Thanks, for the helpful hint on removing the front caster wheels to gain access to the two hidden screws. You saved me a ton of time figuring it out for myself.

[@ExkupidsMom]

Thank you, Tech Angel! You are my hero for the evening. My son and I spent ages trying to take the thing apart. And all I can think of is, who are the geniuses who designed this mess? Brushes need to be cleaned often enough that accessing them should be easy. This is just nuts. But a bit less-so now that I found you.

[@davefilicicchia6341]

Thanks for the info; especially about the 3 "hidden" screws. One other thing, especially on machines that have been used for a while: clean all of the fuzz and hair especially from the numerous motor cooling slots! Mine had significant buildup, and keeping them clean will help keep that motor cool; it has its own internal fan near the electrical brushes for the motor. Plus there was a ton of hair wrapped around the end of the motor shaft near the pulley.

[@Coloradonativegal]

Thank you so much, my Shark has been in storage since 2019, today I decided to take off the top, I couldn't of done this without your video, I thought it was the belt, we'll it was a cracked hose, and I fixed it, now my brush is a Rollin 😊

[@Jean78578]

Glad it helped!

[@bjjensen3792]

Thanks for posting this. I thought I had all the screws out but it wouldn't come apart, so I jumped on KZbin and there you were! Great explanation for taking this thing apart. I appreciate your clear and concise instructions. This was a huge help.

[@johnvicks7153]

Awesome! I would have never found those two screws behind the wheels! I was getting a bit frustrated until I watched this. Thank you, and my wife thanks you because I am no longer cussin'!

[@jeansabel3010]

thank you very much!!!! First vacuum I ever owned--I am 63 yo--that was a MAJOR production to change the belt!!!!! Couldn't have done it without this video! I DO like it cuz it can fit into small spaces AND actually has a light on it(!!! MORE vacuums need to bring the lights back!), but what a hassle!!

[@donnamartorano4323]

From one Donna to another, I cant THANK YOU enough. Ive been repairing and selling used vacuums for years and never found anything this complicated to replace the belt !!! Like one person said, 'Shark wants you to throw this away and buy a new one'. As I picked this up out of the the trash, Im sure, that's exactly what the previous owners did. Seeing that this machine looked so new, I just figured a good cleaning and new belt would do the trick. Not so fast !!!! Had a big problem with those Torx screws with the nub in the middle. Guess I need to buy the right bit to remove the screws. I did give up and then checked KZbin. Its always a God send, when I cant figure things out. I still have a ways to go but thankfully I now have a great video to guide me !!!! Cant thank you enough !!!

[@JustChiminin]

Thank you Tech Angel for your help on this. The newer models use security screws which require a T16 Torx S2 security bit. But otherwise the info is spot on.

[@amyrenee9165]

Thank you! I couldn't find anywhere what screw driver I needed. None of these videos said. They just said unscrew them.

[@isabellavision]

Thanks for “just chimin’ in” - that’s the info I needed for mine (apparently a newer model). Does this mean Shark doesn’t want people messing with the belts? Or just a concession to vacuum service and repair shops?

[@1eddjump]

Thanks for your help Donna. I had missed the two screws hidden under the rollers, and I knew that I had to be missing something so I decided that I had better check it out online. I'm extremely thankful that I did!!!

[@kenc165]

Hey Donna, Very helpful video thanks. See you’re still ding DIY videos 7yrs later. Great stuff. New subscriber.

[@vjdaisyboys1710]

This video was so very helpful. Didn't know what else to try to get the roller mechanism working again. I never would have found all those screws without your assistance. Thank you for saving my vacuum.

[@l.a.picasa]

Thank you for this. I would have had absolutely no idea to check under the little wheels by the roller brush for more screws to remove! I agree with you about the designing of this thing. It is extremely frustrating and inconvenient to maintain!

