The belt is a rubber loop that spins your vacuum's brush roll, and you can replace it yourself in about 10 minutes with no tools

A worn or broken belt is one of the most common reasons a Bissell vacuum stops picking up dirt, even though the motor still runs. The belt connects the motor to the brush roll—the spinning bristle bar at the bottom of the vacuum—and when it wears out, the brush stops turning. You do not need to take the vacuum to a repair shop. Most Bissell models let you access the belt from the bottom of the machine, and replacement belts cost between $15 and $30.

The exact steps depend on your Bissell model, but the general process is the same: flip the vacuum over, remove the bottom plate, slide out the old belt, and slide in a new one. This guide covers the most common Bissell upright and carpet-cleaning models. If your model looks different, check the manual or search your model number plus "belt replacement" on the Bissell website.

Key Takeaways

  • A worn belt causes the brush roll to stop spinning even though the motor runs, and you can replace it without tools in about 10 minutes.
  • You need to know your exact Bissell model number to order the correct replacement belt, which you can find on a sticker under the machine or in your manual.
  • Flip the vacuum upside down, remove the bottom plate (usually held by clips or a few screws), and slide the old belt off the motor pulley and brush roll.
  • Slide the new belt onto the motor pulley first, then loop it around the brush roll, making sure it sits in the grooves on both ends.
  • Reassemble the bottom plate and flip the vacuum right-side up; the brush roll should spin freely when you turn the vacuum on.

Find your model number and order the correct belt

Bissell makes dozens of vacuum models, and each one uses a different belt. Ordering the wrong belt means wasting money and time. Your model number is printed on a sticker on the underside of the vacuum, usually near the center or toward the back. It looks like "2254" or "82H1" or "1650A"—a combination of numbers and sometimes letters.

Once you have the model number, go to bissell.com, click Support, and search for your model. The parts list will show you the correct belt part number. You can also call Bissell customer service at 1-800-237-7691 and give them your model number; they will tell you which belt to order. Buy the belt directly from Bissell, from Amazon, or from a vacuum parts retailer. Do not guess—an incorrect belt will not fit or will slip off the pulleys.

Unplug the vacuum and flip it upside down

Unplug the vacuum from the wall outlet. This is essential—you do not want the motor to start while your hands are near the brush roll. Place the vacuum on a flat surface with the bottom facing up. If you are working on a carpet, lay down a towel or newspaper first to protect the bristles on the brush roll.

Look at the bottom of the machine. You will see a rectangular or oval-shaped plate covering the brush roll and motor area. This is the bottom plate or brush roll cover. It is held in place either by clips (which you squeeze or slide to release) or by a few screws. Check your manual if you are not sure which type yours has.

Remove the bottom plate

If your plate is held by clips, look for small levers or tabs on the sides or ends of the plate. Squeeze or slide them inward or outward—the manual will show you the direction. The plate should slide or pop off. If it is held by screws, use a screwdriver to remove them. Most Bissell vacuums use Phillips-head screws, and you usually need to remove only 2 to 4 screws.

Once the plate is loose, slide it out from under the vacuum. You may need to wiggle it slightly to clear the brush roll. Set the plate aside in a safe place where you will not step on it. You now have a clear view of the brush roll (a long cylinder with bristles) and the motor pulley (a small wheel on one end of the motor).

Remove the old belt

The belt is a rubber loop that wraps around the motor pulley on one end and the brush roll on the other. To remove it, you need to slide it off both ends. Start by sliding the belt off the motor pulley—this is usually the easier end. The pulley is a small wheel, often made of metal or hard plastic, attached to the motor shaft.

Once the belt is off the pulley, slide it off the brush roll. The brush roll has grooves or notches on each end where the belt sits. Slide the belt toward the center of the brush roll and then off one end. The old belt is now free. If it is cracked, frayed, or brittle, that is why your brush roll stopped spinning. Throw it away.

Install the new belt

Take the new belt out of its packaging. It will be stiff at first, which is normal. Start by looping it around the motor pulley. The pulley is small, so the belt should fit snugly. Make sure the belt is centered on the pulley and not twisted.

Next, loop the belt around the brush roll. The brush roll has grooves or notches on each end, and the belt should sit in these grooves. Slide the belt toward one end of the brush roll until it drops into the groove. The belt should now wrap around both the pulley and the brush roll, with the pulley on the motor side and the brush roll on the opposite end. Check that the belt is not twisted and sits evenly in the grooves on both ends.

Reassemble the bottom plate and test the brush roll

Slide the bottom plate back under the vacuum, making sure it aligns with the edges of the machine. If it is held by clips, slide or snap them back into place. If it is held by screws, reinstall them and tighten them snugly—do not over-tighten, as you can crack the plastic.

Flip the vacuum right-side up and plug it back in. Turn on the vacuum and listen for the brush roll to spin. You should hear a whirring sound and feel the bristles moving if you hold your hand near the bottom. If the brush roll does not spin, unplug the vacuum, flip it over again, and check that the belt is looped correctly around both the pulley and the brush roll. The belt may have slipped off during reassembly.

When to call a professional

If you have installed the new belt correctly and the brush roll still does not spin, the problem may be with the motor pulley or the motor itself. A pulley can crack or wear out, or the motor can fail. In these cases, you will need to contact Bissell or take the vacuum to a repair shop. You can also call Bissell customer service at 1-800-237-7691 if you get stuck during the replacement process.

If the belt keeps breaking after only a few weeks or months, something else may be jamming the brush roll or putting extra strain on the belt. Check for hair, string, or debris wrapped around the brush roll or stuck in the housing. Clean these out before installing the next belt, or the new belt will wear out quickly too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my belt is broken?

The most common sign is that the brush roll stops spinning even though the motor runs and the vacuum makes noise. You may also see visible cracks, fraying, or a burnt rubber smell coming from the bottom of the vacuum. If you flip the vacuum over and spin the brush roll by hand, a broken belt will not turn the motor pulley, or the belt will slip.

Can I use a belt from a different Bissell model?

No. Different Bissell models use different belt sizes and pulley configurations. Using the wrong belt will cause it to slip off or not fit at all. Always order the belt that matches your exact model number.

How often do I need to replace the belt?

A belt typically lasts two to five years, depending on how often you use the vacuum and how well you maintain it. Regular cleaning of the brush roll and housing helps the belt last longer by reducing strain on the motor.

What if the belt is stuck and I cannot slide it off?

If the belt is very old or has been on the vacuum for years, it may be stiff or slightly stuck. Try gently wiggling it back and forth as you slide it off the pulley and brush roll. Do not force it, as you can damage the pulley. If it will not budge, let the vacuum sit for a few hours and try again.

Do I need any special tools to replace the belt?

Most Bissell vacuums require only a screwdriver if the bottom plate is held by screws. Some models use clips that require no tools at all. Check your manual to see what your model needs. You do not need a wrench, pliers, or any other specialty tools.