I have been asked to look at this cleaner for someone, but I don't know what the answer is and nor would it seem do Dyson.
The pre-motor filter was clogged solid when I got it so I washed both filters and of course the cleaner worked like it was new. But within a very short space of time the pre-motor filter was clogged with dust and dirt, almost as if the debris is passing straight through from the cyclone section to the filters. I cannot see why this would be.
Dyson had me checking seals and all sorts of things, but all is well on that front. Does anyone know what might be wrong here? Thanking you in advance.
Post# 366881 , Reply# 1   2/16/2017 at 05:29 (2,619 days old) by fantomfan57(Central Texas)  
I have read that if the entire inside of the cyclone is clogged or over crusted with dust, that it will not function properly allowing the dust to slip by to the filters.
Also, I have found typing in a vacuum model and the word problems, finds some interesting results.
I have cleaned cyclones out before either by dismantling them or by shooting soapy water up into the bottom hole followed by a through rinsing. I have a hose end attachment that mixes soap with the water with a regular and jet setting. I simply turn the dial to water for the rinse. Like the one pictured.
VERY IMPORTANT, let the cyclone dry for several days to ensure the water dries before attaching it back to the vacuum.
Hope this helps.
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Post# 366882 , Reply# 2   2/16/2017 at 06:34 (2,619 days old) by Tekjunkie28(Western Va)  
Thank you for the replies. Trashing the cleaner is not an option for me as it is not mine. The cyclones all look clear. I can actually see straight through them. I did, however, find a video on the youtube where someone was saying that if the seal from the cyclone to the bin lid is in any way leaking air dirt and dust etc. will go straight to the filter. The seal looks fine on this cleaner but that's not to say it is actually sealing the airflow in the way it should. I can order the part for less than £5 on ebay so I will give that a go. After that, it's down to the owner to decide what to do. But again, I appreciate your time.
Post# 367009 , Reply# 4   2/17/2017 at 15:25 (2,618 days old) by matt8808(Teesside - North East - UK)  
Well Matt I am indebted to you for this information. I have removed the cyclone top and it is almost identical to your photo, with pieces of curled-up foam stuck in the cyclones. Had I not had this information, I would have taken the top off and never noticed the seals were torn as they look perfectly formed. I would of course have wondered what the curled up black bits were.
I have now ordered this seal on ebay. What I don't understand however is how the torn-off pieces are the cause of the problem as it's hard to see what they actually do; there seems to be plenty of seal around the outsides.
Thank you for this information, Matt.
Post# 367123 , Reply# 6   2/19/2017 at 08:54 (2,616 days old) by fantomfan57(Central Texas)  
I have been working on Dyson's recently...I get lots of great information on Youtube and Google. I buy my parts on Ebay as the parts are much cheaper. I have been lucky to get quality parts so far. I would go the route Benny did, see if the seal is available instead of buying the whole cyclone.
Thanks to you, I now know about the DC33's seal failure.
I have also been at a thrift store and googled this search: Dyson Dc__, problems. 9 times out of 10, I find out valuable information that helps me decide to buy or leave it.
On a last note, I successfully replaced both a bin flap catch and a bin flap door. Used hot water to treat the parts before starting the repair.
This cyclone seal failure seems to be a problem that is featuring on all modern dysons. I had Dyson send me a new cyclone unit for a two year old DC28c due to this fault.