A robot vacuum cleaner is made up of two motorized wheels, which make it move forward, backward or turn. There are also rollers that are simply used to maintain the device and follow the trajectory, but they have no connection with the motors.
Many uses can wear down the wheels, or an electrical malfunction in the robot can cause problems in their rotation.
One of the two wheels, or even both, must be replaced if you encounter the following problems:
- The robot does not advance any more, or very slowly.
- The robot turns in circles and only one wheel works.
- A wheel-related alert message appears.
The motorized wheels are located below the robot and are usually accessible quite easily.
A robot vacuum cleaner is an excellent tool that keeps our homes spotless without requiring us to lift a finger. Like any other piece of technology, it has its components that sometimes fail or wear out, including its motorized wheels. Over time, the wheels may become worn out or stop functioning correctly, thereby impacting the device’s ability to navigate your home. In this article, we will explore how you can replace a motorized wheel on your robot vacuum cleaner.
Disclaimer: Before you attempt to replace the wheel, ensure that you check the warranty of your robot vacuum cleaner. Some manufacturers may void the warranty if the device is opened by the user. If your cleaner is still under warranty, it is best to contact the manufacturer or authorized service center.
Safety first: Always make sure the robot vacuum cleaner is powered off and unplugged before starting any repair work.
Here are the general steps to replace the motorized wheel:
Step 1: Purchase a Replacement Wheel
Before starting the process, you need to find a compatible wheel for your specific robot vacuum model. These can often be found online, through the manufacturer’s website or other electronics parts suppliers. Make sure the replacement part matches your model to ensure compatibility.
Step 2: Turn off the Vacuum and Remove the Battery
For safety purposes, ensure that the vacuum is turned off. Most robot vacuums have a removable battery, so take it out before proceeding. This will prevent any unintended activation of the vacuum while you are working on it.
Step 3: Remove the Faulty Wheel
Turn the robot vacuum upside down to access the wheels. Depending on the model, you might need a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the wheel assembly in place. Once the screws are out, gently pull the wheel assembly away from the vacuum. Be careful as the wheel may still be connected to the main unit by a wire.
Step 4: Disconnect the Wheel
The wheel assembly may be connected to the main unit via a wire that provides power to the motor. Carefully disconnect this. There should be a plug that allows you to do this without cutting any wires.
Step 5: Connect the New Wheel
Connect the new wheel assembly using the plug that you disconnected from the old wheel. It should only fit one way, so don’t force it if it doesn’t seem to fit. Once connected, you should verify that the wheel spins freely and that the motor wires are not pinched or twisted.
Step 6: Reinstall the Wheel Assembly
Place the new wheel assembly into the space where the old one was. Use the screws you removed earlier to secure it in place. Be careful not to overtighten these screws as it could crack the plastic.
Step 7: Replace the Battery and Test
Put the battery back into the vacuum. After this, turn your robot vacuum cleaner on and let it run a test cleaning. Monitor it to ensure that it’s able to navigate around the room without any issue.
In conclusion, while replacing a motorized wheel on your robot vacuum cleaner may seem challenging, it can be done with a little time and the right tools. If at any point you are uncomfortable performing these repairs, please consider seeking help from a professional. Regular maintenance and quick repairs will ensure the longevity and performance of your robot vacuum cleaner.
