How to Change the Belt on a Shark Vacuum Cleaner

A brush roller increases a vacuum cleaner's effectiveness on carpet.

Newer models include an emergency cutoff that stops the brush if it gets clogged, and the company claims that this feature protects the belt so well that it should last for the life of the appliance. If the belt does break, or you have an older Shark vacuum, replacing the belt is no problem.

1. Unplug the vacuum, remove and empty the dust cup, if applicable, and lock the vacuum in the upright position. Lay it flat on the floor so you can access the brush roller.

2. Remove the screws holding the roller cover, using a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver, depending on the model. The location of the screws depends on the vacuum model, but they are always easy to spot.

3. Grasp the end of the roller farthest from the belt and angle that end out of the holder. As soon as it's free, remove the other end of the roller. If the old belt is still attached, slip it off the roller, then off the motor shaft.

4. Clean the brush roll thoroughly, using a hairbrush, scissors and pliers -- if necessary -- to remove old hair and debris. Avoid cutting the bristles.

5. Slip a new belt around the motor shaft, then slip it around the roller and seat. Grasp the roller at both ends and pull it away from the motor shaft, keeping equal tension on both ends.

6. Insert the end farthest from the belt partially in the holder in the vacuum head, then pull the other end tight and seat it partially in its holder. When both ends are seated, push them all the way in.

7. Replace the brush roll cover and secure it with the screws you removed. Set the vacuum upright, plug it in and test the roller.

Tip

Shark vacuums that feature a brush roller have a switch that allows you to toggle the roller on and off. Be sure this switch is on if you want to use the roller. If your model has an automatic cutoff feature, a red light will illuminate when the roller is blocked. To reset the machine, lay it flat on the floor and remove the blockage, using scissors and pliers if necessary.

Warning

If you have a pet that sheds frequently, either use a Shark model that has a pet hair power brush accessory or manually clean up the hair before vacuuming. Pet hair quickly clogs standard brush rollers.