how to replace cogged drive belt on gen 3?

Hello,

We actually have a video with detailed instructions for you to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At7tqnjD-Kc

If you are in need of a belt you can always order one at GoVacuum.com. Here is a direct link to the Kirby belt: http://www.govacuum.com/7157-Genuine-Kirby-Vacuum-Cleaner-Belt-Kirby-Part-301291A.aspx

Update:
Hi Fred,

I apologize for the previous answer, I think that he misunderstood your question. The cogged belt on the Kirby G3 is what drives the motor, and I have to say is very rare to go bad. Have you been able to take the machine apart to inspect this belt? Did it break completely, or are any of the teeth on the belt missing?

What happens sometimes is that the Kirby's Carbon Brushes 107189A will wear down to a point that causes the motor to seize up, which would then prevent the belt, and gear from spinning, causing the belt to break, or strip.

You may want to inspect the carbon brushes, as well as the Motor Armature of the machine (it should be completely smooth with no scratches or grooves) to ensure there's no damage done to either of these parts.

Once you've ensured these parts are in good shape, you'll need to purchase a new Kirby Generation Cogged or Geared Motor Drive Belt, Part 554189S (we can order this for you, and will have it added to the site tomorrow).

Once you have the new belt, you'll need to dismantle the machine to access the motor and gear. We have a video that shows how to replace the Kirby Generation Impeller Suction Fan 119096S that will show you how to take apart the Kirby to get to these parts.

Once you have the machine opened, and can see the Belt and Gear that it wraps around, you'll need to remove the transmission from the vacuum in order to loosen the belt from the gear.

Simply turn the machine upside down and remove three screws on the back of the machine towards the Neutral and Drive pedal. DO NOT REMOVE THE SCREW DIRECTLY BELOW THE PEDAL! Only the three screws that are in a triangular shape position. Make sure the Power Drive Pedal is in the Drive setting, and the transmission will fall down out of the housing.

Wrap the new belt around the motor Gear first, and then wrap it around the Gear on the transmission. After you have the belt on both gears, push the transmission back into the vacuum which will tighten the belt to it's correct tension.

I will be more then happy to shoot a video showing you exactly how this is done if you'd like me to. Just add a comment to this page if you would like a video tutorial done, and I'll get it posted tomorrow for you.

If you have any questions, or need to purchase a new belt, or Carbon brush, or Gear, please feel free to email me, and I'll happily take care of it for you.

Thanks for your question, I hope this answer helps you fix your Kirby a little better then the first one.

Thanks again,

Chris Jones
GoVacuum.com
chris.jones@govacuum.com
1-866-468-2288 ext 112

You're correct the wheels can wear down. It could also be the belt, the power drive assembly, or the handle bail latch. The one safe bet is to replace the entire power drive assembly. http://www.govacuum.com/7940-Kirby-Generation-3-Transmission-Kirby-Part-552389G.aspx If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.

Hi Fred,

No problem, I certainly have heard complaints from users (usually women) of the Kirby's weight being to heavy. It could be that your carbon brushes are worn down also, which would slow down the power drive as well, and you may be able to replace just the brushes, but if you have a G3, it's probably close to 25 years old now, and reaching it's life expectancy. We do sell many different brands of vacuums, from $69 to over $1000, we'd be more then happy to make a personalized recommendation for you if you're thinking about buying a new one. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email if you're interested.

Thanks again for your participation in askgovacuum!

Hi Fred,

I just wanted to give you one other option which may help fix your Kirby (for cheaper then buying a new vacuum), which would be to try and replace the rear wheels themselves. These wheels have a rubber outer coating which can wear, especially if the vacuum is used on bare floors frequently.

Sometimes you can just replace the wheels themselves, and not the entire power drive and this will fix your problem. If you look at your existing rear wheels, they should be completely smooth. If they aren't, and the rubber has worn down, and / or is missing some of the tread, then it couldn't hurt just to replace the wheel itself and see if that fixes the problem.

Here's a link to the Kirby Generation 3 Rear Wheel Assembly Part 556299

To replace this part, simply take a flat head screw driver and pry the plastic hubcap off of the wheel (the new replacement wheel doesn't include the hubcap), which will expose the wheel shaft, and a small little C-clip which holds the wheel in place. Use a pair of needle nose pliers and remove the c-clamp from the wheel shaft, which then will allow you to slide the old wheel off. You'll notice that the wheel shaft has a flat side and is not perfectly circular, just line up the new wheel using this flat side as your guide, and slide the wheel on, replace the c-clamp, and snap the hubcap back on.

If this still doesn't fix your problem, no problem, you can return the wheels to us within 60 days for a full 100% refund, and use the pre-paid return shipping label back and not have to pay for returning the wheels, and we can start checking into a new vacuum for you!

If your wife really doesn't like the Kirby however, and you've decided just to get a new vacuum, we'd be pleased to help you pick out a vacuum suited specifically for your cleaning needs and budget.

Let us know if we can help you any further. Thanks again.