Philips Drive Wheel Speed Imbalance / Encoder Issue

Robot vacuum does not move straight; it veers to one side or circles in place.

Advertisements

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.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Debris in one drive wheel, Worn wheel tire, Faulty wheel encoder, Unequal motor output due to PCB fault

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF the robot and place it upside down on a soft surface.

  • Clean both wheels: Remove hair and debris from around both drive wheels and axles.
  • Check tire wear: Inspect the rubber treads for uneven wear or damage. Replace the wheel module if the tire is badly worn.
  • Spin wheels: Rotate each wheel by hand and compare resistance. A wheel that is much stiffer may have internal gearbox issues.
  • Calibrate (if available): Some Philips models allow wheel or navigation calibration via the app; run this procedure if offered.
  • Persistent mis-tracking: If the robot still veers strongly, the affected wheel encoder or motor may need replacement.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Drive Wheel Motor Assembly
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements