Roomba Squeaking? (Just Do this and Thank me later)

Your Roomba is supposed to be a silent helper that cleans your floor without bothering you. But sometimes it makes a loud and annoying squeak that makes you want to throw it out the window.

Why does it do that?

Well, it could be because of several reasons.

Typically, when Roomba squeaks, either the brushes or wheels are stuck, one of the body parts is loose or the gear is worn out. 

Whatever the reason, your Roomba is trying to tell you that it needs some attention and care. You should check it and see what you can do to fix it.

Let’s care it…

How to fix Roomba squeaking?

  • First, observe carefully where the buzzing sound is coming from.
  • If the squeaking is coming from the caster wheels, lubricate them with a spray lube that dries out.
  •  If the squeaking is coming from the side brush, lubricate it as well.
  • But, if it is coming from the gearbox, open it, clean it, lubricate it, and put it back in.

 

Step 1: Make sure the brush is clean and tangles free

Remove tangles from roomba side brush

Over time, Roomba’s side brush becomes stuck with hair, debris, and tangles. This prevents the brushes from spinning properly.

So, ensure that the brush of your vacuum is free of tangles.

Here’s how to untangle the brush:

  • First, take a Philips screwdriver and remove the screw that holds the side brush in its place.
  • Carefully remove the side brush and cut away any tangles, hair, or debris from the brush.
  • Once you are done, put the side brush in its place.

Step 2: Lubricate the Side Brush Module

Lubricate the roomba side brush module

If cleaning the side brush doesn’t fix the issue, lubricate the side brush module.

Sometimes the Gearbox inside the side brush gets jammed and makes a loud noise. It’s a good idea to lubricate the brush module to ensure it runs properly.

Here’s how:

  • Open the side brush using a Phillips screwdriver.
  • Spray some dry lubricant and spin it around to spread the oil evenly.
  • Once you are done, let the device rest for a minimum of 5 minutes, then restart the device.

Now check if doing this reduced the friction and fixed the squeaking sound. This will work!

Step 3: Clean the wheels

Lubricate the Roomba wheel

Like the side brush, wheels are also crucial for a Roomba to navigate around the home. And over time, they get stuck with debris.

If not cleaned regularly, you might experience this squeaking noise.

90% of homeowners claimed that Cleaning and lubricating the wheel axels fixed the squeaking issue like magic,” That’s why it’s worth giving a try.

Here’s how to do this:

  • Clean both of the wheels with a dry cloth.
  • Then look closely, and find a small hole on the outer side of each wheel.
  • Once you locate the hole, apply a small amount of dry lubricant directly into it using a pinpoint straw application tool.
  • Wipe any extra lubricant from the outside of the wheel using a paper towel.

Once done, rotate the wheel manually. You will be surprised that the squeaking sound has disappeared.

Warning: Only use a dry lubricant like WD40 to avoid dripping down the wheels and creating a mess. Do not flip the robot vacuum over after lubrication and wait for the oil to dry.

Step 5: Disassemble, Deep Clean, and Reassemble

Disassemble roomba

You might need to replace the side brush module, wheels, or roller brush if nothing works. But before that, try again by disassembling and reassembling the entire vacuum.

Most of the time, when a Roomba starts squeaking, it’s because something is preventing it from moving. That could be because there are strands of pet hair wrapped around its gears, or perhaps a piece of debris is stuck between them.

Note: Before you disassemble your vacuum for cleaning, read the user manual for your specific device for complete information on how to do so. Don’t worry—it won’t break easily!


F.A.Q.s

Q: Is it normal for a Roomba to squeak?

Occasional squeaking noises can be normal, especially if your Roomba is operating on a particularly dirty surface or encountering challenging debris.

However, persistent and loud squeaking is not typical and may require troubleshooting or maintenance.

Q: Will a squeaking Roomba still clean effectively?

In most cases, a squeaking Roomba will still clean effectively, as long as the underlying mechanical components are functioning correctly.

However, it’s essential to address the squeaking noise to prevent potential damage or further issues with your Roomba’s operation.

Q: Are there any preventive measures to avoid Roomba squeaking?

Yes, there are preventive measures to minimize Roomba squeaking. Regularly clean and remove debris from the brushes, wheels, and other moving parts.

Ensure your Roomba operates on clean surfaces and avoid using excessive cleaning solutions that may leave residue. Performing routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer can also help prevent squeaking.

Q: My Roomba is squeaking after I replaced the brushes. What should I do?

If your Roomba started squeaking after replacing the brushes, double-check that you have installed them correctly and securely.

Ensure there are no loose components or hair tangled around the new brushes. If the issue persists, contact the Roomba manufacturer for further assistance.