How to Fix a Broken Dyson V11 / V15 / Gen5 High Torque V-Ball – When the Big Wheel Falls Off

One of the most common failures on Dyson V11, V15 Detect and Gen5 high torque heads is the V-ball (big wheel) coming off completely. Inside that ball is a bearing, and that bearing is held on a small post that is part of the neck joint. When that post snaps, the ball drops off – and from that moment on, the raw plastic neck starts scraping directly on your floor.

If you keep using the head like this, you’ll:

  • Scratch and gouge your floors with the exposed neck plastic, and
  • Wear down the neck until the whole head starts to fall apart.

This usually happens because of the way the neck is constructed plus impact – for example, slamming the head into edges, catching it on stairs, or knocking it hard into skirting boards. It’s not mainly a “wobbly head” issue – it’s a broken post / missing V-ball issue.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

  • Why the V-ball fails on Dyson high torque heads
  • How to replace the V-ball joint (and wheels) step-by-step
  • Which parts you need for V11 / V15 / Gen5 high torque heads
  • Other related Dyson parts worth checking while you’re at it

🎥 Step-by-Step Video: V-Ball Joint & Wheel Replacement

Watch the full 30-minute teardown and rebuild where we completely disassemble the Dyson high torque head, replace the V-ball joint that holds the bearing and post, and reassemble it so the head glides properly again – with the big wheel back where it should be.

🛠 The Exact Part You Need: V-Ball Joint & Wheel Kit

To fix this failure properly, you need to replace the neck joint that holds the bearing and post – not just the ball itself. We’ve put together a dedicated kit for Dyson V11 / V15 / Gen5 high torque cleaner heads:

👉 Dyson V11 / V15 / Gen5 High Torque V-Ball Joint & Wheel Kit – Replacement Neck / Big Wheel Joint

Available in two variants:

  • V-Ball Joint Only – replaces the neck joint that holds the bearing and V-ball.
  • V-Ball Joint + Wheel Pair – joint + both rear wheels if they’re also worn or damaged.

✅ Compatible Dyson Models

This kit is designed for high torque style heads used on:

  • Dyson V11 High Torque (including similar L-size / Outsize style heads with the same neck design)
  • Dyson V15 Detect High Torque
  • Dyson Gen5 Detect High Torque / Torque Drive style cleaner heads

Always compare your existing head and neck design with the photos on the product page. If you’re not sure, you can send us a photo of your cleaner head and we’ll help you confirm compatibility.

💥 Why the V-Ball Breaks (Typical Failure Cause)

Inside the big wheel (V-ball) is a bearing. That bearing is supported by a small plastic post that is part of the neck joint. Over time, or after a strong impact, that post snaps. When it snaps:

  • The V-ball falls off and disappears (often on the stairs or near edges).
  • The bearing and post are no longer supporting the neck.
  • The raw plastic neck starts dragging directly on the floor.

This is why many people notice the failure after:

  • Slamming the head on stairs while cleaning steps,
  • Hitting skirting boards or furniture edges, or
  • Rolling the head roughly over uneven surfaces.

Once that V-ball is gone, every time you vacuum you’re basically sanding down the neck and scratching the floor at the same time.

If the motor, brush bar and electronics are still fine, replacing the V-ball joint (and wheels) is the correct long-term fix. It restores the proper rolling support and stops the neck from eating itself away.

🧩 What’s Involved in the Repair?

In the video and repair process, we:

  • Remove the high torque head from the Dyson vacuum.
  • Open the head and carefully undo the screws and clips.
  • Expose the area where the V-ball and bearing sit inside the neck.
  • Remove the damaged neck joint that used to hold the post and bearing.
  • Install the new V-ball joint (and wheels if you choose the kit).
  • Re-route the wiring and reassemble the head step by step.
  • Test the head to make sure it runs smoothly and the new V-ball rolls correctly.

This is a moderate level DIY job – not difficult if you’re patient and follow the video, but it does involve fully opening the cleaner head. Take clear photos during disassembly so you can reference them during reassembly.

🧰 Helpful Tools & Related Parts

While you’re repairing the head, it’s often a good time to check other parts on your Dyson as well. Here are some related products that can make the job easier or further refresh your vacuum:

📦 Need More Than Just a Head Repair?

If your Dyson needs a bigger refresh, you can also browse:

🌱 Repair, Don’t Replace

At VacRevive, our mission is to keep good Dysons out of landfill by replacing only the parts that actually fail. Swapping a broken V-ball joint and wheels is a small repair that can add years of life to your Dyson high torque head and prevent unnecessary damage to your floors.

If you have any questions about compatibility, installation, or which parts you need, feel free to contact us or leave a comment under the YouTube video.

Happy fixing – and enjoy seeing that V-ball back where it belongs instead of scraping your floor. 🔧💨

How to Fix a Broken Dyson V11 / V15 / Gen5 High Torque V-Ball – When the Big Wheel Falls Off
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