Shark Vacuum No Suction Loud Noise? How to Fix It

We’ve all been there—vacuuming away happily with your Shark vacuum, only to suddenly notice that it’s making a loud noise and, worse yet, the suction seems totally off. What gives? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Shark vacuums are usually reliable, but sometimes things can go a little haywire. In this blog post, we’ll break down why this happens and how you can fix it yourself. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

Understanding the Shark Vacuum No Suction, Loud Noise Issue

You’re cruising through your cleaning routine when suddenly your Shark vacuum starts making a racket, and you notice there’s no suction to speak of. This is one of the most common issues that users encounter, and there are several reasons why it might happen. Let’s dive in and break it down so you can fix it quickly and get back to your cleaning tasks.

What Causes Your Shark Vacuum to Lose Suction?

First, let’s talk about what could be going wrong under the hood of your vacuum. If there’s no suction, it’s usually because of something blocking the airflow. Shark vacuums rely on a system of airflow to suck up dirt, dust, and debris. If something is blocking that flow, whether it’s dirt, pet hair, or even a clogged hose, the suction can’t work properly. If the suction is weak or gone entirely, it’s time to investigate!

1. Clogged Filters: Your Shark vacuum uses filters to trap dust and dirt particles, and over time, these filters can get clogged. If the filter is dirty, the vacuum won’t be able to create strong suction. Luckily, this is easy to fix. Just remove the filter and give it a good rinse. Let it dry completely before putting it back.

2. Blocked Hose or Nozzle: The hose and nozzle are critical for the vacuum’s suction. If either of these becomes blocked, the airflow is restricted. Look for any visible blockages in the hose or nozzle, and if you find something, clear it out. Don’t forget to check for clogs in the vacuum’s intake areas as well!

3. Full Dust Cup or Bag: A full dust cup or bag can be another culprit. When the dust cup is full, there’s no space for new dirt and debris, which means the vacuum can’t suck up anything else. Empty the dust cup, and don’t forget to clean it out if it looks dirty. The same goes for the bag if your Shark vacuum uses one.

4. Damaged Parts or Loose Connections: Sometimes, the issue could be more serious. If the vacuum has damaged parts or loose connections, it can affect the suction. Check all the hoses and connections to ensure they are securely in place. If you find any damaged parts, it’s time to replace them.

Why is Your Shark Vacuum Making a Loud Noise?

Now, let’s talk about the noise. When your Shark vacuum is making a loud noise, it could be a sign of a few different things. First, you might want to check if the vacuum is sucking up something that’s too large or heavy. If the vacuum is struggling to pick up a big object, it will make more noise. However, a loud noise could also indicate an issue with the motor or fan. Here’s what could be causing the sound:

1. A Clogged Brush Roll: If the brush roll is clogged with hair, debris, or dirt, it can cause the vacuum to make a loud whirring or grinding sound. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the brush roll. Use scissors to carefully cut away any hair or debris wrapped around it. After that, give it a good clean to ensure it’s free of any obstructions.

2. Damaged Bearings or Motor: If you hear a grinding noise, it might be a sign that the bearings in the motor or brush roll are damaged. In this case, you might need to replace the motor or the bearings. This can be a more complicated fix, so it’s best to consult the manufacturer or a repair professional.

3. Poor Airflow: When airflow is blocked or restricted, the vacuum can start making a high-pitched or loud noise. This could be because the filters are dirty, there’s a clog in the hose, or the dust cup is full. Check these areas to restore proper airflow, and the noise should decrease.

4. Overheating: Sometimes, if your vacuum is overheating, it might start making strange sounds. This can happen if you’ve been using the vacuum for a long period without giving it a break. If your vacuum feels hot to the touch, unplug it and let it cool down for a while before using it again.

How to Fix Shark Vacuum No Suction, Loud Noise Problems

Now that you know the potential causes of the Shark vacuum no suction and loud noise issue, it’s time to get to work and fix it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself.

Step 1: Turn off and Unplug Your Vacuum

Before you do anything to your vacuum, always start by turning it off and unplugging it from the wall. This is very important because you don’t want the vacuum to accidentally start running while you’re working on it. Unplugging the vacuum ensures that you stay safe and avoid any accidents. So, before jumping into fixing the vacuum, just make sure it’s completely turned off and disconnected from the power source. This will also protect your vacuum from getting any damage during your troubleshooting.

Step 2: Clean the Filter

One of the first things to check when there is no suction or a loud noise is the filter. Shark vacuums have filters that trap dust, dirt, and tiny particles. Over time, these filters can become clogged and dirty. A dirty filter can block airflow, which will cause a decrease in suction power. This is also a reason why your vacuum might start making a loud noise because the motor is working harder than usual to pull air through a blocked filter.

To fix this, you’ll need to remove the filter. Most Shark vacuums have a removable filter that you can take out easily. Once you have it out, check to see if it’s covered in dust, dirt, or pet hair. If the filter looks dirty, give it a good rinse under warm water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear. Do not use soap or cleaning solutions, as these can leave residue on the filter, which will make it less effective. After washing, let the filter dry completely. It’s really important that the filter is dry before you put it back into your vacuum, because a wet filter can cause more problems.

