How to Replace a Vacuum Belt

Updated: Feb 16, 2024 7:25 AM
how to replace vacuum belt guide
Difficulty Easy
Steps 3
Time Required 15 minutes
Tools Needed Broomstick, Plastic Gloves, Wire Hanger

When great vacuum cleaner belts wear out, it seems like a daunting task to replace them.

But, with the right tools and a bit of know-how, changing a vacuum belt is a straightforward process.

Replacing a Vacuum Belt: Is it Hard?

It’s not so difficult as it is time-consuming. However, before starting, check if your vacuum’s warranty covers belt replacements or if DIY repairs might void it.

First, you’ll want to gather the tools you need:

  • A screwdriver
  • new belt
  • gloves.

After you’ve gathered everything, follow the steps below:

STEP 1 Disassemble Vacuum’s Brushroll Area

Open the vacuum’s bottom plate to access the belt and brushroll area.

STEP 2 Remove the Old Belt

Take out the old belt and brush roll, then install the new belt, ensuring it’s properly aligned and tensioned.

STEP 3 Put the Vacuum Back Together

Finally, reassemble the vacuum by putting the brush roll and belt back in place and securing the bottom plate.

This is a simple rundown for general vacuum belt replacement. Keep reading for more detailed steps and instructions for specific vacuum cleaners.

Replacing the Vacuum Belt: General Instructions

For those interested in visual instructions on how to replace a belt vacuum, check out the video below.

Vacuum Belt Replacement on A Dyson

STEP 1 Gather the Necessary Tools

Before you start, unplug the unit from the outlet and make sure you have the following:

  • A screwdriver to open the vacuum.
  • A replacement belt, ideally from the original manufacturer.
  • Gloves to protect your hands during the process.

STEP 2 Identify the Right Belt

It’s important to choose the right belt for your vacuum. Using the wrong one will lead to poor cleaning efficiency and vacuum damage.

For this tutorial, the vacuum is the Dyson DC14.

STEP 3 Prepare the Vacuum

Ensure the vacuum is turned off and unplugged.

Position the vacuum with its top facing you for easy access to the brush bar.

STEP 4 Access the Brush Bar

Rotate the three fasteners on the soleplate 90 degrees to the left using a screwdriver.

Gently tilt and remove the soleplate to expose the brush bar.

Distinction between a new belt and a worn-out belt

STEP 5 Remove the Brush Bar

Adjust the squared tabs on the brush bar to point outwards. Carefully lift the belt off the brush bar using a screwdriver, not damaging the belt.

Slide the brush bar to the left and remove it, releasing the belt.

STEP 6 Prepare for Clutch Access

Lay the vacuum face down.

Detach the u-bend pipe by pressing its release button and pulling it out.

Extract the clear hose from the gasket located under the axle on the vacuum’s right side.

STEP 7 Remove Brush-Bar Housing

Pry out the brush-bar housing from its clips.

Pull the housing towards you while keeping the vacuum stationary.

warning

Be aware of the signs that your vacuum belt needs replacing, such as reduced suction, strange noises, or visible wear and tear.

STEP 8 Access the Clutch Belt Cover

Unscrew the three T15 Torx screws securing the clutch belt cover.

Pull the cover towards you to reveal the belt.

STEP 9 Remove the Drive Belt

Shift the belt to the right to detach it from the brush clutch axle.

STEP 10 Detach the Clutch Knob

Identify the two clips with half-moon cutouts inside the clutch knob.

Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the knob and slide it off the clutch.

STEP 11 Extract the Clutch

Use the drive belts as a handle to pull the clutch out of its housing gently.

STEP 12 Access the Motor Pulley

Remove the two T10 Torx screws at the end of the clutch assembly.

Press the retaining tab on the motor pulley with a flat-blade screwdriver and open the housing.

STEP 13 Replace the Motor Drive Belt

Lift the motor drive belt off the pulley. Replace the belt, then reassemble and test the vacuum to ensure it’s working correctly.

Replacing Dyson Vacuum Belt Visual Instructions

Check out the video below for more about replacing a Dyson DC14 vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum Belt Replacement on A Shark Vacuum

STEP 1 Prepare Vacuum Cleaner

Make sure the vacuum is unplugged from any electrical outlet, and collect all the required tools.

