Vacuums
How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
The most common problem with a vacuum cleaner is also the easiest to remedy: clogs in the hose or attachments. Also the electrical cord, motor, switch, fan, brushes, and motor bearings can all need repair or replacement.
The most common reason for vacuum motors failing is overheating. Most `dry` vacuums have a flow-though motor. These motors use the air they have sucked up the dust with, to cool themselves. When there is a blockage, flow-though motors are unable to cool themselves due to the lack of airflow.
If all you hear from the vacuum unit is a click at the when you try to start the vacuum motor from inside the house, then the motor in the unit is dead and has to be replaced. A strong odor from the shellac, which coats the copper coil windings, is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out.
As a general rule, if the repair is going to cost less than half the cost of a new vacuum cleaner, it`s best to go ahead and get it repaired. When the service tops half the price of a new machine, it`s probably best to invest in a newer model.
A universal motor is typically used as suction motor across vacuum cleaners. The universal motor is a series DC-motor that is specially designed to operate on alternating current (AC) as well as on direct current (DC).
The suction motor creates vacuum pressure and suction by rotating a motor fan. The impeller rotates at an incredibly high speed of about 30,000 to 35,000 RPM. A suction motor`s power is measured by multiplying the rate of air flow and the vacuum pressure, which induces air flow from the brush through the hose.
On a few, you can replace brushes with the motor in place, through a hole in the side of the endplate. On all inertia starters with face-type commutators, brushes can be replaced without removing the armature /commutator. On a pre-engaged starter, the built-in solenoid is removed (See Stripping the starter motor ).
A worn brush can result in a damaged or destroyed armature as well, which will cost you significantly more than a new carbon brush. By instituting some quick, regular check-ups, you can replace brushes before they cause problems.
Test that by turning the motor off and pushing on the center shaft, the armature. If it has any play, besides spinning, then replace the motor. If solid then replace the brushes – motor brush replacement instructions.
UNITS THAT EMPTY FROM THE TOP: The motors are on the bottom of the vacuum unit. Remove the unit from the wall, turn it upside down, and open the bottom or bottom section to reveal the motor. Each motor has two or three wires that may run to other wires, relay, or mini-breaker.
Durability & Warranty – If you`re looking for a vacuum cleaner with durability and longevity, look no further than Miele. Miele vacuum cleaners are designed and tested to last for 20 years. Miele vacuum cleaners come with a 7-year warranty on the motor and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
With the exception of top-of-the-line brands, most vacuum cleaners have a lifespan of about four to six years. While not all machines will need to be replaced after four years, it`s a good indication of when you may need to think about investing in a new one.
Rebuilt Vacuum Pumps offer value and quality at a price considerably lower than purchasing a brand new pump. Our reconditioned vacuum pumps go through a rigorous decontamination and rebuilding process to make sure you are getting a reliable pump that you can count on.
If your Dyson machine isn`t working properly, please visit our Troubleshooting page where we may be able to help you fix it, or where you can purchase replacement parts. If our Troubleshooting steps have not resolved the problem with your Dyson machine, we can arrange for a repair.
All suction motors, except for the very small battery operated motors, are universal type motors since they can operate with either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) power sources. Typically they are designed for best performance with AC at the normal household voltage.
All suction motors, except for the very small battery operated motors, are universal type motors since they can operate with either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) power sources. Typically they are designed for best performance with AC at the normal household voltage.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor, not contacting the carpeting?? I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting. Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Bad Motor I have purchased two of the Kenmore direct drive beltless systems with Progressive systems. The first died after a year, the vacuum motor start making a grinding noies. I pulled the side HEPA filter and could see a fine coating of graphite like dust. Took it to a vacuum repair shop. They said the brushes were going and thus the motor was shot. I liked the vacuum and bought a second, 1 year later the motor is making a slight noise that and removing the HEPA filter I find a slight metall
ANSWER : That dust is from the carbon brushes on the motor. You may need to check them, and also clean out the motor compartment. A slight noise could be a motor bearing starting to go. Does the smell like rubber or electrical. If rubber, then the belt has stretched and needs to replaced. If electrical, then something is causing the motor to run hot, like a clogged filter, or it could be a motor going bad.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Unbeknownst to me, someone took the bag out of my Kenmore Progressive vacuum and failed to replace it. I have been vacuuming without a bag for months, and today the vacuum stopped sucking. When I opened up the front to replace the bag, tons of dirt and dust came pouring out. I thoroughly cleaned the vacuum, put in a new bag, but still no sucking power. Just dust coming from the rear vents where one of the filters is. Is the vacuum ruined, or is it a simple solution of buying a new filter?
