For a long time, Dyson engineers in the UK have wanted to find a belt removal tool. A tool to lift up the belt on DC04’s, DC07’s and DC14’s to allow the brush bar to be removed easily. Most vacuum cleaner repair shops have either been using home-made belt removal tools or they struggle with a selection of other… Read More »
Dyson models DC04, DC07 and DC14 are fitted with a switchover mechanism that diverts suction either to the wand or the head unit. It is operated automatically by reclining the machine. Occasionally, the carriage assembly can break necessitating replacement of one or more parts. Here is how to strip the machine down to access that… Read More »
“Do you have any information about the Dyson Zorbster?” many people ask. The Dyson DC04 Zorbster was made in grey and lavender. These were designed to double up as a carpet dry cleaning machine. They have an aperture on the front of the body that one can fit a hopper to that dispenses Zorb crystals… Read More »
We had a couple of emails recently asking how to fit a wand cap and/or a top end cap spring to a Dyson DC04. As with many jobs on Dyson vacuum cleaners, it is very simple when someone shows you how. The end cap (top cap) is the bit on the very top of the… Read More »
“My Dyson DC04 wont stand up” is the thing many people ask about on Dyson support forums. If your Dyson DC04 has this symptom, it likely isn’t picking up too well either. It may well be dropping some of the debris on the floor as well.
It was OK yesterday wasn’t it? What happened? You were using it, then it wouldn’t stand up.
Its actually quite a simple thing to fix that anyone can do at home. You don’t need any tools, you don’t need any expertise.
Our friends at Nelson Vacuums in Australia have made a short video on the subject that tells you everything you need to know. You will laugh at how much of a simple fix this is. Click the triangle “play” emblem on the video below (Note the video below is of a DC07, but this aspect is identical to your DC04 and the fix is identical).
So your brush roll (sometimes called a brush bar or a beater bar) wont turn or spin round on your Dyson DC04, Dyson DC07 or Dyson DC14?
I am going to cover the DC04, DC07 and DC14 models altogether here as the following advice is applicable for all three as they have very similar bottom end mechanicals.
First you should establish if your machine is a model with a clutch or without a clutch. If your machine is a model with a clutch, it will typically be designated as an “all floors”, a “multi floor”, an “allergy”, an “animal” or an “absolute”. If your Dyson has a clutch fitted, it will have a knob on the bottom body on the left hand side (looking from the front). It looks like this: (picture on main topic)
The clutch (if fitted), is designed to stop your machine from breaking the belts. If your machine has a clutch, the reason the brush bar isn’t spinning is unlikely to be a snapped belt. The clutch allows your brush roll to be turned off (for certain types of hard floors, etc.). First you should check if your brush bar is turned on. Try to turn the knob one click clockwise to the “auto” position.
If it is in the “auto” position already, now recline the machine by bending the wand handle back whilst holding your foot in the front corner recess of the body when the machine is running (in cleaning position). Did you know that on clutched models, the brush bar is not designed to turn until the machine is reclined into the cleaning position? Many people don’t. Many people think if the brush bar isn’t spinning when the Dyson is upright, that there is something wrong with it. There isn’t! Check to see if the brush bar spins when the machine is reclined in the cleaning position! If after turning the clutch to “auto” the machine brush bar is spinning when the machine is reclined, the problem is solved.
If you have a Dyson without a clutch, the brush roll should spin at all times; no matter if the machine is reclined or stood upright. If your machine doesn’t have a clutch, and the brush bar is not spinning, check the drive belt, it has probably snapped and wants replacing.
If you need to replace the motor on your Dyson DC04, there are two different types. You need to know which one yours is to be sure you buy the correct one. They are not directly interchangeable without a minor modification.
If your machine is a clutchless lime green and grey model, it *should* have an Ametek motor fitted to it as standard.
Most other models have a clutch. If your machine is fitted with a clutch, it *should* have a YDK motor fitted to it as standard.