[@wseverin]

I don't think the video mentioned it, but my Shark Rotator vac head was held together with Torx T20 "tamper proof" screws all except a couple of philips head at the wheel axles. If you're having trouble getting screws out and in, get a small set of Torx Tamper Proof keys with a T20. Just FYI, Harbor Freight has a simple set (brand Pittsburgh) for about six bucks.

[@karlieskaggs6857]

Thank you for saving me from hours of frustration

[@ttall6136]

Those darn hidden screws...I've litely tried a few times to get at the roller brush...Thanks for being brave enough to go into parts unknown!! Thanks so much!!

[@adamlasser7906]

Thank you, thank you, Tech Goddess! I was not aware of the screws behind the rollers. Thanks to your video, I became aware of them. I was then able to remove the cover and complete the maintenance. I owe you a whisky. 👍😊🥃

[@jamesgoetz6100]

Great video. You save even the most mechanically inclined lots of time by helping us just get to the point rather than figuring out things as we go. Time is money! Thank you.

[@wodkahful]

I would never have found the screws under the front wheels! Thank you! Concise and thorough demonstration!

[@wildwest5436]

6 years later your expertise still assists greatly! Thank you thank you!😊

[@rmwarwick]

Thanks for taking the time to post this. Very helpful. The lower hose breaking and getting holes in it, is another common failure point where you start to lose suction. They are readily available online for

[@dugefresh7023]

Very easy learn Tech Angel- My takeaway from this was "Companies should never screw around with customers, especially Angels, it may very well be within their wheelhouse"! Thanks again Donna.

[@country_roadsWV]

Excellent DIY! Thank you so much! Tips on hidden screws & connections was awesome. Mine has many miles of industrial cleanup on it. Now roller brush and cover look like new again & cleaning the bottom hose out with baby brush also gave it new suction life. BTW - baby wipes works great for cleaning roller brushes because everything sticks to baby wipes to keep from soaking the roller brush in harsh detergents and oversaturing.

[@IntenselypositiveNOW]

Hi Donna! Thank you! You’re the only video that told me how to get that cover off, and especially that little screw under that hose access port. You rock! I hope you got rich already. Have a great Christmas - WHENEVER you read this.

[@jstiles53]

Followed these directions. My vacuum is working fine now. I'm not sure that I ever would have found all of the "hidden" screws. Thanks for the information.

[@maryparlier468]

Thanks you rock! We just did this and realized you don't have to take out the screws for the big wheels. We were lazy and figured we didn't want to lose them and it still worked beautifully!

[@mikeshhh5086]

Great job on the video, Donna. Your attention to detail and common sense is impressive and the disassembly was well done so I wanted to thank you for putting in the effort to make the video.

[@thomashegland8600]

One of the most important parts of the Video - It's a great Video by the way - is the switch being shown at the 3:08 mark in the video. If that switch fails, it will prevent the beater bar (rotating brush) from working. It could be stuck on or off. Ours was stuck off and would not turn on. The switch did not spring back and click like shown in the video. This happened on ours and a quick call to Shark Corp got a replacement Motorized Floor Brush Assembly on the way and a prepaid shipping label to send back the defective one. They need your model number on the silver sticker and the date code on the power cord plug - code is on one of the blades that plugs into the wall. it is stamped into it. We are out the vacuum till the new part gets here, but I have to give them props for great customer service and an easy warranty claim process.

[@atn1997]

This was my problem too. Thought just a bad belt or hair clogged up but no brush indicator light on at base when brush button was lit up by the power button.

[@inulg]

We fixed the switch, ours was also stuck in the 'off' position... took it apart and removed the green section from its plastic housing and the switch popped BACK up into the 'on' position!!!! Put it back together and everything is working as it was before... phew! :)

[@jamilabbasy]

Same thing just happened to me. My switch has failed. For less than $5, you can get a 5 pack on Amazon.com. Thanks for this great video!!!

[@LusineKhachatryan-lucykross]

can you send me the link and also how did you replace it? I see the wires are connected tight and the ones on amazon have 3 connectors.

