How To Take Apart A Shark Vacuum

If you need to clean a deep clog, replace a worn part, or just give your machine a thorough cleaning, knowing how to take apart a Shark vacuum is an essential skill. This guide will walk you through the entire process safely and clearly, ensuring you can maintain your vacuum’s performance without any stress.

We’ll cover the common tools you’ll need, safety precautions to follow, and detailed steps for disassembling different models. Whether you have an upright, cordless, or robot Shark, the basic principles are similar. Taking your time and following these instructions will make the task straightforward.

Before you start unsnapping any parts, it’s crucial to prepare. A little setup makes the whole process smoother and prevents lost pieces or damage to your vacuum.

Gather Your Tools and Workspace

You likely have most of these items at home already. You don’t need professional gear.

Clean, Flat Surface: A large table or clear floor area gives you space to lay out parts in order.
Screwdrivers: Usually a Phillips head (#2 is common) and sometimes a flathead. Some newer models use Torx security screws (like a star shape).
Clean Cloth or Towel: To place parts on and for wiping away dust.
Container for Small Parts: A bowl, cup, or zip-top bag for screws, clips, and other tiny components. Trust me, they roll away easily.
Your Vacuum’s Manual: If you have it, it’s a great reference for specific diagrams. If not, don’t worry—this guide has you covered.

Essential Safety Steps First

Never skip safety. These steps protect you and your appliance.

Unplug the Vacuum: If it’s a corded model, always unplug it from the wall first. For cordless models, remove the battery pack completely.
Let It Cool: If you were just using it, allow the motor to cool down for 10-15 minutes.
Work in Good Light: You need to see small latches and screw holes clearly.
Be Gentle: Shark vacuums use plastic clips and tabs. Use firm but careful pressure—forcing something can break it.

Identifying Your Shark Vacuum Type

Shark has several main series. The disassembly steps vary slightly between them. Look for the model number on a sticker, usually on the back of the vacuum body or inside the dust cup door.

Upright Vacuums (Navigator, Rotator, Apex): These have a handle that tilts back and a floor nozzle attached directly to the main body.
Cordless Stick Vacuums (Vertex, IZ, Flex): Lightweight, often with a removable battery and a hand-held converter option.
Robot Vacuums (AI, IQ, AV): For these, we typically only disassemble the main brushes and dustbin, not the entire robot.

General Disassembly Sequence

No matter your model, follow this logical order. It prevents confusion and makes reassembly easier.

Empty the dust cup and clean the filters.
Remove any obvious external parts (wand, hose, floor nozzle).
Take off the dust cup and its housing.
Access and remove the main cover or body screws.
Carefully separate the housing halves.
Identify and disconnect internal components (like the brushroll motor).

Step-by-Step for a Common Shark Upright

Let’s use a popular Shark Navigator or Rotator as our primary example. The process for other uprights is very similar.

Prepare and Empty: Unplug the vacuum. Press the dust cup release button and empty it into the trash. Rinse the foam and felt filters if needed, and let them dry completely before reassembly.
Remove the Bottom Plate: Turn the vacuum over. You’ll see screws holding the bottom plate (which covers the brushroll) in place. Remove these screws with your screwdriver. The plate may also have side clips—squeeze or press them to release.
Access the Brushroll: Once the plate is off, you can lift out the brushroll. It might be held by end caps or simply slide out of its bearings. This is a common area for hair and string tangles, so clean it thoroughly.
Open the Main Body: Now, look for screws on the main vacuum body. These are often on the back and sometimes under plastic caps or labels. Remove all visible screws. Place them in your container.
Separate the Shell: With the screws out, you can gently pry apart the two halves of the vacuum’s plastic shell. Start at the seam, usually near the handle base. Use your fingers or a plastic opening tool (not a metal screwdriver, which can gouge the plastic). Work your way around slowly, releasing internal clips.
Disconnect Internal Parts: Inside, you’ll see the motor, wires, and possibly a circuit board. Before removing anything, take a picture with your phone for reference. To fully remove the motor, you’ll likely need to disconnect a wire harness or plug. These often have a small tab you press to release.

Disassembling a Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum

Cordless models are often simpler to take apart for basic cleaning, but the battery and motor are more integrated.

Remove the Battery: Always take the battery pack out first. It usually has a release button.
Detach the Dust Bin: Most have a bin that releases with a button. Empty it and, if it’s removable, wash it.
Clean the Filters: There are typically two: a pre-motor filter (often under the dust bin) and a post-motor filter (near the exhaust). Take these out and clean them according to the manual.
Access the Brushroll (on the floor head): The floor head has a cover. Look for a latch or a single screw. Release it to open the cover and pull out the brushroll for cleaning. Sometimes you need to cut away wrapped debris with scissors.
Opening the Main Handle/Body: If you need to get inside the main unit, screws are often hidden under rubber grips on the handle or under labels. Remove them and carefully seperate the housing.

Common Parts You Might Need to Access

Brushroll and Belt: The most frequent maintenance item. Check the belt for wear or stretching when you have it out.
Main Motor: Accessed after opening the main shell. Be cautious with the electrical connections.
Circuit Board: Rarely fails, but if it does, it’s usually a replacement unit. Look for obvious burn marks.
Hoses and Air Path: Check for clogs in the hose leading from the dust cup to the motor. A long, flexible tool or even a straightened coat hanger can help clear them.

Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together

This is where your photos and organized parts become invaluable. Follow the disassembly steps in reverse order.

Reconnect all internal wires and plugs firmly. You should hear a click.
Ensure any rubber gaskets or seals are seated properly in their grooves.
Before closing the shell, do a quick visual check that all parts are in their correct places and no wires are pinched.
As you put the screws back, tighten them snugly but don’t overtighten, as you can strip the plastic threads.
Finally, reinstall the brushroll, bottom plate, filters, and dust cup. Make sure everything clicks into place securely.

Troubleshooting After Reassembly

If something doesn’t work after you’ve put it back together, don’t panic. Run through this quick checklist.

Vacuum won’t turn on: Double-check that all electrical connections inside are secure. For cordless, ensure the battery is fully clicked in.
Loss of suction: Did you forget to put a filter back in? Is the dust cup sealed properly? Is there a hidden clog you missed?
Brushroll not spinning: The belt might be installed incorrectly or is broken. The brushroll could also be jammed against the housing.
Strange noise: A wire or piece of debris might be touching the fan or brushroll. You may need to open it up again to investigate.

When to Call a Professional

Taking apart your Shark vacuum is great for maintenance, but some issues are best left to experts.

If the main motor is making a burning smell or screeching sound, it likely needs a professional replacement.
Any major electrical damage, like fried wires or a damaged circuit board.
If you’ve followed all steps and still can’t find the problem, Shark’s customer service can provide guidance.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Frequent Disassembly

Regular care means you won’t need to take it apart as often.

Empty the dust cup when it reaches the “full” line, not after it’s packed solid.
Clean the filters once a month under tap water, and let them dry for 24 hours.
Cut hair and strings from the brushroll every few weeks.
Check for blockages in the hose if suction seems low before opening the whole machine.

FAQ Section

How do I open my Shark vacuum to clean it?
Start by emptying the dust cup and removing the filters. For deeper cleans, you’ll need to remove the bottom plate to access the brushroll. For internal issues, look for screws on the main body to open the shell.

Is it hard to disassemble a Shark vacuum cleaner?
Not really. Most are designed with user maintenance in mind. As long as you have the right screwdriver, work slowly, and keep track of parts, it’s a manageable DIY task. The hardest part is often releasing the plastic clips without breaking them.

Can I take apart my Shark vacuum hose?
Yes, the hose on many models can be detached from both the wand and the vacuum body. Check for a collar or release button where it connects. Sometimes a gentle twist and pull is all that’s needed. You can then rinse it out if it’s clogged.

Where are the screws to take apart a Shark vacuum?
Screws are commonly found on the bottom plate, on the back of the main body, and sometimes under rubber grips or decorative labels on the handle. Look closely, as some are cleverly hidden.

What do I do if I break a clip while taking my Shark apart?
Don’t worry, this happens. The vacuum may still hold together with the remaining clips and screws. You can also use a small amount of strong plastic glue to repair the broken clip, but ensure no glue interferes with moving parts or seals.

Learning how to take apart a Shark vacuum empowers you to extend it’s life and save money on repairs. With patience and this guide, you can handle most common maintenance tasks. Remember to always prioritize safety by disconnecting the power, and keep your work organized. Your vacuum will thank you with powerful, reliable cleaning for years to come.