How to Repair a Vacuum Motor

The vacuum motor is what keeps the device going. Although the motor doesn't easily get broken, there are a few possibilities that may need to be checked in order to get the machine going again. Here are some common repair solutions.

Step 1 - Be Familiar With the Vacuum Cleaner

Be certain to have read the user manual and the troubleshooting guide before attempting any repair actions, such as opening the vacuum cleaner and exposing its internal parts. This is recommended for safety purposes.

Step 2 - Troubleshooting Common Problems

Some of the problems that do cause the vacuum motor to stop functioning include power failure, wire damage, blown fuse, or overheating. Check if the home has power by turning on the lights or any other electrical appliance. Make sure that the plug is connected to a power outlet. Inspect the wire for any type of damage. If the wire does not have any visible damage, remove the wire from the machine and test it using an ohmmeter. If the reading is infinite, replace the wire with a new one.

Checking for a blown fuse requires removing some parts of the vacuum cleaner. In order to do this, unplug the machine and check the machine’s schematics to locate the fuse. Remove the fuse from its slot and check if it has black flashes inside it. If it does, replace it with a new one.

Sometimes, the problem may be caused by overheating. Unplug the machine and wait for 30 minutes before turning it on again. If any of the above steps do not solve the problem, then the problem may be caused by damaged internal motor parts.

Step 3 - Check the Fan and the Brushes

The most common way to detect damage in the motor fans and brushes is by listening to the sound and vibration. An uncommonly loud sound coming from the motor can be a warning that the fan is damaged and needs replacing. To check, remove the screws securing the motor to the body of the machine. Visually inspect for any sign of damage. If the fan is damaged, remove it from the motor and buy a replacement.

Another common problem is the brush itself, or more specifically, a broken bearing in the brush roller. When such damage is spotted, remove the entire brush and replace it with a new one. If the brush cannot be removed from the vacuum, then it is time to buy a new vacuum instead. In other cases, if the brush and the fan are broken, replace the entire motor.

Step 4 - Opting to Repair or to Buy

Old vacuum cleaners that do have rusty or broken motor parts may be better off at a junk yard. Not all vacuum cleaners can be repaired effectively by replacing the damaged parts. Sometimes, it is best to buy a new vacuum cleaner instead. Make sure to check if the manufacturer provides a warranty.