A louder or rattling Roomba j9 usually has debris in the path. iRobot's guide points to the parts that generate noise: hair and debris in the front caster wheel (it can also damage your floor, and if it does not spin freely after cleaning, contact Customer Care), a loose or tangled Edge-Sweeping Brush (remove the screw and clear it), Multi-Surface Brushes with hair under the caps, and a filter that is dirty. On the Clean Base, check the bag and clear the evacuation port and tube if emptying sounds strained.
Differential
Likely causes of “iRobot Roomba robot vacuum makes a loud, rattling, whistling or grinding noise”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The front caster wheel is clogged
What separates it There is grinding or a dragging sound because the front caster wheel is clogged
How to confirm Pull the wheel module and clear the cavity
- 2
A wrapped side brush
What separates it There is slapping or rattling because the side brush is wrapped with hair
How to confirm Remove the screw from the side brush, and clear the hair from it
- 3
Debris in the brushes
What separates it There is scraping because of debris in the brushes
How to confirm Clean the Multi Surface Brushes and their caps, and clear any debris
- 4
The dock is emptying
What separates it There is noise while the bin empties because the dock is emptying it
How to confirm Check the bag and clear the port and tube if it sounds strained
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where on the robot the noise comes from
- When the noise occurs during a job or on the dock
- Whether it stops off the floor
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop and lift
ReversibleStop and lift the robot, by picking it up and looking at its underside, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Clean the wheel
ReversibleClean the wheel, by pulling it firmly, clearing the debris, and clicking it back in.
Clean the side brush
ReversibleClean the side brush, by unscrewing it with a coin, clearing it, and refitting it.
Clean the brushes
ReversibleClean the brushes, by removing the caps and clearing the hair from them, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the dock
ReversibleCheck the dock, by replacing the bag, and clearing the tube of any blockage, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cleaning the brushes and wheel
- For the multi-surface brushes, pinch the brush frame release tab, lift it and remove any obstructions, then take out the brushes and pull off the caps at each end so you can clear the hair beneath. Clean the square and hexagonal pegs on the opposite side and refit the brushes by matching the peg shapes to the icons in the cleaning head module. For the front caster wheel, pull the module off, pull the wheel from its housing, clear the cavity and click it back in; iRobot warns a clogged front wheel can damage your floor, and if it will not spin freely afterwards to contact Customer Care.
- The Clean Base dirt disposal
- While cleaning, the robot returns to the Clean Base to empty its bin and recharge as needed. The dock's LED turns solid red when a new bag is needed. If a clog is detected the dock makes extra attempts to clear it. If you place the robot on the dock by hand it does not empty automatically, so use the iRobot Home App or hold the Clean button for 2 to 5 seconds. Replace the bag by lifting the canister lid, pulling the plastic card to seal and remove the bag, fitting a new one with the card in the guide rails and pressing the lid fully closed.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Roomba j7/j7+ robot vacuum, Roomba Combo j7+, Roomba s9/s9+, Roomba i7/i7+, Roomba i5/i5+, Roomba 600 Series, Braava jet m6 mop.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the wheel does not spin freely after cleaning, contact iRobot Customer Care
- !Stop using the robot and call iRobot Customer Care if a grinding noise stays after clearing the brush and the wheels
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Can the dock make noise?+
It runs while it empties the bin; a clog or full bag can strain it, so check the bag and tube.
Why does the wheel matter?+
Debris can cause noise and floor damage.
How often to clean the wheel?+
Clean the wheel every two weeks, since hair builds up around its axle.
Replace the wheel?+
Replace the wheel every twelve months, or sooner if it is worn.
Can carpet cause noise?+
Clear the brushes if it does.
Who to call?+
Call iRobot Customer Care, if the noise continues after cleaning.
Should I clean the filter for a noise?+
Yes, clean it on the weekly schedule and refit it with the ridged grips out.