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| Author |
Message |
jep
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vacuum cleaner repair?
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Dec 7 00:18 UTC 2003 |
I have a moderately old Hoover upright vacuum cleaner. It hasn't been
working well at all, I decided today to try to deal with it, and in
the process, discovered it's possible for an Ordinary Person to
replace the belt that makes the agitator brush go around. (I never
knew.)
When I started the vacuum again, the belt promptly broke.
Investigating further, I believe the agitator brush itself needs to be
replaced.
My vacuum's manual is on-line in PDF format, and so I was able to find
the part number for the agitator brush. (48414-032 or -033).
However, Hoover doesn't make it any more. It's not listed on the WWW
anywhere. I even tried eBay but no luck.
There are a lot of similar-sounding agitator brush part numbers. It's
possible another would work fine. But I don't know how I would be
able to tell from an on-line catalog listing.
Anyone have experience fixing vacuums? Are there stores in the area
that sell such things as agitator brushes, and to which I could take
my old brush and get them to confirm I am getting the right
replacement?
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| 46 responses total. |
gelinas
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response 1 of 46:
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Dec 7 01:33 UTC 2003 |
The name that comes immediately to mind is Ann Arbor Vacuum, on Packard
near Carpenter. There is also a vacuum-repair place on Jackson, east of
Zeeb, next to the Viking Sewing Center. I've never done business with
either of them, though.
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jep
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response 2 of 46:
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Dec 7 02:45 UTC 2003 |
Thanks! I'll call them.
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keesan
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response 3 of 46:
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Dec 7 02:47 UTC 2003 |
Jim has fixed dozens of curbside vacuum cleaners. It may have long threads
wound around the bushings (ends of the roller) that prevent it from turning
and make the belts break. Make sure it turns freely by hand before putting
on another belt. Remove it and clean it first. You might need a saw blade
to cut the threads. We will pick up the next vacuum cleaner we see while out
walking if you like. The last order got filled in 24 hours. Or bring it by
along with the printer. Maybe in two weeks.
How do I link this to DIY? I keep forgetting.
Jim says why would you want to use a vacuum repair place. Don't they charge
you money? That's why god made grex, so you could learn to do it yourself.
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jep
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response 4 of 46:
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Dec 7 02:59 UTC 2003 |
Sindi, I thought of you almost immediately. (-: I am not sure I want
to wait two weeks before I vacuum my floor, though, with Christmas
coming up so soon. Maybe I can get by with my unpowered push sweeper.
There were indeed threads around one end of the roller, and much
collected debris. I cleaned it out, and used some graphite lubricant
I had available, and tested the brush. It spun briefly and then stuck
again. I think it has broken the 2nd belt by now. I'm convinced the
brush and roller cannot be fixed, but the vacuum should be fine if I
can get a replacement.
I'm not very mechanical, so I take on projects like this rather
reluctantly. However, vacuums are pretty simple machines; simpler
than a bicycle for example. Simpler than a computer from an end-user
repair point of view. I know a lot about mine at this point and it
didn't take me long at all.
How necessary is the brush, anyway? Surely the vacuum will do *some*
cleaning if used without that part working.
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