iRobot Drive Imbalance / Sensor Miscalibration

Robot vacuum moves in tight circles or repeatedly turns in one direction and cannot navigate straight.

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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

One wheel module weak or slipping, Wheel encoder dirty or failing, Cliff or wall sensor misreading, Bumper sensor stuck on one side

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off the robot before cleaning wheels and sensors.

Steps to resolve:

  • Inspect wheels: Check both wheels for debris, damage, or worn treads. Clean wheel wells and ensure free movement.
  • Clean sensors: Wipe cliff sensors, wall sensor, and front IR window with a dry cloth.
  • Free the bumper: Press the bumper across its width to ensure it moves evenly and is not stuck on one side.
  • Test on open floor: Place the robot in a large, open area and start a cleaning cycle to see if behavior improves.

When to replace parts: If circling persists, replace the weaker wheel module or, if sensors are at fault, the relevant sensor board.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Left Wheel Module / Right Wheel Module / Bumper Sensor Board
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