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Roomba Side Brush Squeaking: 3 Causes + 19 Steps To Fix It

Why Is My Roomba Side Brush Squeaking

Roombas are fantastic robot devices that do a clean sweep of all your bedrooms, kitchens, and other rooms.

However, sometimes technology does not work as we want it to.

Specifically, you might run into the problem of a squeaky Roomba side brush. 

If your Roomba side brush is squeaking, the Roomba may need some lubrication, the side brush could need some deep cleaning, or the side brush may need to be replaced with a new one. Solutions include applying WD-40 between the gears inside of your Roomba and buying a new side brush.

In this article, I will explain the common causes why a Roomba side brush becomes squeaky.

I will also help you out by providing some solutions that will fix these issues. Read on and your Roomba will be squeak-free in no time!

1. The Gears May Be Dusty and Working Slower Than Normal

Like most machines, the Roomba may get worn out after a lot of usage. This generally happens after you have used it to clean your house many times.

However, this is to be expected, so do not fret if your Roomba begins to malfunction slightly.

You can locate the side brush on the bottom of the Roomba. There may be some rubbing of the plastic and metal parts that comprise the side brush at that location. 

Additionally, there may be internal grinding located within the gearbox of the side brush itself. This is a familiar noise to hear, and it is nothing to worry about.

Both of these are causes for the irritating squeaky sound you hear. Now it’s time to fix it!

How To Fix the Problem

If you find that your Roomba simply will not stop squeaking, one of the ways to fix this is to get a hold of some WD-40 from Amazon.com. 

WD-40 is a very commonly used lubricant that helps solve lots of issues with squeaky machines.

The lubricant provides an extra liquid coating, like a soothing creamy lotion that reduces friction between the plastic and metal parts of the side brush or within the gearbox.

Follow these simple steps when using the WD-40. If you follow them in order, then this solution will work smoothly.

  1. Turn the Roomba upside down.
  2. Take off the back cover of the Roomba.
  3. Remove the side brush that is squeaky. It looks like a windmill with three long arms.
  4. You will now see the gearbox for the side brush.
  5. Get a hold of a screwdriver; any simple one will do.
  6. Carefully unscrew the gearbox and place the lid to the side.
  7. Now you will see the intricate gears inside.
  8. Take the WD40 and gently apply it between the gears.
  9. Put the gearbox back together just as it was before.
  10. Now turn on your Roomba and let it do its magic around the house and all your rooms.
  11. Pay close attention and see if the squeaky sound is finally gone!

Read also: 9 Easy Steps To Clean Your Roomba Filter (How-To Guide)

Additionally, here is a video that provides you with a further explanation of what to do in order to deal with squeakiness:

By watching this video, you learn that you can use a spray lube on the wheel axle of the Roomba. 

Make sure the spray lube will fully dry. Otherwise, this process may not work very smoothly.

Once that is done, spin the wheel around it, and hopefully, this helps you out!

Here is another how-to video that may be of benefit to you. Just follow the simple steps in the video and see if it works for you.

2. The Side Brush May Be Dirty and Needs Some Deep Cleaning

Sometimes things will get dirty and forgotten. If this happens to your Roomba, do not feel bad. 

It just means it is time to do some deep cleaning! After all, if you want your Roomba to take care of your house, you need to take care of it first.

The brushes and extractors located near the side brush may have become dusty and filled with unwanted dirt. 

No problem! There is a quick fix for this and, once you do it, your headache will be solved.

How To Fix the Problem

All you have to do is grab something small, like some sort of a brush. You don’t need to get too fancy here and purchase extravagant cleaning utensils.

In order to find the brushes and extractors, turn the Roomba upside down. 

All of the mechanics of the machine are located underneath.

The brushes will be relatively easy to find.

The extractors are the rubber interior that is in the shape of a cylinder. Or it may look like a cylinder covered in bristles, depending on what edition of the Roomba you own.

Once you are ready to clean, follow the steps below.

  1. Find the two yellow tabs.
  2. Pull them up to remove the brush guard.
  3. Grab your small cleaning brush and get to work! Be sure to remove all of the dirt, hair, and debris that you see, and make sure to be very thorough.
  4. You will see tips at the ends of the bearings of the brushes. Take these off and do a deep clean there as well.
  5. Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, put everything back together.

Now you will not only have a better chance of eliminating the squeaky noises, but you will also have a super clean Roomba! 

Learn more: How to make Roomba quieter?

3. It Might Be Time To Replace the Side Brush With a New One

As is the case with many of the things we own, sometimes they get old and need a new change.

This is especially true with the tech that we use nearly every day.

Your side brush in your Roomba might be in need of replacing. Finding parts that you can switch out with the old ones is very easy as well!

How To Fix the Problem

If you can, then you should purchase YOKYON Replacement Parts Kit on Amazon.com for the side brushes along with filters, bristle brushes, and flexible beater brushes.

The YOKYON kit will come in handy not only for problems with your side brushes but also with other issues that might arise.

Once you receive these items, it is quite an easy process to install them. Follow the steps below:

  1. Get a #2 Phillips screwdriver and unscrew the side brush. The brush is yellow, and you can find it on the underside of your Roomba.
  2. Once you remove the side brush, switch it to a new one.
  3. Repeat the same process for all of the other replacement parts. They can all be switched out, and it will rejuvenate your device.

The new filters will now take the place of the old ones so they can pick up dirt

Having done this, your Roomba will hopefully stop squeaking and get back to doing its primary job, cleaning your house!

Summary

When our tech stops working or malfunctions, it causes unnecessary stress.

However, when such problems arise, there are always straightforward solutions.

When your Roomba has a side brush that starts making an unpleasant noise, it simply means that something is a bit off. Once you determine the cause, then solving the problem is a quick fix.

Be sure to understand what to look for, and in no time at all, your Roomba and its side brush will function at 100%.

Enjoy some peace and quiet while your house is being cleaned!

Reading recommendation: 5 Reasons Why Your Roomba Keeps Going In Circles + 5 Fixes