How to Fix Your Vacuum Cleaner

If your vacuum runs but still leaves dirt behind, the culprit could be the drive belt or an obstruction. If the agitator brush slips or won't turn, the belt is bad and needs to be replaced. If suction is weak when you place your hand over the vacuum hose, some part is blocked.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Replacement Drive Belt
• Broomstick
• Sharp Knife
• Screwdriver

Replacing a drive belt

1. 

   Unplug the machine and flip it over so you can access the agitator brush.

2. Unscrew the bottom plate that holds the brush in place, using a screwdriver.

3. Lift out the brush by pulling the roller ends out of the slots in the vacuum base. If the drive belt isn't completely broken, one end will be wrapped around the agitator brush, the other around the motor drive shaft. Slide the belt off of each part. Take it to a hardware store to get a replacement.

4. Inspect the agitator brush before installing the new belt. Sometimes thread or hair will wrap around the ends or elsewhere on the brush roller. This can prevent the agitator from turning and cause a belt to fail prematurely. Cut any thread or hair with a sharp knife and pull it off.

5. Install the new belt. Slide one end over the agitator brush and the other over the drive shaft. Then reinstall the agitator brush. You may have to pull on the agitator brush to stretch the new belt a bit so the roller ends fit into the vacuum base.

6. Reinstall the bottom plate.

Clearing an obstruction

1. Inspect the hose, wand and cleaning tools to locate the obstruction. Debris often collects where one part plugs into another, or where the hose connects to the main vacuum housing. Remove the parts one at a time and remove any debris you find.

2. Clear any hidden obstructions by pushing a broom handle through the hose and wands.

3. Reassemble all the parts.

Tips & Warnings

• For peak performance, always empty your vacuum cleaner when the bag or canister gets about three-quarters full. Beyond that, dirt and debris can hinder suction.

• Inspect your hoses once or twice a year. A hole or slit in a hose can cut suction dramatically.