If your Shark vacuum is making a strange sound and the floorhead won’t pick up dirt, you’re dealing with a common and frustrating problem. A Shark swivel makes sound and does not pick up, and this issue usually points to a simple blockage or a part that needs attention. Don’t worry, this guide will help you fix it step-by-step.
These symptoms often happen together. The unusual noise is a clue—it’s your vacuum telling you something is wrong inside. The good news is that you can probably solve this yourself in a few minutes, saving you time and money on a repair service.
Shark Swivel Makes Sound And Does Not Pick Up
This specific combination of problems—noise and loss of suction—is almost always related to the vacuum’s airflow being blocked. When air cannot flow through the hose and into the dust cup, the motor works harder, creating a different, often higher-pitched sound. Simultaneously, because there’s no suction power reaching the floorhead, it stops picking up debris. The swivel part itself is often the culprit or the location of the jam.
Common Causes for the Noise and Loss of Suction
Before you start taking things apart, it’s helpful to know what you might be looking for. Here are the most frequent reasons:
- A Major Blockage: A large object is stuck in the hose, wand, or at the swivel joint, completely stopping airflow.
- Full or Clogged Filters: The filters are overdue for cleaning or replacement, restricting air flow.
- Dust Cup is Overfull: The cup isn’t just full; it’s packed, preventing any more dirt from entering.
- Damaged Brushroll: Something is wrapped around the brushroll or the belt is broken, causing a dragging or whirring noise.
- Faulty Swivel Seal: The rubber gasket or seal where the hose connects to the floorhead is worn out, letting air leak.
Step-by-Step Fix: Start with the Easy Solutions
Always start with the simplest fixes and work your way toward the more involved ones. Unplug the vacuum before you begin any inspection or repair.
Step 1: Empty and Check the Dust Cup
This might seem obvious, but sometimes the cup can be overfilled in a way that isn’t immediately visible. Remove the dust cup from the vacuum body. Empty it into the trash. Then, look inside the cavity where the cup sits on the vacuum. Sometimes debris gets stuck in this inlet. Give it a quick wipe or use a long, thin object to clear it.
Step 2: Inspect and Clean the Filters
Dirty filters are a top cause of loss suction. Your Shark likely has two filters: a pre-motor filter (usually foam) and a post-motor filter (HEPA or felt).
- Remove both filters according to your model’s manual.
- Tap them gently to remove loose dust over a trash can.
- Rinse the foam filter with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Never use soap.
- Let both filters air dry for at least 24 hours completely. Putting them back wet will cause more problems.
Step 3: Clear the Hose and Wand
A blockage in the hose is a very common reason for a Shark swivel makes sound and does not pick up. Detach the hose from both ends—the vacuum body and the wand or floorhead.
- Look through it toward a light source. Can you see through it?
- If not, use a long, flexible object like a broom handle or a plumbing snake to gently push the blockage out.
- You can also try sucking up a small, soft cloth from the opposite end to pull the clog through.
Do the same for the wand. Detach it and look for any obstructions.
Step 4: Examine the Swivel and Floorhead
This is the critical area. Flip the vacuum over to look at the floorhead.
- Remove any large debris wrapped around the brushroll by cutting it away with scissors (be careful not to cut the brushroll bristles).
- Check the brushroll for freedom of movement. It should spin easily by hand. If it doesn’t, the bearings might be shot or something is jamming it internally.
- Look at the opening where the hose connects to the top of the floorhead (the swivel joint). Use a flashlight to peer inside. This is a prime spot for hair, coins, and other objects to get lodged.
- Clear any visible debris with your fingers or a pair of long-nose pliers.
Step 5: Check for Air Leaks and Seals
If everything seems clear but suction is still weak, you might have an air leak. With the vacuum running (be careful), listen and feel around the swivel connection and the hose for escaping air. A broken or missing rubber gasket will cause a huge loss of suction power. You can order replacement seals online for your specific Shark model.
