Why Is My Vacuum Squealing? (9 Issues Fixed)

  • Author: Irene Batres
  • Date: September 26, 2022
  • Time to read: 7 min.
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If your vacuum cleaner is making a high-pitched squealing noise, you’re not alone.

This is a common issue with vacuums, and there are several things that can cause it.

In this blog post, we will answer the question ” Why is my vacuum squealing?” And we will discuss the possible causes and how to fix them.

Why Is My Vacuum Squealing

Your vacuum is making a screech or squealing noise is usually because there is an airflow obstruction. Also if the motor bearings are damaged, and incorrect height adjustment. The best way to fix a squealing vacuum is to check for any clogs, clean the filters, and lubricate the moving parts.

When there is an airflow obstruction, often caused by some clogging in the hose or dustbin, the vacuum cleaner’s motor has to work harder to create suction.

This extra effort creates more friction and heat, which can cause the bearings in the motor to wear out prematurely.

If the height adjustment is incorrect, it can also cause the vacuum cleaner to squeal.

When you adjust the height of your vacuum cleaner, you should do so by bending the metal rods on the bottom of the machine.

If you adjust it using the height adjustment levers on the body of the vacuum cleaner, you may not be able to create enough suction to pick up dirt and debris.

This can also cause your vacuum cleaner to squeal.

How Do You Fix A Noisy Vacuum?

There are various ways to fix a squealing vacuum. They include:

1. Check For Any Clogs

To do this, you want to carefully remove the dust bag and check for any clogs in the hose or dustbin. If you find a clog, remove it and try using your vacuum cleaner again.

2. Clean The Filters

If your vacuum cleaner has filters, make sure to clean them regularly. Clogged filters can cause the machine to squeal. Carefully inspect the filters and, if they need to be replaced, do so.

3. Lubricate The Moving Parts

If your vacuum cleaner has any moving parts, you want to make sure they are properly lubricated.

This includes the motor bearings, wheels, and other moving parts.

You can use a lubricant such as WD-40 to help keep these parts moving smoothly.

4. Check The Height Adjustment

As we mentioned before, an incorrect height adjustment can cause your vacuum cleaner to squeal.

Make sure the metal rods on the bottom of the machine are properly adjusted. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your vacuum’s manual.

5. Inspect The Hose

You want to make sure there are no kinks or obstructions in the hose. If there are, try straightening them out and see if that fixes the problem.

You can use a wire coat hanger to remove any clogs in the hose.

6. Check The Fan

You want to make sure the fan is not damaged or clogged in any way.

A damaged or clogged fan can cause your vacuum to squeal. If you’re not sure how to check the fan, consult your vacuum’s manual.

If there are any loose screws on the fan, be sure to tighten them.

7. Thoroughly Clean The Nozzle And Brush Roller

Be sure to clean the nozzle and brush roller on a regular basis. If they are not cleaned, they can cause your vacuum to squeal.

You should also check for any damage to these parts and replace them if necessary.

8. Check For Any Corrosion

Corrosion can cause your vacuum to squeal. Check for any corrosion on the motor, wires, or other parts of the machine.

If you find any corrosion, you will need to replace the affected parts.

9. Have A Professional Inspect Your Vacuum Cleaner

If you’ve tried all of the above and your vacuum cleaner is still squealing, it’s time to take it to a professional. They will be able to properly diagnose the problem and fix it for you.

FAQ

Vacuum loud after changing belt

Vacuum loud after changing belt

There are a few reasons why your vacuum might be loud after changing the belt.

It could be that the new belt is too tight, or it could be that there are still some clogs or obstructions in the machine.

If the new belt is too tight, you will need to adjust it. If there are still clogs or obstructions in the machine, you will need to remove them.

You may also have improperly installed the new belt.

If this is the case, you will need to remove the belt and reinstall it properly.

You may also want to check and ensure the brush roller bearings spin freely. Remove the belt and check to see if the brush roller bearings are spinning freely. If they’re not, you will need to replace the bearings.

How do you fix a loud vacuum motor?