[@jamilabbasy]

I just replaced the green switch with the one from Amazon last week. Ignore the middle prong and only use the outer two. You will first need to strip back the black shrink wrap and then cut off the old switch. They are NOT slide on connectors, but rather the wires are soldered to the switch prongs. Simply solder the wire to the new switch in the exact same positions.

[@bobbifraleyisbell355]

This is the most helpful video I have ever seen. I’ve been trying for weeks to figure this out. You gave the necessary information without a lot of unnecessary talk. Thanks!

[@moose7322]

Lady you did a fine job of showing how to disassemble my product .....THANKS

[@user-zn4xd1mo9v]

This video was a life saver for me! I don’t think I would have discovered the 2 screws beneath the wheels without it. Can’t thank you enough!

[@Jean78578]

Welcome!

[@LouMotley]

Just want to say thank you very much for the heads up walk thru. Fixed our vacuum (just reseated and made sure everything was clear...think it was the relay switch in the pivot wasn't disengaging). Anyway, was able to take apart, inspect, and reassemble everything with ease. Our household thanks you.

[@Databyter]

Great guide. Saved us doing some damage forcing it apart without the hidden screws being found, and also of course saved us some money if we would have taken it in. Pretty straightforward and I do most of my own repairs and maintenance. But this one had me stuck. I was about ready to force the head apart thinking that there were some snap clips or something. Those hidden screws were definitely worth finding. Glad I did an online search first. I'm pretty careful these days. A youtube search only takes a few minutes and is great insurance. Great video. Databyter

[@victoralph17]

Thank you for this great video! Before I watch your video, I still can not take the access to the brush because I can't take the cover off. Until you showed all the fasteners and screws. Thank you.

[@winterhorses]

One thing I noticed on mine is that 2 of the screws on the bottom are slightly different from the rest. The two at the top near the wheel axle (they are raised out from the base) are ever so slightly thinner and also have a smaller indentation for the screwdriver. If you put the thicker screws in, you could crack the plastic. Otherwise, thanks so much for this very informative and useful video!!

[@MrBrucesauls]

Thanks for detail on the switch. Mine was bad. I took it out of circuit, wiring around it. Now my brush roller is "hot" when I turn on the vacuum, so it spins all the time. I don't care about that, though. Thanks for great detail. My vac is working today because of you.

[@steveerickson4110]

I also had a bad/sticky switch. It would stick down, the position the switch would be in if the vacuum was in the upright position. If I tapped on the switch it would pop back up. I sprayed a bit of silicon lube in the area of the pin, worked the pin up and down a few times and now it appears to be working correctly again. The video was helpful in doing the disassembly.

[@rickyyang55]

Steve Erickson , Just cut the 2 wires to that switch and connect them together as you don't really need that switch. I did that and it works great.

[@thebarkingofthedogs]

Your are indeed an angel. I never would have found the screws under the rollers!. You are correct. The wiring is very poorly designed. When I pulled to cover off I found the white wire completely severed and the other two were severely dented. I got it running thanks to you.

[@natashamihalko7775]

This video was very very helpful! I couldn’t figure out where the other screws were. I really appreciate this!

[@tiffanymorgan3855]

Thank you for posting! My roller brush stopped turning, and so I followed your video to take it apart. My little green switch was not working like yours in the video...popped it off and was going to buy a new one, and then it started working again (it was jammed). Really appreciate the video!

[@SissilyC]

Thank you for teaching us how easy is for us to fix this kind of vacuum . I just had a problem with the bush, and based on you video, I was able to fix it. Again, super thanks!

[@vacuzman]

Thank You so much for this video.. I picked up one of these vacs at an estate sale and it was filthy.. I took everything apart and cleaned it except for the brush roll and the top cover as I could not figure that out.. I even took off the wheels in hopes of removing the top part to get to the brush roll and to clean the inside of the housing around the brush roll.. Your video showed me everything I need to do... Thanks again!!

