Repair help > Canister Vacuum repair > Canister Vacuum repair guides
July 1, 2013

How to replace a vacuum power head cogged drive belt

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a vacuum power head cogged drive belt

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a beater bar cogged drive belt on a canister vacuum's power head, such as the Kenmore PowerMate. The cogged belt meshes with a socket on the beater bar, turning the beater bar when the power head drive motor starts. If the cogged belt is worn or breaks, the beater bar won't turn. Replace a worn or broken cogged drive belt using the manufacturer-approved vacuum part.  This repair procedure also works for common Whirlpool, Panasonic and Miele canister vacuums that use cogged belts. If the drive belt is ribbed instead of cogged, see our repair guide How to Replace a Vacuum Power Head Ribbed Drive Belt.

Quick links
Instructions
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
Flat-blade screwdriver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Remove the wand assembly

    Press the release button on the side of the wand and pull the wand assembly straight up and out of the power brush assembly.

  2. 02.

    Remove the light

    Press the sides of the light cover to release the clips. Remove the cover. Unscrew and remove the light bulb.

    PHOTO: Remove the light cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the light cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the light.

    PHOTO: Remove the light.

  3. 03.

    Remove the power brush cover

    Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2 screws above the light socket.

    Turn the power brush assembly upside down and locate the locking clips in the side of the power brush attachment. Insert a flat-tip screwdriver into each clip to release the cover.

    Pull the cover off the power brush assembly.

    PHOTO: Remove the brush cover screws.

    PHOTO: Remove the brush cover screws.

    PHOTO: Release the locking tab.

    PHOTO: Release the locking tab.

    PHOTO: Remove the brush cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the brush cover.

  4. 04.

    Remove the drive belt

    Lift the brush roll out of the base and remove the belt. 

    PHOTO: Remove the belt.

    PHOTO: Remove the belt.

  5. 05.

    Install the new drive belt

    Install the new belt on the motor pulley and brush roll. Push the brush roll back into the base.

  6. 06.

    Reinstall the cover

    Snap the cover into place, making sure the locking clips completely engage. Replace the screws above the light socket on the top of the power brush assembly.

  7. 07.

    Reinstall the bulb

    Insert the the light bulb and rotate it clockwise to lock it into place. Snap the light cover into the power brush cover.

  8. 08.

    Reinstall the wand assembly

    Push the wand assembly into the receptacle and lock it into place.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.
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Symptoms common to all vacuum cleaners

Choose a symptom to see related vacuum cleaner repairs.

Shuts off during use

Main causes: damaged vacuum hose, clogged motor air filter, bad suction motor
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Won't turn on

Main causes: lack of power, bad power cord, drive motor failure, wiring failure
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Not suctioning well

Main causes: weak suction motor, vacuum bag is full, clog in suction air path, dirty exhaust filter, leaky vacuum hose
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Brush roll not spinning

Main causes: broken drive belt, damaged brush roll, tripped brush roll motor overload, bad brush roll motor, wiring failure
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Repair guides for canister vacuums

July 1, 2013

How to replace a vacuum suction motor

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a vacuum suction motor

The suction motor on a vacuum creates the draw of air at the cleaning head that picks up dirt. If the vacuum won't run, give it a new life by replacing the suction motor. These steps explain how.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
July 1, 2013

How to replace a vacuum beater bar

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a vacuum beater bar

Replace the brush roll if the bristles ares worn or the cylinder is damaged.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
July 1, 2013

How to replace a vacuum power head ribbed drive belt

By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a vacuum power head ribbed drive belt

Some canister vacuums have a ribbed drive belt that spins the brush roll on a power brush attachment. If the brush roll slips, you can replace it using these instructions.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

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