To fix a loud vacuum motor:

  • Remove the bags and filter and check for any debris. If there is debris, clean it out.
  • Lubricate all moving parts with a lubricant such as WD-40.
  • Check that the fan is not damaged and that there are no loose screws.
  • Inspect the motor for any corrosion. If there is corrosion, you will need to replace the affected parts.

Why is my shop vac screaming?

Your Shop-vac may be screaming because one or more of the following reasons:

It is clogged up with dirt and debris: This is among the major reasons why shop vacs scream. The clogged filter restricts airflow and makes the motor work harder to draw in air, hence the noise.

The motor bearings are dry: If the motor bearings are not properly lubricated, they can become dry and cause the shop vac to scream.

The height adjustment is incorrect: An incorrect height adjustment can also cause your shop vac to squeal. Make sure the metal rods on the bottom of the machine are properly adjusted.

The thermal fuse is blown: If the thermal fuse is blown, it can cause the shop vac to scream. You will need to replace the thermal fuse.

It needs oiling: Like all machines, shop vacs need to be properly oiled in order to function properly. If your shop vac is low on oil, it can cause the machine to scream. Be sure to add oil as needed.

The belt is too tight: A too-tight belt can also cause a shop vac to squeal. You will need to adjust the belt.

Why does a vacuum cleaner make high pitched noise after turning it off?

Your vacuum cleaner might be making a high-pitched noise after turning it off because:

The dirt cup is full and needs to be emptied: Emptying the dirt cup will stop the vacuum cleaner from making the high-pitched noise when you turn it off.

There is a vacuum leak (an air leak): This is a common cause of vacuum cleaners making high-pitched noises. Check all hoses and fittings for leaks. If you find a leak, you will need to replace the damaged parts.

There is some blockage in the device: If there is a blockage in the vacuum cleaner, it can cause the machine to make a high-pitched noise. Remove any obstructions and/or clean out the dustbin.

The bearings are dry: If the bearings are not lubricated, they can start making a high-pitched noise. Lubricate all moving parts with a lubricant such as WD-40.

There are torn parts: Parts such as U-bends and diaphragms can become torn and cause the vacuum cleaner to make a high-pitched noise when turned off. You will need to replace any damaged parts.

Some parts are not fitted correctly: If some parts are not fitted correctly, they can cause the vacuum cleaner to make a high-pitched noise. Check all parts and be sure they are properly installed and/or tightened.

The motor is damaged: A damaged motor is a common cause of vacuum cleaners making high-pitched noises after being turned off. You will need to replace the motor.

The vacuum cleaner is old: As vacuum cleaners get older, they often start making high-pitched noises after being turned off. It might be time to replace your vacuum cleaner.

Why is my Dyson vacuum making a high-pitched noise?

Your Dyson vacuum cleaner might be making a high pitched noise because:

  • There is an issue with the vacuum motor: Issues such as a damaged motor can cause a high-pitched noise.
  • The dustbin is full and needs to be emptied: Emptying the dustbin will stop the vacuum cleaner from making the high-pitched noise when you turn it off.
  • There is an obstruction in the machine: If there is an obstruction such as a blockage, it can cause the vacuum cleaner to make a high-pitched noise. Remove any obstructions and/or clean out the dustbin.
  • The brushbar is dirty: A dirty brushbar can also cause a high-pitched noise. Clean the brushbar with soapy water and be sure it is properly dried before using the vacuum cleaner again.

Why is my vax hoover making a whistling noise?

The main reason why your Vax hoover might be making a whistling noise is because of a blockage. Check the hose and filters for any obstructions and remove them if you find any.

Final ThoughtsWhy is my vacuum so loud

There are many reasons why a vacuum cleaner squeals. Hopefully, this article has helped you identify the problem and find a solution.

If you have any further questions, be sure to consult your vacuum cleaner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.

Looking For Vacuum Guides?

If you’re looking for more vacuum resources, consider checking out our other posts on vacuums.

irene mills author of freshairdevices

(Author)

Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.