I have a Miele model S248i canister vacuum that I purchased in the mid-1990s. It is in great shape.
However, it now does not turn on every time.
I took it apart and tested all the usual things, such as continuity through the cord, on/off switch, etc. and they are all in perfect shape. I then noticed that one of the carbon brushes was quite rounded at the edge. I dismounted the brush assembly and found that there is less than 1/16 of an inch of carbon left in the spring-loaded carrier.
So, the brush is shot, and is obviously the cause of the problem.
The reason I am posting is that I cannot find any source in this country (USA) that carries replacement brushes for any Miele vacuum cleaner. I have tried to find a generic replacement, and some sites indirectly seem to suggest that Ametek Lamb may have a replacement, but on further inspection, I am certain that the motor in my vacuum cleaner is German-made, and that these non-Miele brushes may not work.
So, if anyone has any clue where I might find a replacement, I'd very much appreciate your help.
Post# 374938 , Reply# 1 7/5/2017 at 20:32 (2,480 days old) by johnmeyer(Carmel, CA)
Since I'm a junior member, I can't edit my post, hence this "reply" to my own post.
I found a local Miele dealer and they had the exact replacement. What's more, the very helpful salesman showed me the "trick" of how you attach the power to the brush housing. I probably would have figured it out eventually, but who knows.
The other brush was in almost as bad shape, so I'm glad I did what is always recommended, and replaced both brushes.
Recently, I had to find carbon brushes for a voltage regulator in a car. Replacing the alternator would have been about $200. I found an old fashioned electric motor repair shop and got an education on carbon brushes. They needed to know if the application was for an AC or DC motor. AC motors use plain carbon brushes. DC motors use carbon brushes with some embedded silver.
In short, I could not find the exact size. The repair guy had the right type, and style. It was just a bit too wide. He said take a file or sandpaper to reduce size to fit the holder. I did that, having no problem with that simple process. I had to solder the leads on, which takes some finesse. So my repair was $16 verses $200.
The picture I attached has the old brushes. Not that daunting of a repair.
Comes to the Rescue!
