One of the most straightforward central vacuum repairs is the replacement of the power unit’s motor. In some cases, the vacuum motor may start to lose suction over time as the unit ages. In other situations, dirt or debris has managed to enter the motor chamber and caused the unit to fail abruptly. Whatever the circumstance, replacing a central vacuum motor is both straightforward and easily handled without a professional (as long as you don’t mind getting dirty.)

Step 1: Changing Your Central Vacuum Motor

The first thing you must address before changing your central vacuum power unit is assessing whether or not it’s worth it. Key questions to ask yourself before replacement include:

• How dirty are you ready to get?
• Will motor replacement affect your vacuum’s warranty?
• Are you willing to enter the 21st century of central vacuums?
• Do you wish you were Greener?
• Do you require more suction?
• Is it a wise idea?
• What’s the state of the rest of your system?

Step 2: Changing Your Central Vacuum Motor

If you still choose to replace your central vacuum motor, your first step is to find the correct replacement motor. This is extremely easy using this Central Vacuum Motor Finder tool. You choose your central vacuum power unit brand and model from the drop-down menus, and you’re automatically taken to the correct replacement motor page for your vacuum.

After you’ve found, ordered, and received your central vacuum power unit’s spare motor, the real work starts! While central vacuum motors differ in some aspects, replacing them is pretty uniform across brands and models.

1. Remove the lid or access door – Many units have two or three screws that hold the cover or door in place. Just unscrew the lid from the power unit body and remove it. Other models will feature springs, filters, or foam around the motor. Be sure to remove those items too. If helpful, take a photo to enable you to remember how it was initially assembled.
2. Disconnect the existing motor – Many motors feature three or four wires attached to the power unit’s relay. We suggest our novice DIY clients use their phones to take a picture of the existing wiring before disconnecting. Then, when it comes time to connect the new motor, you can effortlessly replicate the original.
3. Link the new motor – It’s as easy as dropping the new motor in and duplicating the same wiring. Attach the ground wire and additional wires as before.
4. Change any padding and screw on the lid/door.
5. Join any springs and replace any foam or filters as they were. Finally, screw the lid back into place, and you’re done!

References and Resources

• Vacuum Cleaner Suction