Introduction: Disassembling BObsweep's Front Wheel for Cleaning

By bObsweep, the intelligent robo
About: I am Bob and I love floors! I also love vacuuming, and sweeping, and mopping. And, I can do them all at once. I am strong, yet sensitive... and independent, yet obedient. I also have a brush and a dustbin so …

Both video and text guides are available for correct front wheel maintenance techniques. Each details the steps to opening bObsweep, removing the front wheel, and reassembling both the wheel and the vacuuming device. The method described in this instructable can be applied when working on bObsweep Standard or Pethair models.

Step 1: Remove the Main Brush and Cover Screws

Flip Bob over and remove the 7 screws which hold the cover together.

There are two screw holes inside the brush compartment: one in the centre, one on the left end. Remove both and keep aside for reassembly.

There are five more screws around bObsweep's edges. Two are installed at the top and bottom, and one on the right end of the main brush.

Remove the main brush. Unscrew the holder, and lift the brush out. Keep this screw separate from the others.

Note: Depending on your model, there may be only 6 screws installed on bObsweep.

Step 2: DIsconnect Bob's Cover

Flip bOb back over so you can see the screen. Lift the cover up to reveal bObsweep’s main board and Detach the power inlet from the cover. Grip it and slide it out.

Remove three circuit plugs from the motherboard. Pinch the small white tab on the side of each circuit plug and pull straight up to release each from the motherboard.

1. On the bottom left corner: a small connector with red, black and white wires.

2. One thick white wire that attaches on the right side of the previous connector.

3. On the top edge of bOb’s motherboard: a wide multicoloured connector.

Step 3: Remove Bob's Front Wheel

There is one screw holding the front wheel in place. It is found in front of bObsweep's main board.

Hold the wheel from underneath bObsweep while removing the screw.

Set the screw and washer aside for later.

Lift bObsweep up and the front wheel will detach.

Step 4: Take the Wheel Apart

There are four washers between the front wheel and bObsweep. They usually sit on top of the wheel, but can sometimes get stuck on bObsweep. Make sure to check underneath your vacuum if any pieces are missing.

There will be one wide black washer that fits in the grooved section of the wheel.

The other three washers make up the bearing assembly on the innermost ring of the wheel.

Step 5: Clean Inside the Wheel

Un-install the three screws holding the front wheel together. The whole piece will open up, and all parts can be separated so you can clean each one.

After cleaning, reassemble all the pieces.

Hold the wheel together while installing all three screws.

Step 6: Put the Wheel Back Together

Place the washer and bearing assembly back on the front wheel in the correct order.

  1. The large black washer sits on top of the wheel. The number 2 side should be facing upwards.
  2. The bearing assembly should be replaced in the following order:
  3. Place one silver bearing on the wheel, flat side facing down.
  4. Place the gold bearing next.
  5. The final piece is the second silver bearing. It should be placed on top of the wheel. This time the flat side should be facing up.

Step 7: Re-install the Front Wheel in Bob

Put the fully assembled front wheel back in place underneath bObsweep.

Reinstall the final washer and screw from inside bObsweep, while holding the wheel in place. This will ensure a secure installation.

Step 8: Connect Bob's Cover

Slide the power inlet back into the space on bObsweep’s cover.

Attach the widest circuit plug with multicoloured wires, on the top right edge of the motherboard.

Attach the smallest circuit plug in the lower left corner of the motherboard.

Attach the all white circuit plug to the bottom of the motherboard, in the centre of the row.

Put bObsweep's top back on, and align the edges precisely.

Step 9: Replace the Cover Screws on Bob

Use a phillips head screwdriver to reinstall the screws you removed to the start this repair, so the cover is sealed together.

There are five along the edges of bObsweep's underside. Plus one or two more in the screw holes inside the brush compartment.


Note: Depending on your bObsweep model, there may be only one screw in the brush compartment.

Step 10: Attach the Main Brush

Re-install the main brush before setting bObsweep to clean again:

  1. Attach the end piece first
  2. Put the square end in the square space inside bObsweep, then lower the brush in place
  3. Install the screw securely