STEP 2 Get the Right Belt

Ensure you have the right belt for your vacuum model. You want to avoid damaging it by using the wrong vacuum.

For this tutorial, the vacuum is the Shark Rocket.

STEP 3 Disassemble the Compartment

Open the compartment where the belt is located by unscrewing and taking off the bottom plate.

insider tip

Regularly inspect your vacuum belt for signs of wear and replace it as needed to keep your vacuum running efficiently.

STEP 4 Remove the Old Belt

Carefully remove the worn belt from the brush roll and the motor spindle.

STEP 5 Install New Belt

Position the new belt onto the motor spindle and ensure it fits correctly along the brush roll’s belt tracks.

STEP 6 Ensure Vacuum Works Correctly

Check that the brush roll moves smoothly, then put the vacuum back together by fastening the bottom plate using the screws.

Installing Shark Rocket Vacuum Belt Visual Help

Check out the video below for visual help with installing a vacuum belt for a Shark Rocket

Vacuum Belt Replacement on A Simplicity Vacuum

STEP 1 Power Off and Position the Vacuum

Unplug your Simplicity vacuum cleaner. Set it on a stable, flat surface like a floor or table.

STEP 2 Use the Correct Belt

Select the right belt for your vacuum model. If you use the wrong one, you can damage your vacuum further.

For this tutorial, the vacuum is the Shark Rocket

STEP 3 Access the Bottom Plate

Flip the vacuum over to reveal the bottom plate. Locate two tabs near the back of the roller. Gently pull each tab towards you, one at a time, and then lift the plate off carefully.

STEP 4 Remove the Roller Brush and Old Belt

Take out the roller brush, which will also detach one end of the old belt. Then, remove the other end of the belt from the motor drive shaft. Clean any debris from the roller brush, such as strings or hair.

STEP 5 Install the New Belt

First, loop the new belt around the motor drive shaft pulley. Then, attach it to the brush roller pulley.

STEP 6 Reinsert the Roller Brush

Place the roller brush back into its position at the bottom of the vacuum. Manually rotate the roller brush to check that the belt is securely in place and not twisted.

STEP 7 Test the Vacuum

Turn on the vacuum cleaner to test the new belt. If you detect a burning smell, it indicates that the belt might not be installed correctly. In such a case, redo the steps to ensure proper placement of the belt.

Visual Aid for Updating Belt on A Simplicity Vacuum

Watch the video below to get more help on installing a Simplicity Vacuum belt.

Vacuum Belt Replacement on an Electrolux Vacuum

STEP 1 Identify the Issue

If the motor of your Electrolux vacuum is functioning, but the brush roll isn’t moving, it’s likely due to a broken drive belt.

STEP 2 Turn Off The Power and Setup the Vacuum

Unplug your Electrolux vacuum cleaner. Set it on a stable, flat surface like a floor or table.

STEP 3 Have the Right Belt

Remember to use the right belt for your vacuum model. The wrong belt can impede performance or break your vacuum.

For this tutorial, the vacuum is the Electrolux

STEP 4 Remove the Vacuum Cover

Use a screwdriver to take off the cover, allowing access to the damaged belt.

STEP 5 Install the New Belt

The replacement belt might seem smaller compared to the old one, but this is normal since the old belt has been stretched.

Place the new belt over the motor spindle and loop it around the brushroll.

STEP 6 Reposition the Brushroll

Slide the brushroll back into its original position. Rotate it a few times to ensure the belt is properly aligned and centered.

STEP 7 Reassemble the Vacuum

After adjusting the belt, put the cover back on and secure it with the screws.

Video: How to Install Belt on An Electrolux Vacuum

Check out the video below for visual instructions on installing a vacuum belt on an Electrolux.

Keeping Your Vacuum in Top Shape

Knowing how to replace a vacuum belt is essential for any homeowner.

This simple maintenance task can significantly extend the life of your vacuum cleaner and ensure it performs at its best.

So next time your vacuum belt wears out, and as long as it doesn’t void your warranty, don’t hesitate to replace it yourself.

Christen da Costa Avatar

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