When the Brushroll is the Problem
A brushroll that doesn’t spin will cause both a strange sound (often a grinding or whirring) and will not pick up debris. Here’s how to deal with it:
- Remove the Brushroll: Usually, you need to remove a cover plate held by screws or latches on the bottom of the floorhead. Take out the brushroll.
- Clean it Thoroughly: Cut away all hair, strings, and fibers wrapped around the ends. This is a main cause of it seizing up.
- Inspect the Belt: If your model uses a drive belt, check if it’s stretched, cracked, or broken. Replace it if needed.
- Test the Bearings: Spin the brushroll by hand. It should spin freely and quietly. If it grinds or is very stiff, the brushroll itself may need to be replaced.
Advanced Check: The Motor Fan
In rare cases, the sound could be coming from the motor area itself. If you’ve cleared all blockages and the noise persists—especially a loud, high-pitched screeching or grinding—it’s possible something has damaged the motor fan. A small object like a screw or a piece of glass could have made it past the filters and hit the fan blades. This requires opening the main vacuum body and should be approached with caution, as it may void your warranty. If you suspect this, contacting Shark support might be the best next step.
Prevention Tips for the Future
To avoid facing this issue again, a little regular maintenance goes a long way.
- Empty the Dust Cup Often: Don’t let it get completely full. Empty it after every couple of uses.
- Clean Filters Regularly: Rinse the foam filter once a month. Replace the HEPA filter as recommended (usually every 6-12 months).
- Pre-Check Your Floors: Pick up large items like paper clips, coins, and hair ties before you vacuum.
- Brushroll Maintenance: Every month, flip the vacuum over and cut away hair and fibers from the brushroll ends.
- Store Properly: Don’t yank the vacuum by the hose, and try to store it without kinking the hose to prevent internal damage.
FAQ Section
Why is my Shark vacuum making a loud noise but has no suction?
This is the classic sign of a severe blockage. The motor is running, but because air can’t flow through, it creates a high-pitched whine or roar. The suction is gone because the airflow path is blocked. Immediately turn off and unplug the vacuum. Start by checking the hose, wand, and swivel joint for a clog.
How do I fix my Shark vacuum if it’s not picking up?
Follow the step-by-step guide above. Begin with the easiest fixes: empty the dust cup, clean the filters, and check for a clog in the hose. Ninety percent of the time, the problem is resolved in these first few steps. If not, move on to inspecting the brushroll and floorhead.
What does it mean when my Shark swivel head is noisy?
A noisy swivel head usually indicates a problem within the floorhead assembly. It could be a foreign object (like a Lego piece) rattling around inside the housing, a severely tangled brushroll that’s straining the belt, or a damaged bearing in the brushroll. Remove the cover and inspect the area thoroghly.
Can a dirty filter cause my Shark to make sound?
Yes, absolutely. A completely clogged filter forces the motor to work much harder to pull air through. This extra strain can change the sound of the motor, often making it sound louder or more high-pitched. Always ensure your filters are clean and completely dry.
Where is the most common clog in a Shark vacuum?
The most common clog points are, in order: 1) The hose, especially near the bends or connections. 2) The opening at the swivel joint on top of the floorhead. 3) The entrance to the dust cup from the hose. These are the narrow points where larger items get stuck.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a Shark vacuum that’s noisy and won’t pick up can be annoying, but it’s rarely a serious or expensive fix. The key is to methodically check each part of the airflow path, from the floorhead to the dust cup to the filters. Remember, the unusual sound is a useful clue that points you toward a blockage or restriction.
By following the clear steps outlined here—starting with the simple tasks like emptying the cup and cleaning filters—you’ll most likely identify and solve the problem quickly. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent these issues from happening in the first place, ensuring your Shark keeps performing well for years to come. If you’ve tried everything and the problem persists, Shark’s customer support is know for being helpful and can guide you toward a solution or authorized repair.