the hose on my shark navigator lift away professional feels like it has no suction. the upright part works fine. what gives?

Diagnosis

The loss of suction specifically in the hose assembly of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E, while the floor nozzle remains powerful, indicates a localized failure in the airflow path. This is almost always caused by one of two things: a physical obstruction (blockage) or a breach in the airtight seal (leak). Because the NV356E uses a high-velocity airflow system, even a small piece of cardboard, a clump of pet hair, or a child's toy lodged in the hose creates a "dam" effect, preventing air from reaching the motor. If there is no visible blockage, the issue is typically a failure of the O-rings or the locking mechanism where the hose connects to the Lift-Away canister. Over time, the plastic tabs on the hose connector can wear down or warp, preventing a flush seal. When the vacuum is turned on, air takes the path of least resistance; if the seal is broken, it pulls air from the gap at the connection point rather than pulling debris through the hose and wand. You can confirm this by placing your hand over the hose opening while it is connected; if you feel air escaping from the connection point at the canister, the seal is compromised.

How to Fix It

To restore full suction to your NV356E hose assembly, follow these precise steps to clear the path and secure the seals:

1. Complete Disassembly: Power off the unit and unplug it from the wall. Press the release buttons to detach the hose from the Lift-Away canister. Remove the extension wand and any attachments (crevice tool, dusting brush) from the end of the hose.
2. The Light Test: Remove the hose entirely from the machine. Hold one end up to a bright light source or a window. Look through the bore of the hose. If you cannot see clear light through the other end, there is a blockage.
3. Mechanical Clearing: For stubborn clogs, do not use a wire hanger as it can puncture the inner lining of the hose. Instead, use a broom handle or a flexible plumbing snake. Push it firmly through the hose from the wand-end back toward the canister-end to push the debris out.
4. Seal Inspection: Inspect the male end of the hose connector. Look for any cracks in the plastic or missing rubber gaskets. Wipe the connection port on the Lift-Away canister with a damp cloth to remove any fine dust that may be preventing a tight fit.
5. The "Click" Lock: Reinsert the hose into the canister. You must hear a distinct, audible "click." If the hose feels loose or "wobbles" after insertion, push it in firmly and then give it a slight twist to ensure the locking tabs have fully engaged with the internal housing.
6. Wand Verification: Slide the extension wand back into the hose. Ensure the friction fit is tight. If the wand slides out too easily, the internal diameter of the hose cuff may be stretched, causing a suction leak.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Pre-Motor Filter: While the upright works, a partially clogged pre-motor foam filter can restrict the total CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of the machine. If the filter is grey or caked in dust, the hose (which requires more concentrated pressure than the floor head) will feel weak. Wash the foam filter with water, let it air dry for 24 hours, and reinstall.
• Inspect for "Invisible" Punctures: Run your hand along the length of the hose while the vacuum is running. Listen for a whistling sound. Small slits or punctures in the corrugated plastic—often caused by rubbing against sharp furniture corners—will kill suction. If a hole is found, use heavy-duty electrical tape or a rubber sleeve to seal the breach.
• Clear the Intake Port: Use a flashlight to look into the port on the canister where the hose plugs in. Occasionally, a large piece of debris (like a coin or pebble) gets lodged exactly at the entrance of the port, blocking the hose but allowing the main floor path to function. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to extract any debris.
• Replace the Hose Assembly: If the plastic locking tabs are snapped off or the hose is cracked beyond repair, the internal vacuum seal cannot be maintained. You will need to replace the hose assembly (Part No. NV356E-Hose) to restore the airtight connection.

Heads Up

• Avoid Wet Debris: Never use the hose to pick up damp materials. Wet dust turns into a "cement" inside the hose walls, which is nearly impossible to clear and will permanently reduce your suction.
• Filter Maintenance: Always clean the pre-motor and post-motor filters every 30 days. Reduced airflow at the motor level manifests first as a loss of suction in the hose attachments.
• Proper Storage: When storing the vacuum, avoid bending the hose at a sharp 90-degree angle. This creates stress fractures in the plastic that eventually lead to the suction leaks described above.