Once it’s dry, put the filter back into place and check if the suction has improved. This is a simple fix, but it can make a huge difference in how well your Shark vacuum works.

Step 3: Check the Hose for Clogs

Another common reason why your Shark vacuum might not have enough suction is because the hose is clogged. The hose is an important part of the vacuum, as it carries the dirt and debris from the floor to the dust cup. If something gets stuck inside the hose, it can block the airflow and cause suction problems.

To check the hose, first look for any visible blockages. You can do this by bending and gently twisting the hose. If there is something stuck inside, try to see where the blockage is. If you can reach it, use your hands to pull it out. If it’s too deep inside, you can use a broomstick or a long stick to gently push the blockage out. Make sure to be gentle so you don’t accidentally damage the hose.

You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to help remove any debris stuck inside the hose. Simply attach the wet/dry vacuum to one end of the hose and turn it on. The suction from the wet/dry vacuum can help pull out any debris that’s stuck inside. Once the hose is clear, check if the suction is back to normal.

Step 4: Empty the Dust Cup

Sometimes, the problem could be as simple as the dust cup being full. If the dust cup is packed with dirt and debris, it won’t be able to collect anything else. This can cause the suction to drop, and it might even make your vacuum sound louder because it’s trying to suck up more dirt than it can hold.

To fix this, take the dust cup off the vacuum and empty it into the trash. If the dust cup is very dirty or dusty, you can clean it with warm water. Just make sure it’s completely dry before you put it back into your vacuum. If you don’t clean the dust cup regularly, dirt can build up inside, which can affect the vacuum’s performance. After emptying and cleaning the dust cup, put it back on the vacuum and check if the suction has improved.

Step 5: Clean the Brush Roll

The brush roll is another part of the vacuum that can affect both suction and noise. The brush roll is responsible for spinning and brushing debris into the vacuum’s suction area. Over time, hair, dirt, and other debris can get tangled in the brush roll. When this happens, the brush can’t spin properly, and the vacuum might start making loud noises, or it won’t pick up dirt as well.

To clean the brush roll, first turn off the vacuum and unplug it. Most Shark vacuums have a release button or a way to easily take out the brush roll. Once you have it out, check for any hair or debris wrapped around it. Use a pair of scissors to carefully cut away any tangled hair or string. Be careful not to cut the actual brush bristles. After removing the debris, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe down the brush roll to make sure it’s clean and ready to spin properly.

Once the brush roll is cleaned, put it back into the vacuum and see if the loud noise goes away. A clean brush roll can make a huge difference in both noise and suction.

Step 6: Inspect the Motor and Bearings

If your Shark vacuum is still making a loud noise, or if the suction hasn’t improved after you’ve cleaned the filter, hose, dust cup, and brush roll, it might be time to check the motor. The motor is what powers the vacuum and creates the suction. If the motor is damaged or malfunctioning, the vacuum might make a grinding or whirring noise.

To check the motor, unplug the vacuum and look for any signs of damage. If you hear grinding or strange noises coming from the motor, it might mean that the motor bearings are damaged. Unfortunately, this is not something you can easily fix on your own. If the motor is the problem, you might need to contact Shark customer service or a professional repair technician for help. They’ll be able to guide you on how to get the motor repaired or replaced.

Step 7: Check for Loose Parts

Another possible cause of both low suction and loud noise is loose parts. Over time, the different parts of your vacuum can become loose from regular use. If any of the parts are not securely attached, it can cause air leaks, which can reduce suction. It can also cause strange noises because the vacuum might be shaking or vibrating too much.

To check for loose parts, carefully examine the vacuum, paying attention to the hose, brush roll, dust cup, and any other connections. If you find any loose parts, tighten them carefully. If something is broken or doesn’t fit properly anymore, you might need to replace it. A simple fix like tightening loose parts can often solve suction and noise issues.

Step 8: Let the Vacuum Cool Down

If you’ve been using your vacuum for a long time without a break, it might start to overheat. When a vacuum overheats, it can lose suction, make strange noises, or even shut off. Overheating happens when the vacuum has been working too hard without enough time to cool down.

If your vacuum feels hot to the touch, turn it off, unplug it, and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before using it again. Giving your vacuum a break will allow it to cool down and prevent overheating from affecting its performance.

When Should You Call for Professional Help?

While most of the issues discussed above can be fixed with a bit of elbow grease, sometimes your Shark vacuum might require professional repair. Here are some signs that you should call for help:

The motor is making strange or grinding noises.

The vacuum is overheating frequently.
The suction remains weak after cleaning filters and hoses.
There’s visible damage to the vacuum that can’t be fixed easily.

If you’re unsure about the issue, it’s always a good idea to consult the Shark customer service team or a professional repair service. They’ll be able to guide you through more complicated fixes or help you with warranty options.

I hope this guide has helped you understand why your Shark vacuum might be losing suction and making a loud noise. With a little cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your vacuum running smoothly and get back to tackling those dirty floors!