Greatly affects vacuum performance. The old one lost tension and didn't hold the brush head flat on the carpet. For less than $10, my $200+ vacuum works like new. was too small to fit through the port on my DC14. It took less than 1 minute to switch sides. and less than 2 minutes to install. If your Dyson is more than 3-4 years old, simply replace this tube. I am offering a motor filter kit, 2 canister filters and this hose as an annual Dyson upgrade kit.