Rainbow D4C SE

[timborow]

I got my rainbow out to use tonight, switched it on and it started this strange sound. I have included a video. I have noticed the suction isn’t as strong as it used to be. What could be the problem?

http://https//youtu.be/Cr-YGgBad24

 

[suckolux]

Sounds like fan hitting

 

[timborow]

Any other suggestion

Does anyone have anymore suggestions about what could be causing this noise? Does the separator need replacing?

 

[dysonman1]

Try running the machine without the separator on a dry water pan. The separator or the fans are imbalanced. The fans might have enough dirt in them, or the separator is warped (it can happen). Either way, running without the separator will tell you. If the vibration goes away, it's the separator. If the vibration is still there, it's the fans in need of a clean (and grease the three bearings while you're doing that).

 

[madman]

I'm with dysonman1, it sounds like a vibration, rather than the fan hitting something. You'll notice on spin-down, the sound appears very strong at one particular speed of rotation, then falls off greatly at other speeds. It's likely hitting its resonance frequency there. Broken or extremely dirty blades would be my guess.

While you have it apart, though, check the thrust play in the motor.

 

[timborow]

Thank you for the responses. I took the separator off and scrubbed it. After looking at it closer, I noticed that there was a hard black substance that had formed on the separator. I took a small screwdriver and scraped it off. The machine now works great now with no vibrating noise. I have ordered a new separator. Thanks again for the tips.
Tim

 

[rivstg1]

so glad to hear Tim!

after reading your original post, I pulled out my D4SE to listen to it ( and use the opportunity to change my Separator at the same time). No sound, but enjoying cleaning with it anyway( I had just taken it apart for the first time to clean and inspect/remove carbon from Communicator..... the whole thing seemed like a low 'hour' machine based on the condition!)