ANSWER : Sounds like you need to buy a new motor. All that grit and dust will ruin a motor and I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did.
.This is where a vacuum that won’t run without a bag would have been nice. (Aerus for one)
.This is where a vacuum that won’t run without a bag would have been nice. (Aerus for one)
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
I have a Kirby G4 Vacuum Cleaner – MOdel G4 D. I have never had any problems or repairs done to it in the past ten plus years that I’ve had it. This is an upright vacuum. I was vacuuming the carpet floor and was not having any trouble at all. I switched the vacuum off and moved it into a different room. When I tried to turn on the vacuum, it would not turn on. I checked with different outlets, used both front attachment and hose attachment. Checked the front part of the motor/ spiral case. This
ANSWER : Hello,
.My educated guess is that it’s either the switch or the power cord. Here are a couple of guides to help with diagnosis and repair…
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/COMMON-PROBLEMS-WITH-THE-KIRBY-VACUUM-TROUBLESHOOTING_W0QQugidZ10000000003800312
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/REPLACING-THE-POWER-SWITCH-ON-ANY-KIRBY-G-SERIES-VACUUM_W0QQugidZ10000000003752018
.
.Hope this helps!!
.Marci
.My educated guess is that it’s either the switch or the power cord. Here are a couple of guides to help with diagnosis and repair…
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/COMMON-PROBLEMS-WITH-THE-KIRBY-VACUUM-TROUBLESHOOTING_W0QQugidZ10000000003800312
.
.http://reviews.ebay.com/REPLACING-THE-POWER-SWITCH-ON-ANY-KIRBY-G-SERIES-VACUUM_W0QQugidZ10000000003752018
.
.Hope this helps!!
.Marci
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
I purchased a Eureka C4910 last year and have a question that I am hoping you can answer.
There are two motor actions with this vacuum, 1) the vacuum suction, and 2) the beater bar. The action of the beater bar is that motor is supposed to automatically shut off when the handle is in the complete vertical position assuming the vacuum is stationary, but then turn on when the handle is tilted toward the floor, assuming the vacuum is moving back and forth.
The beater bar motor turn-on mechan
ANSWER : Good day!
Normally when the motor is easily moved back and forth means that it have a proper lubrication,proper alignment and no clogs.
When the motor and the belt is OK the problem could be on electrical wiring and switch.
If found electrical switch burned out you need to replaced it because when the switch is burn the contact of that switch is open even you turn it ON.that’s why the motor is not function because the voltage is not pass through the circuit because of open switch.You need to replaced it.
And check some fuses if any and other burned electrical wire.Replaced it also.
Thank you and don’t forget to rate my answer.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Kirby Vacuum Hi Bruce, In my opinion, yes the Kirby would be worth it, as long as you are not replacing the motor. The switch would be the most expensive part besides the motor that would need to be replaced. The switch costs USD 49.99, the cord is roughly $39.99, and the carbon brushes are $29.99. I can easily walk you through any of these repairs should you need help. Kirby’s are great vacuum cleaners, that usually last 30+ years. Brand new these machines sell in the US for $1600 or more,
ANSWER : You can get better prices from Goodvac.com
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
I purchased a brand new Eureka Pet vacuum, sorry don’t know exact name but it the one that has the self cleaning duster on it. Last night I used the vacuum on my carpet, it was working fine until I accidently sucked up the corner of a scarf that was hanging off a couch. I shut the vacuum off, pulled out the scarf and and resumed vacuuming. Much to my dismay the suction on the vacuum had ceased. Can you tell me if there is a reset button on the vacuum? The vacuum does not appear to be damage
ANSWER : If the motor is running, there should be suction. Possible problems depend on whether it’s a canister or upright and are:
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
.
.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
.
.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
The original belt on my upright Kenmore Progressive broke and I replaced it with the spare that was in the vacuum. The vacuum and spare belt are about 10 years old. Then the spare broke after one vacuuming session and there was a burning smell coming from the vacuum. I ordered new belts and replaced it with the new belt. It seems to be working fine with no smell. I checked the belt after I vacuumed the family room and although it was in tact, the belt was very hot. Is that normal? Should t
ANSWER : The belt heats up due to the friction, as well as being in contact with the shaft of a hot motor. It is normal.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
