Vacuums
How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
By replacing your worn-out drum bearings with shiny new ones, you`ll essentially be giving your washing machine a new lease of life. You may find that doing this means you`ll get a few more years out of your machine, and it will freshen it up.
Washing machine bearings sit behind the drum at the back of the appliance, so the washing machine bearing replacement process can be quite tricky if you aren`t sure what steps to take.
Replacing washing machine bearings can be one of the most difficult repair jobs to complete on a washing machine. It will require a complete strip down of the machine. Anyone who does not have confidence in his or her ability to totally strip down the machine and re-build it safely should not attempt this repair.
If your washing machine is noisy on spin, then this can be a symptom of drum bearing wear. A quick check for wear is to see if the inner drum moves up and down relative to the fixed outer drum. It should only move a small amount. If it moves more than a millimeter or two, it is probably worn bearings.
Washing machine bearings can last up to 10 years if your washing machine is used correctly and taken care of. With regular use however, bearings will wear with time regardless of added care, although you may be able to prolong its life a bit longer.
Technically it is possible to continue to use a washing machine after the bearings have gone. However, doing so can damage the other parts of your machine, which will make it dangerous to use. It`s safer and more cost effective to replace bad bearings sooner rather than later.
Faulty bearings won`t affect the competence of your washer, but they can damage other parts of your appliance like the basket, shaft, outer drum, and some electrical components. Over time, bad bearings can cause the demise of your washing machine.
If you continue to ride very dirty or un-lubricated bearings, you run the risk of permanently damaging them and/or yourself. Dirt in your bearings will cause pitting of your balls and races, increase friction, cause extra heat, and can eventually cause the bearing to “freeze up” or stop rolling.
It would be extremely dangerous to drive with old wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning entirely and abruptly. You should expect to replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles.
Can you repair a leaking washing machine drum? Yes, it`s sometimes possible to do an effective repair, and this article tells you how. Washing machine outer drums (or tubs) always used to be made of metal. But almost all washing machine manufacturers have long since changed over to cheaper plastic.
Some of the reasons your washing machine drum is not turning could be a blocked drain pump, an overloaded or uneven wash load, worn-out motor brushes, a drive belt worn loose, an issue with the suppressor filter, low water pressure if excessive foam has been detected and when washing woollens.
While it may seem like common sense, standard wear and tear is one of the leading causes of bearing failure. Eventually all bearings fail due to wear, however, excessive load, vibration or force can cause a bearing to wear out long before it should. Most of this excess force is caused by improper installation.
Ceramic bearings are built for high speeds, longer life, extreme temperatures, resistance to acid, alkali, and salt, and more.
There are two categories of washing machines when determining the average lifespan of these appliances. Traditionally, top-load washers last about 14 years, and they have been used for generations. The average lifespan of front-load washers, on the other hand, is about 11 years.
The whirring sound heard before spin cycle is the sound of the drain pump. Therefore whirring sound you hear is normal but if the sound gets too loud, you should check the Drain Pump Filter. Take out the drain pump filter and clean it if it`s clogged or covered with dirt.
To begin, check the markings. An absence of markings is an obvious sign that the bearings are fake. If markings are present, are they similar to standard manufacturer markings, or are they located on different areas of the bearing to normal? Both can point to illegal manufacture.
Squealing, Growling
The typical sounds of worn-out wheel bearings are squealing and/or growling. The sound intensifies as vehicle speed increases.
The most common cause of a noisy bearing is contamination which damages the raceways of the bearing, causing the rolling elements to bounce or rattle. The only solution to a noisy bearing is to replace the bearing. Applying grease will only mask the issue.
Signs your wheel bearings may need replacement
The most commonly reported indicator of bearing malfunction is odd or irregular noise when driving. Often described as a humming, clicking, grinding or growling noise, wheel bearing problems are generally worsened by acceleration or in turning maneuvers.
Yes, you remove the main earing cap, install an upper main bearing removal tool into the main bearing oil hole in the crankshaft and carefully turn the crankshaft to push the upper bearing out.
Solvents we recommend are Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Citrus cleaner, and Denatured alcohol. All of these can be found in the paint section of your local hardware store.
To flush and clean CeramicSpeed bearings, the best commonly available solvent to use is isopropyl alcohol (normal alcohol, rubbing alcohol, isopropanol). Utilizing a spray bottle, soak the inside of the bearings to be cleaned and rotate inner race to cause an `agitation` effect inside the bearing.
A higher rated bearing will NOT make you “go faster”, but the quality of a bearing does affect your roll out. The roll out is how long your wheels will continue spinning after you push off. A better bearing will keep you rolling longer, so you can put in less effort to cover the same amount of space.
