Why Is My Robot/Base Station Making Strange Noises? – Narwal Robotics

Robot Noise Troubleshooting 📌

1. Not Sure Where the Noise Is Coming From?

Identify the operating mode when noise occurs: Is it in Vacuum-only mode? Mop-only mode? Or does the noise happen in both modes?
Clean the roller brush, side brush, and all the wheels: Ensure there are no hair tangles or foreign objects around these components or in their adjacent openings.

If the issue persists after these steps, contact support with a video of the unusual noise.

2. Know the Noise Source? Next Steps.

👉 Side Brush Noise

Freo Z10 Example: Side Brush Maintenance

Clean the side brush and make sure there are no hair tangles or debris on it or in nearby openings. When reinstalling, make sure they are properly seated.

Also check if the noise occurs in mop-only mode. If the problem persists after cleaning or if the noise appears during mopping, contact support.
👉 Roller Brush Noise

Freo Z10 Example: Roller Brush Maintenance

Remove and then thoroughly clean the main brush and its cover to ensure no hair tangles or debris remain on the components or in nearby openings. When reinstalling, make sure they are properly seated.

Also check if the noise occurs in mop-only mode. If the problem persists after cleaning or if the noise appears during mopping, contact support.
👉 Rear Drive Noise

Rotate both rear drive wheels to check for consistent rotation speed. If inconsistent, clear any debris lodged in the affected wheel. If no debris is found, restart the robot. If the issue persists after restarting, contact support.
👉 Caster Wheel Noise (When Turning)

Freo Z10 Example: Caster Maintenance

Noise during turning indicates a caster wheel issue. Clean the caster wheel and make sure there are no hair tangles or debris on it or in nearby openings. When reinstalling, make sure they are properly seated. If the problem persists, contact support.
👉 Mopping Module Noise

Freo Z10 Example: Mop Replacement

The mopping module will produce a normal motor feedback sound when fully lifted.

If this doesn't match your issue, clean the mopping module and make sure there are no hair tangles or debris on it or in nearby openings. When reinstalling, make sure they are properly seated.

If unusual noises persist from the module even in sweep-only mode, please contact support.
👉 LiDAR Noise

Clean the LiDAR sensor, ensuring no hair tangles or debris are present on or near its openings. If the LiDAR cover is deformed/cracked, or if the issue persists after cleaning, contact support.

Base Station Noise Troubleshooting 📌

General

Check and replace the dust bag if it is full. If not, inspect all three dust inlets for hair clogs and clean if found. After cleaning, manually activate multiple intensive dust collection cycles via the app: Dock > Station Dust Collection. If the issue persists, contact support.
Robot Docking Process Noises

1. If the robot makes fan noises after returning to the dock:

✨This indicates normal dust bag drying. The high-speed fan operates at low RPM, producing expected bearing sounds.

✅If the sound bothers you, temporarily disable this function in the app (Device Home > dock > Mopping Pad Wash/Dry), then re-enable it when you leave home.

2. Excessive Noise During Robot Docking

✨The audible "knock" occurs when the robot contacts the base station during momentum dissipation after stopping. This single impact sound is normal.
Base Station Operational Noises

1. If a 'ding-dong' sound occurs in the dock:

Exit the robot from the dock and attempt a recall command. If the sound persists, wait until the dock screen turns off, then unplug the power cord, clean both the robot's and dock's charging contacts, then retry.

2. If unusual sounds occur during mopping pad cleaning:

✨After cleaning, the dock will dry the mopping pad for 3 hours with the fan activated, which produces normal operating noise.

However, if you observe these following issues, please contact support and provide a video of the issue:

① Excessive vibration from the robot

② Periodic "whirring" or "clicking" sounds, which is unfamiliar

3. If you hear noises during the dock's dust collection:

✨Besides normal airflow sounds, a brief clicking noise at startup and a short clattering sound at completion are also normal—these occur when components open/close for the dust collection process.

4. If the dock suddenly makes abnormal water pumping noises, contact support.
Water Tank Noise Issues

Try to remove the filter sponge from the clean water tank and run the task again. If the noise persists, contact customer support.

✨If the noise occurs when lifting the water tank, please note this is the normal friction sound between the tank and dock.

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