Vacuums
How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
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.
Introduction: Duct Tape Vaccuum Belt
Have you ever broken a belt on your vaccuum and didn`t have a chance to buy a new one? You can make your own out of duct tape for a TEMPORARY fix. This belt is for TEMPORARY USE ONLY, you might damage your vaccuum if you overuse this belt.
The major types of vacuum belts are determined by their different shapes. As vacuum designs have improved over the years, new belt shapes have been developed to increase both their durability and their ability to transfer power from the vacuum`s motor.
(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.
You should replace the belts on your vacuum at least every three to six months if the vacuum is regularly used. This is very important for proper cleaning.
An easy way to determine belt size is to simply “add 2″ to your off-the-rack trouser size. For example, if you wear a 36” waist trouser, then a 38-belt size will be a safe bet. Most will find this simple formula works best for pants worn at a traditional height–close to the natural waistline.
Repair your beloved personal items and accessories with Loctite Super Glue Power Gel. The extra tough rubber-infused formula is designed to work extremely well on porous materials such as leather and fabrics to form resiliant, non-brittle and flexible bonds, therefore making it ideal for repairing fraying belts.
Cyanoacrylate, also called “crazy glue” or “super glue,” is a good place to start when adhering rubber because it`s a great catchall for many substrates.
How to do it: Attach a strip of double-sided tape to the inside of your belt end. Line the end up so it lays flat against your belt and press to secure.
There is no one-size-fits-all belt sizing formula. Belts fit differently depending on user sizes and gear combinations. For instance, gun belts measure different standards than a regular size guide due to the flexibility of various holsters. The intended use influences your choice of shapes and even material.
V-belt cross sections can be identified by their top width and depth dimensions. For example, a v-belt with a top width of 21/32” and a depth of 7/16” is a “B” belt. You can also use our Browning Belt Rule that includes a gauge to help easily identify belt type.
There are three common V belt types: Classical V-belt (classified by their dimensions from A to E), Narrow V series (ranked by their sizes 3V, 5V, and 8V), and light-duty Fractional Horsepower belt (classified by their dimensions 2L, 3L, 4L, 5L). The letter X classifies their counterpart cogged belt.
Cylinder vacuums are typically more powerful and have a larger dust capacity, so need emptying less frequently. They also have a larger cleaning radius — the length of the cord — than upright vacuums. That`s why you`ll find the professionals use this type of vacuum cleaner in offices and hotels.
This can cause the vacuum belt to slip on the drive shaft which results in your vacuums brush roller turning slower or not at all, which reduces agitation and in turn your vacuum`s overall cleaning power.
It is often beneficial to change the drive belts in your car approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. By undergoing annual car inspections, you can have your drive belts evaluated. If any signs of damage or severe wear and tear are identified, the belts can be replaced.
Some equipment has multiple V belts. So when one of them becomes worn or breaks, it`s understandably tempting to replace just that one. But it`s important to replace all of them at once. A machine that uses multiple belts is, by definition, a complex piece of machinery.
Leather belts are made to be adjustable, but this only works within the size range of the belt`s length and buckle holes. Luckily, if you`ve purchased a belt with a style that you love but a size that`s rather on the large end, trimming down the length and making new buckle holes is a relatively simple matter.
This can cause the vacuum belt to slip on the drive shaft which results in your vacuums brush roller turning slower or not at all, which reduces agitation and in turn your vacuum`s overall cleaning power.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I want to install a belt on the turbo power 2000 upright vacum cleaner , What do I have to do to install it. The old belt broke.
ANSWER : Http://www.geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=0&thid=564997
.Generic problem for all Vacuums
.I want to install a
.Posted by mcpo on May 02, 2008
.I want to install a belt on the turbo power 2000 upright vacuum cleaner , What do I have to do to install it. The old belt broke.
.
.Hello,
.I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
.There are only 2 ways you can install a belt on a Turbo Power 2000, either you can remove the bottom plate and expose the belt, 1st place the belt on the brushroll section of the vacuum then use a belt puller or a screwdriver with a left or right hook @ the end and pull the belt onto the motor pulley, once you get the flat belt onto the motor pulley than you do what is called tracking to straighten belt out so it runs straight, replace the bottom plate. 2nd then remove the top cover by 2 to 4 screws or levers and then remove the top, then follow the procedure listed above. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
.Don – The Vac Man
.Go Ahead. Use Us.
.Generic problem for all Vacuums
.I want to install a
.Posted by mcpo on May 02, 2008
.I want to install a belt on the turbo power 2000 upright vacuum cleaner , What do I have to do to install it. The old belt broke.
.
.Hello,
.I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure.
.There are only 2 ways you can install a belt on a Turbo Power 2000, either you can remove the bottom plate and expose the belt, 1st place the belt on the brushroll section of the vacuum then use a belt puller or a screwdriver with a left or right hook @ the end and pull the belt onto the motor pulley, once you get the flat belt onto the motor pulley than you do what is called tracking to straighten belt out so it runs straight, replace the bottom plate. 2nd then remove the top cover by 2 to 4 screws or levers and then remove the top, then follow the procedure listed above. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
.Don – The Vac Man
.Go Ahead. Use Us.
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
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!
.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!
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Is there any way to repair or replace the belt GUIDE on the inside of the belt compartment of a ’97 Hoover Wind Tunnel (not self-propelled)? It became twisted when a belt broke and now the belt rubs against it and sounds really weird, and I’m sure new belts will continue to break.. This guide is a long piece of molded material (part of the compartent wall) to keep the belt from coming off the pulley. It also had a sort of metal clip on it. It was loose and I took it off because of the way the pa
ANSWER : Honestly you should take it to a vac.shop they can fix any vac.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Bissell Power Track Cyclonic Upright Bagless Vacuum.. ..The spin brush works laying down….when upright it won’t spin! I cleaned any and all hair from the roller….belt is not broken….but do I need a new belt though? The vac is a few years old bever replaced the belt yet.
ANSWER : You need a new belt.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
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.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Hoover bagless cannister 3765 – belt on power head slips off spindle. bought new belts – same problem. is this a design problem or can it be fixed? I don’t want to take it to a repair shop 100 miles away and have them just put on a new belt. saw idea of smaller belt – what number? couldn’t find suggested royal 104425001 belt.
ANSWER : I would not recommend a smaller belt. You will only wear the motor. This model series power nozzle needs to have a metal clip installed near the belt on the brush roller housing. I know that most of them left the factory without it. Remove the cover to see if one is ther. if not have your dealer send you a clip or a housing with one on it.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
Hello, my names Travis. I was contacting you in concern of my Kenmore Quick Clean 12AMP Vacum Cleaner. My girlfriend took the bottom off the vacum and removed the belt because the vacum wasnt picking up. I know have a new belt i just dont know where to put it on the vacum to reinstall it
ANSWER : Look for grooves on the motor shaft and on the brush shaft.
Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums
