How To Take Apart The Shark Vacuum

If your Shark vacuum needs a deep clean or a repair, knowing how to take apart the Shark vacuum is the first step. This guide will walk you through the entire process safely, ensuring you can maintain your machine without any stress.

We’ll cover the common tools you’ll need, general safety tips, and then specific instructions for popular models like the Rotator, Navigator, and Vertex. You’ll learn how to access the brush roll, empty the bin, clean filters, and troubleshoot common issues. Taking apart your vacuum might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward task that can save you time and money.

Before you start unsnapping any parts, it’s crucial to prepare. Always unplug the vacuum from the electrical outlet. This is the most important safety step and prevents any accidental starts. Clear a large, well-lit workspace, like a kitchen table or a clean floor area, so you can lay out parts in order.

Gather Your Tools

You likely have most of these items at home already. Having them ready before you start makes the process smoother.

Phillips-head screwdriver (size #2 is most common)
Flat-head screwdriver (for prying open clips carefully)
A pair of scissors or a seam ripper (for cutting hair and threads)
A clean, dry cloth
A trash bag or bin for collected dust and debris
Optional: A small container or tray to hold screws and small parts so they don’t get lost.

Universal Safety and Disassembly Tips

These tips apply to almost every Shark vacuum model. Following them will help prevent damage.

Unplug First: We can’t say it enough. Always disconnect power.
Photograph as You Go: Use your phone to take pictures at each step before you remove a part. This is your best reference for reassembly.
Be Gentle with Clips: Shark vacuums use many plastic clips. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry them open instead of forcing them, which can cause breaks.
Track Your Screws: Place screws in your container in the order you remove them. Note which screws came from which section, as they may have different lengths.

Locating Your Model Number

Instructions vary by model. You can find your model number on a sticker or plate, usually on the back of the vacuum body, inside the dust cup door, or on the bottom of the main unit. It will start with letters like “NV,” “AZ,” “UV,” or “DUO.”

General Steps for Most Upright Models

While models differ, this sequence is a good foundation for upright Sharks like the Navigator or Rotator.

Remove the Dust Cup: Press the release button (usually on the handle or top) and lift the cup straight out. Empty it into your trash bag.
Detach the Hose (if applicable): Look for a release latch or button where the hose meets the body. Depress it and pull the hose free.
Access the Bottom Plate: Turn the vacuum over. You’ll see a plate covering the brush roll. Remove the screws securing this plate using your Phillips-head screwdriver.
Free the Brush Roll: Once the plate is off, you can lift out the brush roll. It may be held by end caps or simply slide out. This is where you’ll cut away wound hair and threads.
Clean the Filters: Most models have a pre-motor filter (often in the dust cup compartment) and a post-motor filter (usually near the exhaust). Rinse these with cold water only and let them air dry for at least 24 hours completely.

Disassembling Specific Shark Vacuum Models

Shark Rotator/Navigator (NV Series)

The NV series is very popular. Here’s a more detailed breakdown.

Unplug and remove the dust cup and filters.
Lay the vacuum on its side. Find the screws on the bottom housing near the brush roll. There are usually 4-6 of them.
Remove these screws and carefully seperate the bottom plastic housing from the main body. You will need to gently unclip the sides.
With the housing off, you can now see the brush roll belt. Slip the belt off the motor shaft if you need to replace it.
The brush roll simply lifts out. Clean it thoroughly and clear any debris from the belt path and air passages.
Reassembly is the reverse. Ensure the belt is correctly positioned and that all clips snap securely back into place before inserting screws.

Shark Vertex (AZ Series)

The Vertex has a unique design with a pod-like dust cup. The process is similar but with key differences.

Unplug and release the dust pod by pressing the large button on the handle. Empty it.
To access the brush roll, turn the vacuum over. You’ll see a large, oval plate secured by several screws.
Remove all screws from this plate. Some might be hidden under glide rails or stickers, so check carefully.
Lift the plate away. You may need to gently pry it with a flat-head as it’s sealed with a gasket.
The brush roll and belt are now exposed. Clean everything, including the sensors (little windows) inside the cavity.
When putting it back, align the gasket properly and make sure the plate sits flush before tightening screws.

Shark DuoClean (for Models with Dual Brush Rolls)

DuoClean models have a soft roller and a bristle brush roll. They require a bit more patience.

Follow the initial steps to unplug and remove the dust cup.
Flip the vacuum. The bottom cover is larger and often has more screws. Remove them all.
Carefully lift the cover. You’ll see two brush rolls side-by-side.
The front soft roller usually just pulls straight out. The rear bristle brush roll may be held with end caps that need to be pinched or screwed off.
Clean each roller separately. The soft roller is notorious for picking up hair; use your scissors to cut along the grooves to remove it.
When reinstalling, ensure the belt is correctly routed around the drive for the bristle brush. The soft roller typically just slides onto its mounts.

