How to Change the Belt in an Upright Vacuum

When your upright vacuum cleaner begins to lose sucking power and you have to go over an area multiple times to pick up debris from the floor, you may need to replace the belt. Upright vacuum cleaner belts are relatively inexpensive, usually under $10. According to the Vacuum Cleaners Trade Association, the belt on a vacuum cleaner should be changed about every three months to maintain maximum performance.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• New vacuum belt

Instructions

1. Place the vacuum cleaner on a sturdy surface and turn it upside down. Look for a plate on the bottom of the vacuum that conceals the underside parts.

2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the plate into place. Some models of upright vacuum cleaners have clips that hold the bottom plate on. In this case, pry the bottom plate off with a flat-head screwdriver. When the bottom plate is removed the agitator brush should be exposed.

3. Pry the agitator brush out of the machine using a flat-head screwdriver. Place the screwdriver under the agitator brush and pull up to pry it out. Slip the belt off the pulley on the agitator then off the drive shaft. The drive shaft has a small rod extending from it where the belt loops on. The purpose of the motor drive shaft is to make the belt turn. Pay attention to the way you remove the belt to make it easier to put the new one on.

4. Loop the new belt onto the drive shaft first then onto the agitator brush pulley. The belt should not slip on too easily; it must be tight--stretch the belt to get it on the agitator pulley.

5. Place the agitator back into the bottom of the vacuum cleaner. Insert the agitator brush into the vacuum by placing the end opposite of where the belt is attached. Hold down this end with your thumb while you snap the other end into the vacuum.

6. Spin the agitator brush with your hand to ensure that the belt is on properly. If the belt is installed incorrectly, it will bind up. In this case, repeat Steps 3 through 5 to put the belt on correctly.

7. Replace the bottom plate when the belt is properly installed.

References

• The Family Handyman
• Vacuum Dealers Trade Association