[@janecharchenko7065]

Thank you. You are an angel. I was pretty sure there were screws under those little rollers but I would not have had the courage to pop those rollers out without your video. Thanks very much.

[@johnfrancis1798]

FINALLY...a smart how-to vid for the Rotator. All i wanted was the specifics and a heads up for any surprises. Instead i found myself either being taught like a child to do the same things that are on the first few pages of the user manual, or I was watching someone basically figure it out as he made the video. Great job. Exactly what i was looking for. Thanks for the warning about the connected cable under the cover. Also. i hate the design of cable routing at the neck too. They actually improved it on the Apex models. Again. great video.

[@north005]

From all us men out there, thank you for this video.

[@weiwung]

Thank you Donna! My brush roll stopped working. Followed your video to disassemble and after removing the lint and dust on the brush roll switch (KW4-3Z-3), it’s level is springing back up again with a strong click like you have on your video (at around 3:08). Reassembled everything back and the brush roll is working like new again. Awesome job on the video!

[@Jean78578]

Awesome!

[@k.dianecasebier2781]

Donna. Thank you for the video. Im trying to get mine all back together. Im having trouble pushing the little wheels back in where we took them out to remove screws on either side. Thank you.

[@philipzanoni]

Most thorough and intelligent and informative Vaccum Lady on the web. Thank you. 😊

[@Jean78578]

Wow, thank you!

[@arbrubaker]

Thank you very much for this video! I couldn't find the last 3 screws to tear this apart and I got that location from your video. The reason for tearing it apart is that the brush wouldn't activate when it should. I took this apart ad found the green switch that you showed that should activate the brush when you move the vacuum. This was broken on mine so I took the wires off of the switch and essentially hot wired it together. NOW, the main switch on the vacuum controls if the head runs or not. Not two separate switches. I threw the old one out. Thank you so much for helping me get to where i needed to get! :)

[@bobbygordenakaredneckbilly3856]

Thanks for this video. We love our Rotator. We've had it about 5 years and it still works like it did on day one.

[@rh7930]

Thanks, I am a very handy but missed those 2 screws under the rollers

[@shermhaworth2889]

Great video, thank you! My roller brush was turning, but poorly and making a racket, not the normal sound. Turns out a very small pebble was lodged in one of the "teeth" on the inside of the belt, somehow causing the rpm's of the roller to slow down enough where it wasn't getting any decent suction. Pebble removed, good as new!

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

THANK YOU!!! My Shark brush is working like when it was brand new again! I commented this late becuase I wanted to make sure I didn’t break anything when filling your directions. I didn’t break anything so 2 days later I am commenting this!

[@Jean78578]

Glad I could help!

[@trishtelesco699]

Thank you so much. The company wanted me to pay $89 for just the bottom section of the devise just to fix the belt. Your video helped greatly

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Thanks glad I watched. Found one in the garbage powerful pulls well but no spin head . That belt looks like it takes a lot of power.

[@clvrblond1163]

I'm sure it's been at least 8 years but your video is still being watched thank you so much!

[@Jean78578]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IsaacEilers]

Thank You! Cleaned the crap out of it and roller is working again after I dressed the belt and cleaned the connection!

[@jojoflap]

Whomever it was that came up with the design should be shot. I love how good it works, but why must you hide the screws? It's stupid and unnecessary.

[@sebo_man_2072]

Jojoflap they hide them so you can't take it apart. If it breaks they just want you to buy a new one

[@MrWolfSnack]

My favorite part is when the last screw strips out no matter how careful you are and you have to drill it out because they superglue it in.

[@suedelpreto8106]

Jojoflap never buy another shake because of this design

[@Harry-Sachs]

My model doesn't have normal screws

[@richh10]

I spoke to a company representative. Their policy is that the base of the machine should be completely replaced! They would not tell me what screwdriver was required to do even this simple maintenance. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER.

