How to Replace an Oreck XL Drive Belt

It doesn't matter how old or new your Oreck XL is, you will inevitably have to perform the task of replacing the drive belt. The drive belt is essential to the function of the vacuum cleaner, as any who has a broken a belt can tell you. If that person is you, don't fret: replacing the drive belt is easier than you think it is.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Relax the handle and turn the entire machine until the roller is facing up. Locate the spare drive belt, which is nestled in a oval-shaped groove on the machine's bottom cover. Remove the spare drive belt.

2. Turn the machine once more, so that the roller side is on the floor. Look on the right side of the casing for a small rectangular door. Remove the screw that fastens this door.

3. Wedge a screwdriver in the crevice to the right of the screw hole. The door will slide open easily.

4. Take the old belt out.

5. Put the spare belt first over the motor drive shaft and then over the brush roller pulley. Test your work by rolling the brush three times. Make sure that the belt is completely on the motor drive shaft and not hanging over.

6. Slide the door back into place. Replace the screw.

Tips & Warnings

• The Oreck Company suggests changing the drive belt every six months.
• Never work on an electronic machine that is plugged in. Unplug the vacuum before you begin.

Resources

• The Oreck company site

[jway]

on 3/14/2009 It just doesn't work this way on my XL. Find other instructions involving taking off the entire bottom piece.

[lindajof]

on 12/14/2007 Thank goodness for this help in replacing the belt on my Oreck!!! Now I need to know how to replace the fan and housing! I cracked it with a dog rawhide chew bone. [e-mail]