Cleaning and Maintenance Steps During Disassembly

Taking the vacuum apart is only half the job. A proper clean while it’s open is key to restoring suction.

Deep Cleaning the Brush Roll

Use your scissors or seam ripper to cut all wrapped hair, strings, and carpet fibers from both ends of the roll and the main cylinder.
Wipe the entire roll with a damp cloth. Avoid submerging it in water, as this can damage the bearings.
Check for excessive wear on the bristles. If they are very short or misshapen, it’s time for a replacement.

Clearing Blockages

With the vacuum open, you can check for clogs.

Look in the airway leading from the brush chamber up to the dust cup. Use a long, flexible object (like a straightened coat hanger) to gently dislodge any packed debris.
Check the hose by detaching it and looking through it toward a light. You can run a long, soft brush through it or flush it with water if it’s removable.
Inspect the entrance to the dust cup compartment for any obstructions.

Filter Care

Never use soap on your Shark filters. It can cause clogs. Always use cold water and let them air dry completely for a minimum of 24 hours. Putting damp filters back in is a common cause of weak suction.

Reassembly Guide and Testing

Putting your Shark vacuum back together correctly is crucial. Rushing can lead to mistakes.

Refer to the photos you took during disassembly. Work backward from the last step you did.
Reinstall the brush roll and belt first, ensuring the belt has the proper tension and is not twisted.
Carefully align the bottom housing or plate. Make sure no wires are pinched and that all plastic clips align before pressing them shut.
Insert and tighten all screws by hand first. Avoid over-tightening, as you can strip the plastic threads.
Reattach the hose (if removed) and click the dust cup back into place until it locks.
Insert the completely dry filters into their correct slots. Double-check you have the pre-motor and post-motor filters in the right places.

Post-Reassembly Test

Before you plug in the vacuum, do a visual check. Ensure all parts look flush and secure. Then, plug it in.

Turn it on and listen for unusual noises. A rhythmic thumping might mean the brush roll isn’t seated properly. A high-pitched whine could indicate a misaligned belt.
Check suction by placing your hand over the hose inlet. It should feel strong.
Test the brush roll spin by flipping the vacuum over (while it’s off, then turn it on) and observing if it rotates smoothly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Loss of Suction

Cause: Full dust cup, clogged filters (often damp), or a blockage in the hose or airpath.
Fix: Empty cup, ensure filters are 100% dry, and check for clogs as described above.

Brush Roll Not Spinning

Cause: A broken or stretched drive belt, a severe brush roll jam, or a faulty motor drive.
Fix: Inspect the belt for cracks or looseness. Clear any jams. If the belt looks fine and the roll moves freely by hand, the issue might be internal.

Vacuum Overheating and Shutting Off

Cause: Blocked filters, a clog, or the post-motor filter being missing.
Fix: Let the vacuum cool for 30-60 minutes. Check and clean all filters and air pathways before restarting.

FAQ Section

How often should I take apart my Shark vacuum for cleaning?

For basic maintenance like emptying the cup and rinsing filters, do it monthly. A full disassembly to clean the brush roll and check for blockages is recommended every 3-6 months, depending on use and if you have pets or long hair.

Can I wash the brush roll with water?

You can wipe it with a damp cloth, but do not submerge it or run it under water. The bearings inside can rust, leading to a noisy or stuck brush roll.

Where can I find replacement parts for my Shark vacuum?

Genuine parts are available on the Shark website’s parts store. You can also find compatible parts from reputable online retailers. Always have your model number ready when ordering.

Is it hard to put a Shark vacuum back together?

It’s not difficult if you are methodical. Taking photos during disassembly is the single best tip to make reassembly easy. Just follow your pictures in reverse order.

Why does my vacuum smell bad after I clean it?

A bad smell often means a filter was reinstalled while still damp, causing mildew. It could also be from debris stuck in the hose or ductwork. Ensure everything is bone dry and check for hidden clogs.

What do I do if I break a plastic clip?

Small breaks can sometimes be fixed with super glue, but be careful not to glue moving parts. For larger breaks, you may need to order a replacement housing part. The vacuum might still function with a missing clip, but it could be noisier.

Learning how to take apart the Shark vacuum is a valuable skill for any owner. It extends the life of your machine, saves money on repairs, and ensures it always performs at its best. With this guide, you have a clear roadmap for tackling the job on most common models. Remember to work slowly, keep parts organized, and always prioritize safety by unplugging the device first. Your vacuum will thank you with powerful, reliable cleaning for years to come.