How to Fix a Whistling Noise on Your Sebo X Series Vacuum Cleaner

By | May 13, 2025

If your Sebo X series vacuum cleaner is making a high-pitched whistling or shrieking noise, particularly around the area where the hose enters the bag body, you are not alone. This is a common issue on the Sebo X1, X1.1, X4, X7, XP10, XP20 and XP30 models.

The good news is, it is a simple and inexpensive fix.

How to Fix a Whistling Noise on Your Sebo X Series Vacuum Cleaner

What Causes the Whistling Noise?

The sound is almost always caused by a small foam seal located inside the main body of the machine, just under where the hose connects. Over time, this seal can deteriorate, fall apart or become compressed, allowing air to escape and causing that irritating whistle.

We stock the correct replacement foam seal, and to make things easier, we have filmed a short video showing exactly where it goes and how to fit it. If you have found your way here after wondering whether you have been sent the wrong part (we get many “don’t fit” emails about these – they do), rest assured, you have not. This guide will clear up the confusion.

Where Does the Seal Go?

One common mistake is assuming the foam seal replaces the visible rubber O-ring near the hose inlet assembly’s connection to the bag. It does not. This foam seal fits deeper inside the housing, in a location that is not immediately obvious.

The number of screws you need to remove will depend on your model:

  • On later X4 and X7 models, you will usually need to remove two screws
  • On earlier models like the X1, and early X1.1 and X4, there is typically only one screw at the top

Once opened, you will often find the old seal has disintegrated. The new foam seal sits neatly around the circular opening inside, and is held in place once the internal section is twisted back into position.

Not Sure Which Seal You Need?

If you are unsure whether it is the foam inlet seal or the visible rubber one (called the lower body seal) that needs replacing, it may be sensible to order both. They are inexpensive, and it avoids the inconvenience of placing a second order later.

As we charge a flat delivery fee regardless of the size of your order, and these are very small parts, it is also a good time to stock up on any bags, filters, service boxes or accessories you might need. Better to have them ready than be caught short during your next clean.

Watch the Video Guide

To help you fit the seal correctly, we have put together a short step-by-step video using a customer’s machine. It shows you how to identify your vacuum’s body type, remove the hose section, replace the seal, and reassemble everything correctly.

Need the part? You can buy the Sebo X/XP foam seal here.

Video: How to Fit the Foam Seal on a Sebo X Series Vacuum Cleaner

——————————————————

The Sebo Shop at Manchester Vacs are approved Sebo dealers offering next-day UK delivery on all domestic and commercial Sebo vacuum cleaners and spare parts.

Sebo & Dyson Repairs: as an official Sebo service centre and parts stockist, we undertake repairs to all Sebo vacuums.

The Sebo Shop