You can replace a Bissell vacuum belt yourself with basic tools and no special knowledge
A Bissell vacuum belt wears out over time and needs replacing—usually every 6 to 12 months depending on how often you vacuum. When the belt breaks or slips, the brush roll stops spinning and the vacuum loses suction. The good news is that replacing it takes about 15 minutes, costs $15 to $30 for a replacement belt, and requires only a screwdriver. You do not need to take the vacuum to a repair shop.
The belt sits underneath the vacuum head, wrapped around the brush roll. When you pull it off and slip a new one on, the vacuum works like new again. This guide walks you through the exact steps for most Bissell upright and canister models.
Key Takeaways
- Unplug the vacuum before you start, and let it cool for at least 10 minutes if you have just used it.
- Flip the vacuum over or remove the bottom plate to access the belt and brush roll underneath.
- Slide the old belt off the brush roll and motor pulley, then slide the new belt on in the same path.
- Buy a replacement belt by model number—found on a sticker inside the vacuum or on the back—to may support it fits.
- If the brush roll does not spin after you install the new belt, the belt may be twisted or the motor pulley may be misaligned.
Find your Bissell model number and the correct replacement belt
Before you buy a belt, you need to know which Bissell model you own. Look for a sticker on the back of the vacuum or inside the dust cup that shows the model number—it usually starts with a number like 2254, 1650, or 9200. Write this number down.
Go to the Bissell website or call Bissell customer service at 1-800-221-0900 to find the correct belt for your model. You can also search your model number on Amazon or Walmart to find the belt listed. Bissell belts are not universal—a belt for a Bissell Proheat will not fit a Bissell Crosswave. Buying the wrong belt wastes money and time.
Order the belt online or pick one up at a hardware store or big-box retailer. Most stores stock common Bissell belts. While you wait for it to arrive, you can gather your tools and prepare the vacuum.
Unplug the vacuum and prepare the work area
Unplug the vacuum from the wall outlet. This is the most important safety step—never work on an electrical appliance while it is plugged in.
If you have just used the vacuum, wait at least 10 minutes for the motor to cool down. The motor and brush roll can be hot enough to burn your skin right after use. While you wait, set up a clean, flat work surface—a kitchen table or garage floor works well. Lay down newspaper or a towel to catch any dust that falls out.
Gather a Phillips-head screwdriver (the one with a cross-shaped tip) and a flashlight or phone light. You will use the screwdriver to remove the bottom plate, and the light will help you see inside the vacuum.
Remove the bottom plate or flip the vacuum over
Most Bissell uprights have a bottom plate held on by 4 to 6 screws. Look at the underside of the vacuum head—the part that touches the floor. You will see screws around the edges. Use your screwdriver to remove all of them and set them aside in a small cup so you do not lose them.
Once the screws are out, gently pry the bottom plate away from the vacuum head. It may stick a little because of dust buildup. Work slowly and do not force it—you do not want to crack the plastic. Set the plate aside on your work surface.
If your Bissell is a canister model or a newer upright, you may be able to flip the entire vacuum over instead of removing a plate. Check your manual or look at the vacuum—if there are no visible screws on the bottom, try flipping it upside down on your work surface. Either way, your goal is to see the brush roll and the belt underneath.
Remove the old belt from the brush roll and motor pulley
Now you can see the brush roll—a long cylinder with bristles that spins across the floor. The belt wraps around it. You will also see a small pulley (a wheel-shaped part) attached to the motor on the side.
The old belt is looped around both the brush roll and the motor pulley. To remove it, straightforward slide it off the brush roll first, then off the pulley. It should come off easily—if it is stuck, gently wiggle it side to side as you pull. Do not force it or you may damage the pulley.
Once the old belt is off, look inside the vacuum for any hair, dust, or debris wrapped around the brush roll or pulley. Use your fingers or a small brush to clean it away. A clean brush roll and pulley help the new belt sit properly and last longer.
Install the new belt on the brush roll and motor pulley
Take your new belt out of the package. It will be a flat rubber loop, usually black or dark gray. Hold it up to the light and look at the inside surface—you may see a pattern or ribs. This pattern helps grip the pulley and brush roll.
Start by looping the belt around the motor pulley first. The pulley is the small wheel on the side of the motor. Slide the belt onto it so the belt sits in the groove of the pulley. Make sure the belt is centered and not twisted.
Next, loop the belt around the brush roll. The brush roll is the larger cylinder in the middle. Slide the belt onto it so it sits evenly across the width of the roll. Step back and look at the belt—it should form a smooth loop around both the pulley and the roll, with no twists or bunches.
Reassemble the vacuum and test the brush roll
If you removed a bottom plate, line it up with the vacuum head and push it back into place. Insert all the screws you removed earlier and tighten them with your screwdriver. Do not over-tighten—just snug enough that the plate does not move.
If you flipped the vacuum over, flip it back to its normal position. Plug the vacuum back into the wall outlet. Turn it on and listen for the brush roll to spin. You should hear a steady whirring sound and see the bristles rotating. If the brush roll does not spin, turn the vacuum off when ready and unplug it.
If the brush roll does not spin, the belt may be twisted, too loose, or installed backwards. Unplug the vacuum, flip it over again, and check that the belt is centered on both the pulley and the brush roll with no twists. If the belt looks correct but the roll still does not spin, the motor pulley may be misaligned—this is rare, but it means you should contact Bissell or take the vacuum to a repair shop.
When to call a professional instead
If the brush roll still does not spin after you install the new belt correctly, or if you hear grinding or squealing sounds, something else may be wrong. The motor pulley could be damaged, the motor itself could be failing, or the brush roll bearings could be worn out. These are repairs that require taking the vacuum apart further, and they are best left to a technician.
If you are not comfortable working with tools or if your vacuum is still under warranty, contact Bissell customer service at 1-800-221-0900. They can walk you through troubleshooting or direct you to an authorized repair center. Some Bissell retailers also offer repair services if you prefer to have someone else do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my belt is actually broken?
If the brush roll does not spin when the vacuum is on, the belt is likely broken or slipped off. You may also smell burning rubber or see the belt hanging loose when you flip the vacuum over. A belt that is frayed, cracked, or visibly damaged needs to be replaced right away.
Can I reuse the old belt if I clean it?
No. Once a belt is worn, stretched, or broken, it will not grip the pulley and brush roll properly, even if it looks clean. A worn belt slips and causes the brush roll to spin slowly or not at all. Always install a new belt.
What if I install the belt backwards?
Most Bissell belts work the same way in either direction, so installing it backwards will not damage anything. However, the brush roll may not spin as well because the belt's grip pattern is designed for one direction. If the roll spins weakly, flip the vacuum over and reverse the belt.
How often should I replace the belt?
Bissell recommends replacing the belt every 6 to 12 months if you vacuum regularly, or whenever the brush roll stops spinning. If you have pets or a large household, you may need to replace it more often because hair wraps around the roll and puts extra strain on the belt.
Do I need to replace the brush roll at the same time?
Not necessarily. The brush roll and belt are separate parts. Replace the belt when it wears out, and replace the brush roll only if the bristles are matted down, missing, or the roll is cracked. Many people replace the belt several times before the brush roll needs changing.