Diagnosis
A non-spinning side brush on a Roomba 694 is typically caused by one of three things: a mechanical jam from hair and debris, a brush that has become detached from its drive gear, or a failed side brush motor. Most commonly, long hair, carpet fibers, and threads wrap tightly around the axle beneath the brush, creating enough friction to stall the motor or prevent the brush from rotating entirely.
How to Fix It
- Remove the Brush: Turn the robot over and pull the side brush straight up and off the metal post. Do not twist it violently, as this can damage the plastic mount.
- Clear the Axle: Inspect the metal post and the area immediately surrounding it. Use a pair of tweezers or small precision scissors to cut through any hair or string wound around the axle. Ensure the post can spin freely by hand.
- Clean the Underside: Wipe away any accumulated dust or grit from the drive gear area to ensure a clean connection.
- Reinstall: Press the side brush firmly back onto the post until you feel it click or seat fully. Test the vacuum on a hard surface to verify rotation.
If That Didn't Work
- Replace the Brush: If the axle is clean but the brush still won't spin, the internal plastic hub of the brush may be stripped. Try a genuine iRobot replacement brush; third-party "knock-off" brushes often have incorrect tolerances and fail to engage the motor gear.
- Reset the Robot: Perform a soft reset by holding the CLEAN button for 10 seconds to clear any software-level stalls.
- Motor Failure: If a new brush doesn't spin, the side brush motor module has likely failed. This requires opening the chassis to replace the motor assembly.
Heads Up
To prevent permanent motor burnout, inspect the side brush every 2-3 cleaning cycles, especially in homes with pets or long-haired residents. Allowing debris to build up for weeks puts excessive strain on the small motor, which can lead to a total hardware failure.