the auto-empty dock is making a loud grinding noise but doesn't suck anything out of the robot.

Diagnosis

The loud grinding noise you are hearing is the high-RPM suction motor of the Auto-Empty Dock operating under extreme vacuum pressure. When the airflow path is obstructed, the motor cannot move air efficiently, causing it to strain and vibrate violently against its housing. This "grinding" is typically the sound of the motor reaching its maximum torque limit while fighting a vacuum seal, rather than mechanical gears slipping. The failure to evacuate debris occurs because the pressure differential required to pull dust from the Q7 Max Plus's onboard bin is not being achieved. This is usually caused by a "bridge" of debris—where hair, cardboard, or large clumps of pet fur create a physical plug at the narrowest point of the system. To confirm this, observe the robot's dustbin flap during the empty cycle; if the flap does not pull open or vibrates without letting debris through, the blockage is located within the dock's internal plumbing or the connection port.

How to Fix It

Follow these precise steps to clear the airflow path and restore suction:

1. Clear the Robot Interface: Remove the dustbin from the Q7 Max Plus. Inspect the rubber sealing flap on the rear of the bin. If there is a buildup of hair or a small pebble wedged in the seal, the dock cannot create a vacuum. Clean the seal with a damp cloth and ensure the flap snaps shut firmly.
2. Inspect the Dock Inlet: Power down the dock and unplug it from the wall. Use a flashlight to look directly into the suction hole at the base of the dock. Use a pair of long-reach tweezers or a flexible pipe cleaner to remove any clumps of debris or trapped packaging material that may have been sucked in during the first few runs.
3. Verify the Dustbag Seal: Open the dock's top cover and remove the disposable dustbag. Inspect the cardboard collar of the bag; if it is not seated perfectly flush against the plastic intake port, air will leak, causing the motor to roar without creating suction. Ensure the bag is not overfilled, as a packed bag restricts airflow and increases motor noise.
4. Clear the Internal Hose: If the noise persists, remove the dustbag and look down the intake throat. Check for a "plug" of debris located exactly where the internal hose connects to the bag housing. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow crevice tool to suck out any debris from the dock's internal channel.
5. Reset the System: Plug the dock back in and initiate a manual empty cycle by pressing the button on the dock to ensure the grinding noise has subsided and the airflow is smooth.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for a Torn Dustbag: Inspect the disposable bag for any small punctures or tears. A hole in the bag breaks the vacuum seal, meaning the motor will spin at full speed (creating noise) but will not generate the concentrated suction needed to pull debris from the robot's bin. Replace the bag with a genuine Roborock replacement.
• Inspect the Robot's Internal Channel: The blockage may be inside the robot itself, between the brush roll and the dustbin. Remove the main brush and check for a "carpet" of hair and debris blocking the intake port that leads to the bin. If this channel is clogged, the dock cannot pull debris out even if the dock is functioning perfectly.
• Test the Motor Capacitor: If the grinding sound is accompanied by a high-pitched whine and no air movement is felt at the inlet, the motor's start capacitor may have failed. This requires a technician to test the voltage output of the dock's power board.
• Verify Firmware Updates: Ensure the robot is updated via the Roborock app. Occasional firmware bugs can cause the dock to run the motor at an incorrect frequency or duration, which can sound like mechanical straining.

Heads Up

• Avoid Wet Debris: Never allow the robot to vacuum up liquids or damp materials. Moisture causes dust to clump into a "concrete-like" plug inside the dock's hose, which is nearly impossible to remove without dismantling the dock.
• Bag Replacement Cycle: Replace the auto-empty bag when it is 75% full. Waiting until it is completely packed significantly increases the strain on the suction motor and can lead to premature motor failure.
• Clean the Sensors: Periodically wipe the infrared sensors on the front of the dock. If the robot doesn't dock perfectly flush, the seal between the bin and the dock will be imperfect, leading to poor suction and increased noise.