How to Repair a Vacuum With No Suction
An upright vacuum cleaner employs a fan belt that drives a blade to create suction. If a vacuum has a functioning motor but no suction, the problem is that the fan belt slipped off the motor's shaft. Use household tools to repair the vacuum to restore suction; no replacement parts are required. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Phillips screwdriver
- Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Needle-nose pliers
- Dust bag
Instructions
-
-
1
Unplug the vacuum cleaner's power cord from the wall outlet. Press the button on the vacuum's front with one hand. Pull the cover off with the other. Twist the dust bag off the socket inside the vacuum. Throw the dust bag in the trash.
-
2
Place the vacuum on its side on the floor. Place a sheet of newspaper beneath the brush/roller assembly at the front end of the vacuum.
-
-
3
Remove the screw at each end of the brush/roller assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver; if there are tabs at each end as well, push these tabs in prior to removing the screws.
-
4
Pull off the cover plate that is lying on the brush/roller assembly. Place it aside. Remove the screws at each end of the brush roller assembly that are now visible using a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver; if there are tabs at each end as well, push these tabs in prior to removing the screws.
-
5
Pull the brush/roller assembly out of the vacuum cleaner. Shake the brush/roller assembly over the newspaper to dislodge loose dust and other contaminants. Place the assembly aside.
-
6
Aim a flashlight into the compartment that was covered by the brush/roller assembly. Locate the end of the motor shaft inside the compartment -- the motor is across from the fan assembly that is also inside the compartment.
-
7
Grip the end of the fan belt that has slipped off the motor shaft with the jaws of a needle-nose pliers. Pull the end over to the motor shaft. Place the end around the slotted end of the motor shaft. Remove the pliers. Rotate the motor shaft clockwise to seat the belt, using your fingers.
-
8
Place the brush/roller assembly back into the compartment and reattach the screws. Place the cover plate back over the brush/roller assembly and reattach the screws.
-
9
Twist the end of a new dust bag onto the socket on the inside compartment that is covered by the vacuum cleaner's cover. Press the button and reattach the cover. Release the button. Right the vacuum cleaner. Dispose of the newspaper in the trash.
-
1
