What did I do to my vacuum? Can I fix it myself?

Question

I was hastily vacuuming my apartment, when I accidentally jammed the stupid thing on a door frame. After that, the pitch of the motor changed, it became harder to push, & it seemed to just move floor gunk (cat hair tufts, loose pieces of carpet, etc) around instead of picking it up. Also, it started emitting a burning smell. From what I can tell, the spinning brush in the front has become jammed & has stopped freely spinning. I can't see how I can get it unjammed. And again, that's just my best guess as to why it's suddenly not working. I've checked all the tubes & they still seem to be connected. Any ideas, folks?

Answer 1

First, unplug the vacuum., remove any cover on the underside of the unit, and take a look. Exactly how you get at something may vary slightly from machine to machine, but the basics are the same.
Check the belt driving the brush roller, it may have broke, or jumped out of its track. Something may have wedged itself in the belt. Clear it out, get the belt back where it belongs. Replace the belt if it is too loose.
Check the hose and air passage for obstructions. Or the dustbag may be full. Either way the suction won't be there.
The fan may have loosened on the motor shaft, or something may have become wedged in the fan, preventing it from turning. Clear any blockage. There should be a screw or nut where you can tighten the fan back up.

If all else fails, take the vacuum to the local repair shop. They can get it back in running order for a lot cheaper than the price of even a used machine.

Answer 2

Have to go along with "cycle" lady, check the belt, while the machine is running slowly lift the front and look to see if the belt is turning, if not, follow directions in the book for changing the belt. It may be stamped on the machine also, underneath.

Usually there's a few Phillips screws and then then cover pops off and the belt is in view. You have to either put on a new belt, usually one comes with the cleaner or go buy one, don't forget to write down the make and model. Then replace the belt, again the directions are usually on the machine.

Answer 3

First, get some tools. See if there is some string, hair, wire wrapped around the beater brush. If yes, cut it and pull it out.
Second, very carefully take apart the beater brush. See if the
belt is out of whack. Push it back into placeif you can. Then try vacuum again.
Third - call a handy friend, or a repairman!

Answer 4

Check the brush on the bottom. There is a belt on most of them. Sounds like the belt may have broken, and ned to be replaced.

break the belt, the brush won't rotate, and the vacuum won't pick up stuff very good.

Answer 5

what you need to do is take the cover off the bottom of the vac and put the brush back in its proper place...it probably come out of its guides and the burning smell is the belt going around the brushe without the brush turning...it will break the belt if you contuine trying to use it...

Answer 6

Maybe the belt that turns the brush came off or broke. I had a Dirt Devil vacuum that used to do that all of the time. Maybe your vacuum just sucks?

Answer 7

if there's a burning smell, it sounds like you broke the belt that turns the barrel. or, maybe you just knocked it out of whack. my vacuum has a reset button on the top...so look for a reset button, or take the vacuum head apart and replace the belt...

Answer 8

it might help to describe the brand of vacuum. perhaps banging it on all sides, accept for the front, (if thats where you jammed it)

Answer 9

possibly a belt.......... start taking the thing apart and see what you find!