Roomba Error 5 — Side wheel jammed
DIRECT ANSWER
COMMON CAUSES · RANKED
Hair wound around the axle MOST COMMON
Long hair works its way past the wheel and tightens around the axle until the wheel locks.
Grit packed in the wheel well
Fine debris builds up behind the wheel and stops it from spinning at full speed.
Dead wheel motor UNCOMMON
When a clean wheel won't turn by hand, the module's motor or gearbox has failed.
HOW TO FIX IT
Clear the wheel well
Push the wheel up and down several times and shake out loose debris. Cut away wrapped hair.
Compare both wheels by hand
Spin each wheel briskly. They should feel identical; extra drag on one side points at that module.
Push the robot back and forth
Roll it about 30 cm each way on the floor to work debris out of the drivetrain, then blow out the well with compressed air.
Replace the wheel module
If the wheel still binds after cleaning, fit a new module — the motor is not serviceable on its own.
COMPATIBLE PARTS
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Drive wheel module — 600 series
Left and right modules differ; check which side grinds or stalls before ordering.
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