Is your vacuum bin cracked or is the latch broken? Learn how to find the perfect replacement dust cup for your Shark Navigator model.
The dust cup (or bin) is one of the most handled parts of your vacuum. Over time, the clear plastic can become brittle and crack if dropped, or the spring-loaded latches that hold the bottom door shut can fail.
Is your vacuum bin cracked or is the latch broken? Learn how to find the perfect replacement dust cup for your Shark Navigator model.
- Symptoms: Cracked plastic on the bin, Broken bottom door latch, Dust leaking from the sides of the cup, Upper handle release is snapped
- Tools: none
- Difficulty: Easy
Because the Navigator line has been around for over a decade, there are several different dust cup sizes. Picking the wrong one means it won’t seal properly, causing a total loss of suction.
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1. Check Your “XL” Status
Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuums come in two main sizes:
- Standard Cup: Found on the NV350, NV351, and NV352. These are the most common and holding about 1.2 dry quarts.
- XL Capacity Cup: Found on the “Deluxe” or “Professional” models like the NV360 or NV42. These are significantly taller and wider, holding nearly 3 quarts.
How to tell: If your vacuum is white and lavender, it is likely the standard size. If it is blue or metallic silver, it is likely the XL size.
2. Locate the Part Number
You don’t need to guess. The part number for the dust cup is usually stamped in tiny letters on the plastic base of the cup itself (near the bottom hinges).
- Standard No: 117FFJ
- XL No: 155FFJ
3. Can You Fix the Latch Instead?
If your only problem is the bottom door won’t stay shut, you might not need a whole new cup.
- The Hair buildup: Check the hinge for hair or grit. If the latch can’t “click” into place because of debris, the door will swing open.
- The Tape Fix: For a temporary solution while waiting for a new part, a small piece of Gaffer Tape (which doesn’t leave residue) can hold the door shut. Do not use regular Duct Tape as the heat from the vacuum will turn the glue into a sticky mess.
4. Where to Buy
- After-Market (Amazon/eBay): These are the cheapest ($30 - $40). They fit well, but the plastic is often thinner and the latches may feel “stiff.”
- SharkOriginal.com: The highest quality but the most expensive ($55+). If you plan on keeping your vacuum for another 5 years, the original part is worth the extra cost.
| Spare Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NV352 | Standard |
| NV360 | XL Professional |
| NV355 | XL Professional |
| NV42 | XL (Non-Lift-Away) |
TIP: When you get your new dust cup, don’t forget to move your old filters over to the new unit, or better yet, start with a fresh set of foam and felt filters for a “like new” experience.