Eureka 2961AVZ Bagless Upright Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

Inspect the belt to see if it is broken, stretched out, or out of place. If the drive belt is broken or stretched out, replace it. If the brushroll is sticking, it will cause too much friction and put too much strain on the belt. Remove the brushroll and clean all hair, string, and lint from the brushroll bearings.
Next to the motor, the belt on your vacuum is just about the most important part of your vacuum. Without the belt to spin the brushroll, most vacuums won`t pick up on carpeting at all! If your vacuum uses a rubber belt, check it once a month for cracks, melting, and especially, slippage.
Check for a plugged hose:

Plugged vacuum hoses are sometimes the reason for a loss in suction. Hoses can get clogged with hair, dust bunnies, string, or anything else that can`t pass through the other end of the hose. Airways inside the machine should be looked at as well. Wherever there is an air passage, check it.

Founded in 1909 in Detroit, Michigan Eureka vacuums have been in American`s homes for more than a century. Now we`re building on that experience with innovative cleaning technology to help you clean for years to come.
Broken or jammed wheels will make it hard to push the vacuum. Check for any hair or debris in or around the wheel that may be preventing rotation. Clean the wheel and the hinge and check for improvement.
This HEPA filter is washable. For optimum performance, change your filters every 6 months.
Since you`ll likely only replace your serpentine belt once during the life of your car, it`s generally recommended to take your car to a professional mechanic. You can do a lot of damage to your vehicle if you drive on the road with an improperly installed serpentine belt.
Insert your belt through the left-side loops first.

Take the end of your belt and insert it into your belt loops with the loop on the front left side of your pants. Thread the strap end through each loop, pulling the belt through as you go. Once you reach the last loop, buckle your belt.

You can also mend or make abrasive belts by this DIY method: Obtain some bias binding tape from a fabric store, or you can make your own. Then use CA adhesive to bind the bias binding tape to the cleaned edges of the sanding belt you want to make or repair. I have done this many times, and it works fine.
Belt grinders are ideal for metal whereas belt sanders are suitable for wood. Both have a rotating abrasive. Belt grinders grind and sharpen the surface while belt sanders scrape and smooth the surface of larger material.
(All full-sized machines, upright vacuums and canister vacuums, typically have a belt.) A vacuum will still create suction with a bum belt, but without a rotating brush roller, it won`t collect much in the way of dirt and debris, especially on carpets.
Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.
It`s really easy to change the buckle on your belt; simply unsnap the poppers, take the plain buckle off the belt and thread the tip of the belt back through the new buckle.
The brush roll or its bearings may be clogged with hair, threads or dirt. Make sure they are clean and the roll spins. The belt may also have slipped because it was loose. Check the fit of the new belt when it is installed.
Brushes. According to iRobot, brushes should be replaced every 6-12 months. Robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba j7+ have multiple brushes that allow it to clean.
Clear the brush roll of any hair and debris and inspect by placing it on its end and spin. The brush should spin freely. If it doesn`t spin; it may be time to replace.
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.
A reasonable cost of living

This is due to the city`s proximity to large agricultural areas and its relatively inexpensive housing. The city`s median home price is $362,600, which is way lesser than California`s median home price of $600,000.

Eureka vacuum cleaners are one of the most popular brands based on consumer reviews. Their 4870 Boss upright vacuum cleaner has been getting rave reviews based on its performance, maneuverability and durability.
Replace the Brush Belt

If the vacuum is still hard to push, tilt it back far enough that you can inspect the moving brush while the vacuum is running. Be careful to avoid getting too close to the moving parts. If you see that the brush is not turning, that means you will need to replace the brush belt.

Start on the far edge of your carpet or rug and push the vacuum forward in a straight line. This movement lifts the nap (or fibers) of the floor covering to reveal any dirt or debris hidden underneath. Then pull the machine back slowly toward you to collect all that debris.
Any fine dust remaining in the filter can usually be removed with a gentle rinse under a cold tap – hold the filter under the running water until the water runs clear. You shouldn`t need to use any detergent – just water.
If you have dirty filters, you`ll notice a stale odor immediately when you turn on the vacuum and reduced suction as you work. For high traffic areas, the filter may need to be cleaned monthly. For most homes, vacuum filters should be cleaned at least every three months.
In 1974 Eureka was purchased by AB Electrolux of Sweden and the name was changed back to the Eureka Company. In 2004 the Eureka Company name was discontinued and replaced with Electrolux Home Products Division, although the brand name was still used.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I’m using (or WAS using) a Eureka ”the boss” model 8803. The belt broke, no biggie, so I replaced it with a Eureka model U belt, the problem is when I put the new belt on and turn on the vaccuum, the belt breaks again. I am also having trouble getting the brush roller to fit right when the belt is in place. I can’t find any sharp edges that would cut the belt,nor can I find where any small bits may have broken. Anyone have a solution for me?
ANSWER : First, make sure you have the right belt, second, i am thinking that you are not lineing the roller up right, it will only fit one way. look at the ends of the roller and the grooves where it slides in, you should be able to see clearly how it goes.