If you are confused about the differences between Dyson DC04 models, there is a guide here: Dyson DC04 Model Index
That said, if the machine has ever been stripped down and rebuilt in the past, it is possible that someone else fitted the other type, depending on what they had handy at the time. Therefore, it is always better to strip your machine down to ascertain which motor is fitted to your Dyson DC04.
Remember, these motors are not directly interchangeable, so if buying a motor only, be sure you get the correct one.
However, as more machines with YDK motors were made, it is easier — and usually cheaper — to source a new YDK motor than it is an Ametek. There is an easy way around fitting a YDK motor to your machine where previously there was an Ametek fitted. Look again at the pictures above. You see there are motor rubbers and a plastic retaining ring there? Although they look pretty similar, they actually differ.
If your machine had an Ametek motor fitted, you can fit a YDK type motor with ease. Just be sure that you get the YDK rubbers and the plastic retaining ring to go with it and you are good to go. No other modifications are required. You simply fit the YDK motor together with the fan-case seal, top rubber and plastic retaining ring when you reassemble.
We do not recommend taking the budget route and buying a used DC04 motor from somewhere like eBay. Although you may think you are getting good value at first, this is where a lot of unscrupulous sellers unload a lot of their reject or tired rubbish. For sure, you will get a cheap one there, but after the crucifying fees the seller must pay in eBay and Paypal charges, the net price they receive after postage will be very small. This does not incentivise them to send you a quality item. Additionally, used DC04 motors usually have a very short service life left as they do wear out comparatively faster than some other Dyson models. Buying a used one is a false economy. We recommend you buy a new one.
If you need a new motor for your Dyson DC04, source it from a Dyson specialist. This will ensure you get a quality item from a trusted source at a great price. Below is a link to who we recommend. You can order a YDK motor for £35 including UK delivery. If your machine had an Ametek fitted, they will even throw you the extra seal and ring in for free!
Click the topic title to go to the full article to see our recommendation.
The Dyson DC04 is widely regarded as the “Ford Transit” of Dysons. They are not a new model any more but there are literally millions of them still around. You can still easily buy a reconditioned Dyson DC04, and ALL the spare parts are available that will make them run forever.
Do you know how to make your Dyson DC04 last longer?
Firstly, you need to empty it in a timely manner. Next, you need to make sure the pre-motor filter is clean. Yes, its a washable filter; with a Dyson you don’t need to buy filters very often. You can wash them a few times first!
Keep your Dyson DC04 in tip top condition. Watch the video below to learn not only how to empty the canister, but also how to remove, wash and replace the washable filter too.
Not everyone who gets a Dyson knows how to use the tools and accessories that come with it.
Some download an instruction manual, some play about with the machine by trial and error (and some never quite figure it out). Do you know how versatile your Dyson DC04 is?
Your Dyson DC04 is good for the car and the home. It will clean your stairs, it will clean the cobwebs from your ceiling, it will clean your laminate floors, it will dust your furniture and of course it will clean your carpets.
Watch the video below to learn how to get the most out of your Dyson DC04.
Looking for an original Dyson instruction and operating manual for your Dyson DC04? You have come to the right place.
When you buy a used or a reconditioned Dyson, unless you have acquired it from a meticulous old fella who had it from new, you are unlikely to have got the original user manual.
Many people are confused with Dysons when it comes to using the back hose, using the tools, taking the wand off, emptying the vacuum cleaner, and simple maintenance of the filters. However, these things are not very hard if you know how. To know how, you need an original manufacturers user manual.
Dyson UK will happily sell you one for two or three pounds, but you are an internet surfer; you want one free don’t you? C’mon, admit it! You know it’s true.
OK, we’ll put you out of your misery. Click the link below to go through to the Dyson Forums where there are links to download all the Dyson user/operating/instruction manuals in PDF format. Completely free of charge.
Here is the link: Free Dyson Instruction Operating User Manuals