my pet hair eraser sounds like a jet engine now, super loud high pitched whine

Diagnosis

The "jet engine" or high-pitched whine emanating from your Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo (Model 24613) is typically caused by one of two critical failures: an obstructed impeller or bearing degradation in the suction motor. When a small piece of hard debris (like a pebble or a plastic toy fragment) bypasses the filters and enters the fan housing, it creates an imbalance in the high-RPM impeller. This results in a high-frequency vibration and a screaming sound as the motor struggles to maintain speed against the physical resistance. Alternatively, the issue may stem from the brush roll motor's drive belt or the bearings themselves. If the belt has partially frayed or slipped, it can create a high-pitched friction squeal. However, if the sound is a constant, piercing whine that persists even when the brush roll is turned off, the failure is located within the main vacuum motor. This happens when the internal lubricants in the motor bearings dry out or become contaminated with fine pet dander, leading to metal-on-metal friction that generates an intense, high-pitched acoustic signature.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must first isolate whether the noise is coming from the agitation system or the suction motor.

1. Power Down: Completely unplug the unit from the wall outlet to prevent accidental activation during disassembly.
2. Isolate the Brush Roll: Flip the vacuum over. Locate the brush roll release mechanism. Remove the brush roll entirely from the housing. Plug the vacuum back in and turn it on for 5 seconds. If the whine is gone, the problem was a jammed brush roll or a failing brush motor. If the whine persists, the issue is the main suction motor.
3. Clear the Impeller Path: If the suction motor is the culprit, remove the dirt tank and look into the intake port. Use a flashlight to inspect the impeller blades. If you see a foreign object, use a pair of long-nose pliers or a vacuum extraction tool to pull it out. Do not use a screwdriver to poke at the blades, as bending a single fin will permanently unbalance the motor and cause permanent vibration.
4. Deep Clean the Filters: Remove the foam and felt filters. If they are clogged with fine pet hair, the motor has to work twice as hard to pull air, which increases the RPM and creates a louder, more strained "whine." Wash them with warm soapy water, let them dry for 24 hours, and reinstall.
5. Lubricate the Brush Roll Axle: If the noise was isolated to the brush roll, apply a small drop of synthetic lubricant to the ends of the brush roll axle where it meets the housing before sliding it back into place.

If That Didn't Work

• Replace the Brush Roll Assembly: If the whine only occurs when the brush is spinning, the internal bearings of the brush roll itself have failed. You will need to replace the entire brush roll assembly (Part #24613-BR) rather than attempting to grease the sealed bearings.
• Inspect the Hose for Partial Blockages: A partial clog in the flexible hose creates a "whistle" effect similar to a jet engine. Remove the hose and drop a heavy coin or a weighted ball through it to ensure there is a clear path. A partial clog increases static pressure, forcing the motor to scream.
• Motor Replacement: If the high-pitched whine persists with no debris in the impeller and clean filters, the main motor bearings have reached the end of their life. Because these motors are factory-sealed units, the entire motor assembly must be replaced.
• Check the Rear Exhaust: Inspect the exhaust port for any obstructions or buildup of lint. If the air cannot escape the motor housing efficiently, it creates a resonant chamber that amplifies the motor's natural hum into a high-pitched whine.

Heads Up

• Avoid Overheating: If you hear a high-pitched whine, do not continue to run the vacuum for more than 30 seconds. The friction causing the noise generates extreme heat that can melt the plastic motor mounts.
• Filter Maintenance: Always replace your filters every 3-6 months. Clogged filters are the primary cause of motor strain and premature bearing failure in the 24613 model.
• Avoid Wet Debris: Never pick up damp materials. Moisture entering the motor housing leads to internal corrosion of the bearings, which is the direct cause of that "jet engine" sound.
• Hair Wrap Check: Check the ends of the brush roll weekly. Hair that wraps around the axle creates drag, putting immense pressure on the motor and leading to a high-pitched strain.