How to Replace the Rubber Belt on a Sweeper or Vacuum

The rubber belt on a vacuum, also called a sweeper in some parts of the country, is used around the brush spindle to make it spin as the vacuum is used. If the brush unit becomes clogged, the belt with burnout trying to force it to spin. When this happens, you will have to replace the belt in order to use the sweeper again.

A replacement belt is fairly inexpensive, with a cost of about $7 per 3-pack. Installing it isn't as simple as buying the belt, but is easy enough for anyone with a screwdriver to do.

Step 1

Unplug the vacuum from the wall. Lay it flat on the floor, and rotate it so that the brush on the bottom is exposed. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the four-seven screws on the bottom. On some sweepers, the plastic plate will remove after this; on others, you will also need to press down or pull up on a couple of plastic clips.

Step 2

Once you have the faceplate removed, lift the brush spindle out of the unit. The belt is threaded over either left or the right side of this, depending on the brand. You can tell where the belt goes because that part of the spindle is smooth and slightly recessed.

Step 3

Remove the old belt. Wrap the new belt around the motor pulley inside the vacuum bottom, then around the end of the brush spindle. When it is in place, tug the brush unit firmly and press it back into place-the new belt is tight, so this may be difficult.

Step 4

Replace the plastic faceplate and screw it back into place with the screws you removed in 'step 1'. Lift the sweeper back into its normal position, plug it in, and turn it on. If you hear a squealing sound, immediately shut it off; the belt is not on correctly. If it appears to run find, but you then smell burning rubber, then the brush spindle is not in place correctly, or is still jammed. Un-jam it and reseat it in the unit before it ruins the new belt.

If you experience neither of these symptoms, the belt is probably on fine, though you should keep an eye on it for a few uses.