Hi, I have a Dyson DC11 cylinder vacuum (not the upright). The motor appears to be working fine, I have cleaned the regular and HEPA filters but it still doesn't suck too well. I have taken apart as much as I can and it appears to be blowing lots of air when the cannister is removed. I have undone the star shaped screws to try to get to the cyclone spinny things with lots of holes (sorrY I don't know what they're called) but I cant get to them as something is still holding it together despite removing the six screws. Can anyone help?
Thanks

Bev, Australia, August 2009

I'm not sure if this is a loss of suction, but my problem is the brush won't spin unless I prop the release button open. I use duct tape. It seems the suction pulls the button in which in-turn stops the brush. I've checked for obstructions and found none. Also, have kept filters, brush, etc clean. I'd be happy to know if anyone has encountered and/or resolved this.

Al M, November 2010

These machines are well made with a complex design but it is a floored design. The cyclone filter cones in the canister build up with dirt and so do the smaller cyclone chambers on top causing it to LOSE SUCTION!
I found Bev’s question 12 months after she posted it, don’t know how she got on, but after much searching the net I found the secret.
To Pull Apart the DC11 Cyclone section there are three more screws! To get to them you need to remove the button (the one that unlocks the flap to empty the dust out) There is a hole on the other side of the button, when you push on the button you will se the end of the button which has a barb holding said button in, pushing a narrow (3 mm) but longish screwdriver into it will release the button this will reveal one of the three remaining screws, remove screw and handle and reveal the remaining two.
BEWARE this starts to get complicated, there are 2 spring loaded catches crossing through each other that need to be reassembled when reassembling the unit.
Before removing final screws remove the canister s’ or (bin s’) rubber gasket first, this holds the 2 cyclones together and may tear if not removed.
On reassembling you fit 1 of the cyclones to the top housing first so you can reassemble the spring loaded catches, only 1 side is capable of holding the springs and catches. Before you screw in the other cyclone you need to refit the rubber gasket to both cyclones, then wriggle the other cyclone into position and screw up, DON’T over tighten and strip the plastic holes! Best of British to you!

James, September 2010

Hi,
I too have a Dyson DC11, and had the same problem initially. What I found it to be is the filter blinding up, basically I do not think Dysons method of filter cleaning is sufficient. The blue squidgy filter is fine, just wash that out in water until the water is clean. Its the yellow fine filter where the problem is. You need to get a little more aggressive with this. Fill a bowl with warm water deep enough to immerse the filter in, then using a washing up brush or something similar give the filter screen a damn good cleaning, its more robust then you think - with time you will learn how harsh you can be. Now if its like mine, you will soon see that the clear water rapidly turns murky and will be amazed at just how much crap gets into this filter. Do both sides and then remove, and allow to dry naturally with the blue squidgy filter overnight. Now stick this back in your Dyson and see what happens.
Another way to test the filter is to remove it, and then run the machine, BUT DONT use it to clean anything, if your suck has returned then you know its the filter. We bought another filter and give them this clean every 2 weeks, changing them when the suck drops off.
Hope this helps.....

David, September 2009

The wand has a spring loaded air release. Make sure this is closing properly as if it is open it will cause a loss of suction. I had a problem with mine and in the end Dyson shipped us a new wand..

Tony, August 2009