How to Replace a Central Vacuum Motor

One of the advantages of a central vacuum system is the longevity of the motors in their power units. Nevertheless, when it does come time to change a central vacuum motor, anyone who is relatively handy can do the job. Nutone, Beam, Imperium, VacuMaid, Vacuflo, and Eureka motors are all similar, with a few unique nuances. Following the instructions below should help you through the process. You can also visit vachelp.com for further assistance.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement motor
• Phillips screwdriver
• Socket set
• Pliers
• Wire nuts
• Pair of wire strippers

1. Purchase a replacement motor. Your local central vacuum dealer or internet central vacuum dealer can help you find the correct motor. Scroll all the way to the bottom of this article and in the Resources section you will find a link to a Motor Replacement Guide.

2. Disconnect the central vacuum power unit from electrical power.

3. 
    

   Remove the cover from the motor compartment.

4. 
    
   Notice the relay at the bottom of the picture.

   Remove fasteners from the motor.
   Many of them use hex style heads.
   Vacuflo older models have large slot style heads. With these, you may need to apply a little WD-40 on the threads where they enter the motor mounting plate.
   Beam units have three spring loaded clamps called motor hold-down springs. Push down on the spring above the motor mount holes. This clears the wire hook from the receiving bracket. You fasten the new replacement motor in the same way grabbing the receiver with that hook

5. 
    
   1/4 inch disconnect terminal

   Disconnect the motor from the relay-control module.
   If you choose to keep the motor wiring connected to the relay and use it to power the new motor, cut the existing motor wire 2 inches from the motor entry, strip the wire, connect the same color wire with wire nuts to the new motor wire. Proceed to step 7. If your new motor already has the 1/4 inch disconnect terminals proceed to step 6.

6. 
    
   Reconnecting the 1/4 inch mini terminal

   If your new motor already has the 1/4 inch mini disconnect terminals attached to the wire you may connect them to the relay in the same way the old motor was connected to the relay.

7. Reconnect the new motor using mounting hardware. The current Vacuflo and Beam units have no mounting hardware. The motor seats in its gasket with the discharge pointing in the direction of the exhaust opening. These motors are held in place by the canopy as it is attached to the canister body

8. During this process, check the motor gasket for pliability and condition. Motor gaskets in Beam units have a protective screen integrated into them to protect the motor fans. Check this screen for holes or tears and replace if necessary.
   When replacing the motors in single motor NuTone vacs, I recommend you replace the motor gasket no matter what your visual inspection yields. The gaskets in the older Nutone units are often not reusable.

9. Once you have your new motor installed, reconnect the power. With the system sealed, run the unit using the on/off switch. In units without this switch, short the two low volt terminals on the outside of the unit to turn it on. With the unit running, check the exhaust. No more than a slight amount of air should be flowing from the opening. If the exhaust air is excessive, you probably need to check the gasket and motor seal.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the resources below for a link to a motor replacement guide where you can find the correct motor for your central vacuum power unit.
• If you do not have a Nutone, Beam, Imperium, VacuMaid, Eureka, or Vacuflo, please call 1-800-221-8227 for assistance in replacing your motor.
• When dealing with electricity always exercise extreme caution. Be sure that the power is turned off before beginning this project.

Resources

• Motor Replacement Guide