Once you notice any sign indicating a bad wheel bearing, avoid exceeding 500 miles with that issue. A failing wheel bearing will increase your difficulty in driving. But with a high-quality wheel bearing, you can drive for another 1000 miles as per the estimate.
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
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
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
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
Hello, I have a Hoover quadraflex Powermatic central vacuum system Model # s8099-031 that requires a new replacement 35 ft hose…I have contacted Hoover and they do not know where to buy a replacement hose for this model. I live in Canada. Any idea where I can get a replacement hose for this system? Thanks kindly, Tammy
ANSWER : Tammy, no info re your location, so I”l try this.
Your Hoover hose is shot because it was made of rubber.There are new swivel handled, tangle proof lighter hoses made of vinyl which will last much longer and can be adapted to the old Hoover head by changing the upper steel tube.
Find a Hoover service center, outlet in the yellow pages and ask for the “NEW “style, gray“Plastiflex“ brand hose and upper adapter tube sold with new Hoovers at Costco and you will be all set. Then, when the head eventually dies, you can upgrade to a far better one , while still having the Hoover cannister, the hose and tools do not need to match the original tank.
Your Hoover hose is shot because it was made of rubber.There are new swivel handled, tangle proof lighter hoses made of vinyl which will last much longer and can be adapted to the old Hoover head by changing the upper steel tube.
Find a Hoover service center, outlet in the yellow pages and ask for the “NEW “style, gray“Plastiflex“ brand hose and upper adapter tube sold with new Hoovers at Costco and you will be all set. Then, when the head eventually dies, you can upgrade to a far better one , while still having the Hoover cannister, the hose and tools do not need to match the original tank.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
I have 2 Hoover Wind Tunnel-self propelled bagged vacuums-U6433-900 model.The roller bar does not agitate, the self propelled feature does not work and, in general, the vacuum is not performing well. I have replaced the roller bar, the v belt and the wide belt. The filters have been replaced and it has a new bag. I have had both of these since 2004 and they were fairly expensive $200 each) but if the repairs are prohibitive, I might as well get new vacuums. Suggestions? I just spent $100 for bel
ANSWER : The Hoover WindTunnel self propelled is a machine that we see in our retail stores (Vacuums Unlimited) constantly. The benefit of having a supposed “self-propelled” machine wears of quickly after the numerous time you will need to take this machine in for repair.
It’s unfortunate you’ve had to spend so much money already on repairing this machine. I know you’ve said you’ve already replace the belts and filters, but if you want you can check out a video we made on repairing the Hoover Windtunnel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meX8lgZo7DY
If you are looking for a reliable upright, at GoVacuum we’d recommend the Sebo X4 upright (http://www.govacuum.com/seauxseupvac.html). The machine is incredibly reliable and easy to maintain. Thus far, we haven’t had one warranty repairs come through our doors. The machine itself has a lifelong warranty on the belt because the machine automatically shuts off the motor if an obstruction is detected, preventing any undue stress on the motor or belt.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
How to replace power cord on Hoover WindTunnel upright vacuum
ANSWER : The aforementioned solutions probably never even attempted this fix on this model. The handle does NOT need to come off. but the 5 screws on the front housing DO: 2 above the light and 3 below it. Then to get the colored housing off you need to access 2 screws on the underside that are beneath the agitator roller. To do that, obviously the 4 screws holding the bottom plate need to come off too. Here’s a link to a schematic that might help as you attempt to do this, (assuming that you still do!) http://www.elkypro.com/hoops2005/vacuum_parts/hoover/U5461-900.html
Once you have the main body housing cover off, then you can access the 2 screws atop of each trunnion cover that holds the motor assembly cover halves together. If you’ve made it this far, then gently pry apart the motor halves keeping even as yo do. Now you can see all the wiring necessary to cut and splice. Happy cord replacing! As for me, I am headed for the store, as I am not so sure I can remember how to get the darn thing put back together. But it was fun taking it apart!
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Suction problem I have a Hoover Widepath Fold Away, 12 amp motor vacuum cleaner and the problem I am having is every time I vacuum, the vacuum gets clogged up with carpet. I am probably only able to do one stroke then it gets clogged and I have to stop and unclog it or it spits it out on the carpet. This is very frustrating and I don’t get much vacuuming done. Please can you help me. Thank you. Gwen email is [email protected]
ANSWER : Get rid of the carpet its shredding and falling apart.no sence in vacuuming old rotten carpet.or try using a vacuum without a brush roller and just suction
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