Changing belt
Please advise how to change the belt. I wasn’t the person who took the belt off, didn’t watch. Now it’s just me and the belt. I had 2, but 1st one burnt right off. Apparently I didn’t have in the right spot! don’t want to waste the only other new belt I have. Pictures would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!! Thanks Tammy Can call 920-660-0680
ANSWER : Step 1: Lower handle to floor to change belt
Step 2: Remove the two screws from the top hood on the foot
Step 3: Lift hood to remove
Step 4: Lift right end of brushroll (the belt end)
Step 5: Remove and discard belt.
Step 6: Place new belt around motor shaft.
Step 7: Place new belt around brushroll pulley.
Step 8: Align left end cap with base. Push end cap securely into
place. Make sure the square on the brushroll cap is in
place
Step 9: Pull right side of brushroll to stretch belt. Secure right
end cap into base.
IMPORTANT
Step 10: Rotate brushroll by hand several full rotations to properly
position belt.
Step 11: Place hood back on cleaner. Replace and tighten
two screws.
Step 12: Return vacuum to upright position.

You can also download your user manual here which has instructions on how with diagrams

Windtunnel belt I have a new Hoover Windtunnel canister. The belt keeps coming off. It happened a couple weeks ago (several times after putting the belt back on) so I assumed I might need a new belt as it might have dried out at the store. I ordered new belts and today I used it for about an hour and the belt came off again, twice. There doesn’t seem to be anything to hold the belt on the stem as it seems to slip off. I have tried it centered, to the left and to the right….can you help. I am v
ANSWER : I’ve successfully used a compatible belt – Royal 104425001 .It’s still new, but for the time being at least – it works.

Hoover WindTunnel Self-Propelled V Belt
ANSWER : I had this same problem with the V belt on my Hoover Vaccuum..
.There are three (3) basic things that will cause the brush roll not to spin..
.1. When handle is upright, brush roll is OFF..2. When switch is set for HARD surface, brush roll is OFF..3. Broken/worn FLAT belt or V Belt, brush roll will not spin.
.
.I noticed that the brush roll was not spinning when my vacuum was set for CARPET. After removing the cover I noticed that the V belt was loose, I thought the belt was worn so I purchased a correct replacement belt and installed it, but the new belt was also loose and when I turned the large flat belt pulley it did not turn the V belt pulley at the same time..
.I double checked the surface setting and I had the vacuum switch set for carpet, but still when I released the handle out of the upright position the brush roll would still not spin..
.My aggravation finally led me to this posting on FixYa’s website..
.The first thing I did was checked the screw to the left of the V belt as suggested by ejmjr5 and this did nothing to solve the problem or create more tension on the V belt, even when the upright handle was not in the upright position..
.After playing around with the surface setting control switch/nob I notice that when I moved the switch out of the HARD surface setting and over to CARPET, I had thought that the switch was set for CARPET as it visually appeared, but I was not pushing the switch over hard enough to click it into the CARPET setting mode..
.VOILA, the brush roll now spins correctly even though the V belt seams to be too loose for the pulley..
.You really have to force the switch into the CARPET setting. Be sure that you hear the switch/nob click into place..
.Now you can effectively clean up after that hangover of a party!.
.Burp!

I replaced the belt in our Eureka Boss Smart Vac, it still seems loose, it uses a type R belt. The beater belt still doesn’t seem to turn properly and seems that it doesn’t pick up very well when I use it on my berber carpet. We have 2 dogs and I like to use it frequently. I have changed the bags and belt……
ANSWER : Check to see that the beater brush is not frozen up. Pull the brush and clean it, spraying some WD40 on each end piece that holds the brush in place..Also be sure the belt is properly installed so that the brush turns in the correct direction..If the brush is not turning or not turning in the correct direction, it will not beat the dirt from the carpet so that it can be picked up by the vacuum’s suction.

MY VACUUM ISN’T PULLING AS STRONG AS IT USED TO SO I THINK IT NEEDS A NEW BELT. I CAN’T FIND THE MANUEL ON IT SO I NEED SOME INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CHANGE THE BELT. I DON’T WANT TO BREAK MY VAC. CAN SOME ONE PLEASE INSTRUCT ME ON HOW I SHOULD CHANGE THE BELT PLEASE. TYPE VAC: EUREKA THE BOSS WHIRLWIND LITE CYCLONIC POWER CANISTER TYPE VAC. THE HANDLE IS DETACHABLE TO CLEAN IN THE CORNER WITH A SMALL EXTENSION.
ANSWER : You can get Eureka replacement belts here:

Eureka Vacuum Betls

Hi my proheat bissell 7901 stopped pumping water to the floor, but it pumps water from the hand hose. I read the manual and followed how to check belt and the flat belt on right side of shampooer is fine and I turned on and it turns and so do the brushes at the bottom of the machine. I was reading online and I guess there’s two belts on this machine? where can I find the other belt to see if it needs replacing. I guess it’s a ribbed belt? that is the water pump belt?
ANSWER : Just taken ours apart with the same problem… found it was caused by the 2 halves of the main casing coming apart in the area where the upright pedal release is. I found this to be due to the upper casing having broken in 2 places – the bottom of the screw wells..This means that the water tank cannot exert sufficient pressure on the valve to release the water..Only solution is a new top cover assembly

Smoking belt Hey I have a Eureka 2961 avz bagless vacuum, and if it’s on for a few minutes i can smell the belt burning.  If the vacuum is left on any longer the belt starts smoking.  I took the case off and there was a little debris but not much.  Is there a cause and fix or just time to replace the belt?
ANSWER : Belt is slipping because the bearings on the beater brushes, which it turns, are jammed or full of dust.
.Alternatively the belt has stretched after being overheated and needs replacing because it now slips.