Milwaukee Motor Bearing or Fan Damage

Vacuum makes loud grinding or screeching noises when running.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Worn motor bearings, Foreign object in fan housing, Broken or unbalanced fan blades, Misaligned motor shaft

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Remove the battery before disassembling the motor housing.

  • 1. Check for debris: Remove the canister and filter. Look into the motor inlet for screws, nails, or other debris contacting the fan. Remove with pliers.
  • 2. Spin fan by hand: If accessible, gently rotate the fan. Any roughness, wobble, or scraping indicates bearing or fan damage.
  • 3. Listen for bearing noise: Briefly run the motor without load (battery installed, no hose) in a safe area. A high-pitched squeal usually means failing bearings.
  • 4. Replace motor assembly: Milwaukee motor/fan units are typically serviced as a complete assembly. Replace the motor/fan assembly rather than attempting bearing replacement.
  • 5. Prevent recurrence: Avoid vacuuming metal objects or large debris that can strike the fan.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Motor/Fan Assembly
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