[@mgiaag726]

Incredible! I have been trying to figure this out for years. You rescued me!!! Thanks so much!!!

[@j3o5h8n5j5a3y8]

Great video. Mine has tamperproof screws. Torx T15H The screws over the main wheel axles do not need to be removed because they only retain the wheels

[@rossro12]

THANKS Donna for showing screws under rollers. Hey Bruce ,I too had a bad switch that I bypassed by connecting both red wires. You can still turn off the brush manually at the button next to the power button.

[@herdingdrive]

Thanks so much, Donna!!! I never would have found those two screws hidden under the little rollers!!

[@davidtfranke]

Donna, Glad to see a woman running this tutorial, glad to hear about the wire design, glad to have the pacing right, the audio strong, and the lighting good. Also, you know what you're talking about, which isn't true of many "helpful" videos. Thanks. David

[@rbmiller3346]

Thank you so much for such an informative video and it sure saved me a lot of heartache this morning as I repaired my unit.

[@bwynn3296]

Omgosh you don't know how helpful your vid was. I watched several other vids, by men, n was not helping at all. Leave it to women. You had all the detail. I didn't kno about some of the hidden screws. I thank u so very much.

[@landenfinlen9935]

What a helpful video. I had been struggling to clean the clear cover for the brush roll. This video was easy to follow, thank you very much!!!!!

[@volkswagginn]

This video saved me. Thanks could not find the screw under the hose access. Thank you!

[@Jean78578]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vgustafson]

Donna! Thank you so much. The owner's manual is really lacking in important info such as this. Thanks again. You rock!

[@maryannoneal-jobe4750]

So glad I found this video. I have always repaired my vacuums, well for the last 31 years! But this one - I was about to grab the utility knife and then the sledge hammer 😂 only to see the two more hidden screws on your video. Thank you.

[@adamsmith1182]

I was going to comment about the screws under the wheels, but a few hundred people beat me to it! Thanks for making such a clear and thorough video

[@TLifeDailyVlogs]

Definitely a thumbs up! You explained this perfect and super fast! We just pulled ours apart and cleaned everything out. It's like new again! haha Thank you! :D

[@lordcargo]

Thank you ! I never would have figured out the (hidden screws) without this. Also showing how the switch "clicked" helped me determine that's what was broken.

[@toddellis3089]

worst design EVER! shooting is too good for the designer. to top it off - the screws in mine were SECURITY TORX!!! why shark? why? pop the left panel off & replace the belt??? too easy, i guess. sorry - got off track with the actual machine --- THANK YOU for this tutorial!

[@connortivoli3161]

Same here. Shark is a pos for making them security torx

[@littlebanshee]

Mine are security torx too nv501

[@4Calle2]

Great video ❤

[@BuddhatheBlackDog]

Hilariously true-torx security screws. My gawd

[@brandontscheschlog]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, !!!!!! I got a shoelace wrapped around the roller but it wrapped itself inside under the cover. This video was a huge help finding the hidden screws!!

[@petermount4752]

Thank you Donna very much for this video. This helped immensely getting it opened. I ended up having a broken switch (the green thingy), but getting it opened was the major issue.

[@stevenaish]

Great job!!!!! You covered the 11th hidden screw, which other videos and “how to” manuals miss! Thank you!!!!

[@newburyportgreeleys8294]

Thank you so much. Vacuum works like new now. First of many of your videos that I’ll be watching!

[@pamelahauer9938]

Holy Toledo! Thank God you did this video!!! My roller bar stopped turning and I want to see if it's the belt. Had no idea how to get to it. Gone are the days of simply turning over the old Hoover from when I was a kid eons ago! Lol! Probably will.have to watch this a couple times to actually do it. Not too mechanically inclined. 🤣 Wish me luck. 👍😁

[@keithljarvis]

Thanks Donna! You really helped me out with your video. I was able to get it open, troubleshoot and get the floor vacuumed. THANKS!

