iRobot Roomba 890 Bumper Sensors Replacement

Written By: Devin Steiblin

Comments: 3

iRobot Roomba 890 Bumper Sensors Replacement

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes

Introduction

If your iRobot Roomba 890 is driving in circles, there could be an issue with the bumper/cliff sensors. The first thing to check is the bumpers, seeing if either bumper is stuck in or out. If the bumper is stuck, quickly tapping the bumper repeatedly should clear out any debris that could be jamming the spring.

If this is not the case, there could be an issue with the cliff sensor. Before taking apart your Roomba, try cleaning off the cliff sensors, and testing your Roomba again. If you notice that only one side is driving, this could be a malfunctioning wheel module issue, not a bumper sensor issue. The guide to replacing this part can be found here. Additionally, any other troubleshooting recommended before taking apart this device can be found here.

If you have gone through the troubleshooting page and are still having issues with your Roomba driving in circles, you more than likely need to replace your bumper/cliff sensors. This guide is here to help.

Before proceeding with disassembly, ensure to power off your device and it is disconnected from any external power source.

Tools

Step 1

Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the 7.7 mm screw securing the side brush-head.
Lift off the yellow brush head.

Step 2

Place the Roomba with its bottom facing toward you.
Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the four 11 mm screws.

Step 3

Remove the battery plate.
Remove the battery by pulling directly up on the grey pull tabs.

Step 4

Lift off the baseplate.

Step 5

Turn the Roomba face up.
Press the release button on the top side of the Roomba and pull the dustbin straight out.

Step 6

Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the ten 9.3 mm screws.
Remove the bumper retainer ring.
The bumper will now only be attached by the IR sensors' wires; be careful not to damage them.

Step 7

Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the two 7.5 mm IR Sensor screws.
Remove the IR Sensor assembly.

Step 8

Use the iFixit opening tool to remove the retaining band.
Use the iFixit opening tool to remove the faceplate.
Pry up slowly around the edges as to not damage the plastic components.

Step 9

Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the two 9.5 mm handle screws.
Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the fourteen 9.5 mm top plate screws.
Remove the top plastic plate.

the handle screws and the screws for the top plate are different make sure to keep them seperated

bob bob -

Step 10

Disconnect the bumper/cliff sensor harness from motherboard.
Do not pull on the wires; instead pull on the white connector. Sometimes it is necessary to gently "walk" the connector from side to side to loosen it. Never pull at an angle.

Make sure to unscrew the motherboard such that you get access to the 2x8 pin connector

bob bob -

Step 11

Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the four 9.3 mm bumper sensor screws.

Step 12

Use blunt nose tweezers to remove the four cliff sensors.
Grip the IR sensors between the sensor and the Roomba chassis, then push on the sensors in an upward motion from the bottom of the sensor to remove them.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Devin Steiblin

Member since: 28/03/22

442 Reputation

One comment

for step 12: just make sure to push in the IR cliff sensor towards the roomba and they should pop out really easily.

bob bob -