Dyson DC17 Filter Cover Issue

Yet another minor issue has occurred with my Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal.

The other day, I decided to wash the filter; it had some hair and fluff built up around the edges. However, once it dried and I went to put it back in, the filter cover had some resistance. I pushed it down, but then part of the plastic on the latch broke! Now the cover no longer clicks shut.

After replacing the bin, I thought that this issue would adversely affect operation of the vacuum, so I went to plug it in and turn it on. Now I hear a whistling noise before the filter cover seals itself down with the suction of the machine. So there is no loss of suction; I can at least keep using the vacuum as I normally would.

Upon closer inspection, it appears there were two plastic tabs that seated themselves into the grooves of the motor cover when the filter cover is closed. Apparently, the previous owners accidentally broke one of the tabs off before the vacuum came into my possession. And now I have just broken the other one.

I checked eBay, and there do exist a few filter covers for this model. But they're all used; I even found one that has its tabs broken off, just like mine. The cover is attached to the vacuum via a built-in plastic hinge that looks tricky to get off. I don't want to further risk breaking any more brittle plastic than I need to.

Has this issue occurred to any other DC17 owners? If so, is it worth buying a replacement cover, or just living with the broken one? This vacuum is 18 years old, but it's been in my possession for nearly 4 years now.

NIck, I would suggest buying a used filter cover. It won't seal properly to the filter if the cover isn't holding it down properly. But, I would suggest strongly that you use your filter cover, if you buy one, to use to make a 3D model and have one 3D printed. That way you have one that's of new plastic, not brittle, and will last a long time.

Used Filter Cover

I ended up buying a used filter cover off eBay. After a bit of searching, I found one that has both locking tabs fully intact. It even looked identical to the one on my vacuum. I bought it after the seller gave me a slight discount of $16 USD (originally $18) with free shipping.

The replacement cover came today, exactly a week after I placed my order. As I expected, there were traces of dust both on the top and bottom of the cover from the previous owner(s). I wasted no time installing it. The process was pretty straightforward: I inserted a flathead screwdriver into the right side of the hinge to pry the old cover off the vacuum. I then installed the "new" cover by placing the left side of the hinge onto one of the corresponding tabs, and then snapping the other side into place. Now this one securely latches shut, so there will no longer be any air leaks during operation.

After installation, I turned on my Dyson for a bit to make sure that the replacement cover is sealing properly. And it is indeed doing so. No more whistling noise when being turned on.

As for the 3D printer solution, well, my dad owns one, but hasn't used it in several months. Plus, I've never used a 3D printer before, and I'm afraid that having a cover 3D printed might make it stick out like a sore thumb on the vacuum. So I'll have to be extra careful with my replacement part.