Diagnosis
A large, rigid object (like a Lego piece, rock, or chunk of pet food) is stuck in the station's internal hose or impeller, causing the motor to strain and grind against it.
How to Fix It
- Unplug the station immediately to prevent motor damage.
- Remove the dust bag. Shake it out over a trash can to dislodge any blocking object near the bag port.
- Shine a flashlight into the bag port inside the station. Use long-nose pliers or tweezers to carefully remove any visible foreign object.
- Check the robot's dustbin and its exit port for the same kind of debris to prevent a recurrence.
If That Didn't Work
The grinding could be from the motor's internal bearings failing. If the station is clear of debris but still makes the noise, it's a hardware failure requiring service or replacement.
Heads Up
The station's suction is extremely powerful. You must regularly pick up larger debris before runs. The station is not designed for anything beyond fine dust, hair, and small particles. A single pebble can cause this.