[@angryonion8214]

Thank you!!! I never would have found the two under the little wheels up front.

[@weshamilton1796]

Thank you very much for helping me out with it I was just cleaning the see-through piece for the brushroll and it helped very much to take it apart thank you for the video

[@Devende5]

I missed the screws under the roller! thank you so much. it was driving me crazy. the instruction manual doesn't even have this.

[@tracilokz4766]

THAAAANK YOU ... I was having a heck of a time trying to figure this out. So helpful

[@danielleb9199]

Thank you so much for this. I'm so glad you mentioned the green switch. Mine was stuck in the down position and would not make the connection. Removing it from the assembly and resetting it fixed the problem. Thanks again!

[@googleuser868]

Wish I knew about this before purchasing. Got a replacement under warranty but it took months to get it back during a shipping strike a few years ago. They finally actually sent a complete new vac when all iit needed was the brush roller assembly or I assume a new belt or good international cleaning. Could not locate the hidden screws or would have fixed it myself. It works good when it's not having belt problems and if I can fix the old one which I still kept for parts I'll have two. Thanks for the informative vid.

[@cherry31415]

Thank you! Didn't see the screw in the hose access port. You're a life saver!!

[@lesliebarker8830]

Thank you so much. I never would have found those extra screws.

[@isaiah53design]

Thank you so much for mentioning the crimped wire! That plus removing the green switch thing had mine stopped. I cut the wire everywhere it was badly crimped and reattached them and insulated them with hot glue. Removed the green switch completely and joined that black wire. FINALLY WORKS THANK YOU JESUS and thank you ma'am for such a helpful video! (Mine is a slightly different model but your explanation was clear enough to make sense for this)

[@timbradley5848]

OUTSTANDING!! Thanks for your help, I never could figure out to get to the brush.

[@Jean78578]

You are welcome!

[@SwithinChandler]

Thank you, Tech Angel! I couldn't get the bottom off and you pointing out those damn hidden screws under the little roller wheels was the problem. I have a slightly different model (grey and white Professional Navigator), but the same hidden screw issue. Good advice about being careful about the circuit board too. I didn't have the connector to deal with, but did have the circuit board with somewhat vulnerable parts. Cleaned and working well again!

[@vickiebostic2976]

Thank you for the video. I didn't need to take access the roller brush, but I didn't know about the hose access port and after this video I found that is where my clog was. Without this video I'm sure I would have spent $$ for someone to repair.

[@jamesfernandes348]

First, great video. I have run into issues with hidden screws and it saved me a lot of time. Our problem was the one that Thomas Hegland and K & KP mentioned. The switch at 3:08 failed. It was stuck in the off position. I bent back the metal tab and taped it down with duct tape so that it was permanently on. The brush still can be turned on and off with the external switch

[@timcole7922]

thank you Donna I was ready to throw the thing in the trash, it got hooked up on a throw down area rug and the green light went red on brush control and stopped turning, once I got those "hidden" remaining screws out and the pin wheels I seen the belt was still on I cleaned everything assembled it back turned it on and it worked so that was very strange that happening thanks again for making the video.

[@okbanlon]

Outstanding video - extremely helpful and informative! I need to clean the brush roller on our Shark, and I was about to just go at it with a screwdriver - but this shows me that I really should not take it completely apart unless I have more serious issues than some hair on the roller. Should I need to take it apart, though, now I know how! Thanks again!

[@lynnvargo7269]

Excellent video! Thank you so much. I never would have successfully removed the bottom of this vac without your help, and I might have even damaged the inner wires. Now my roller brush is clean and I'm good to go.

[@soli8889]

what kind of screws do I need please?

[@8000green]

Donna, Thanks for the video. I think you should add to the first part of your video that the " roller system will not start working until the handle section that is locked in a 90 degree position, is bent backwards (i.e., if the vacuum cleaner is in the vertical"locked" position, the roller will not turn, even though the roller light is green.