Kirby G5 Transmission Question

Well, I was finally able to get one of my most wanted Kirby models; the G5! Got it for $40 off Craislist. The machine's a little grungy but nothing a good buffing won't fix. It's actually one of the more cleaner G series I've ever picked up. However, I am curious as to something I found with the transmission. When the machine is off and you push it forward in netural, it makes a soft clicking noise. Nothing too loud or intense. So, after a little research I took the machine apart to check the amature where the gears engage and they seem to be at an appropriate spacing. Nothing touching or rubbing up against anything. Even flipped the pedals a few times and it seems to engage/disengage just fine. So I put it back together (after blowing out all of the dust) and it seems to operate fine in use. But it's just bothering me for some reason. It only happens when pushing it forward in netural, which perplexes me even more. Pull it backwards and it's quiet as a church mouse. Anyone have any ideas?


Forum Topics & Rules Manuals & Literature	New users Click-here to sign-up

Post# 323013 4/22/2015 at 22:44 (3,284 days old) by DaftBronyG5 (Bellmawr, NJ )
Checkrate/Likes 1 Well, I was finally able to get one of my most wanted Kirby models; the G5! Got it for $40 off Craislist. The machine's a little grungy but nothing a good buffing won't fix. It's actually one of the more cleaner G series I've ever picked up. However, I am curious as to something I found with the transmission. When the machine is off and you push it forward in netural, it makes a soft clicking noise. Nothing too loud or intense. So, after a little research I took the machine apart to check the amature where the gears engage and they seem to be at an appropriate spacing. Nothing touching or rubbing up against anything. Even flipped the pedals a few times and it seems to engage/disengage just fine. So I put it back together (after blowing out all of the dust) and it seems to operate fine in use. But it's just bothering me for some reason. It only happens when pushing it forward in netural, which perplexes me even more. Pull it backwards and it's quiet as a church mouse. Anyone have any ideas?

Post# 323017 , Reply# 1 4/23/2015 at 00:18 (3,284 days old) by oldkirbyman (The Dalles, Or)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *G5 Transmission* First clean the trans axel. Put in new N/D cam. It will be fine. Just cleaning the trans axel may do the trick.But look at the N/D cam lobe for ware. Don't louse the balls out of the axel when you clean IT. If the lobe is worn the gears don't open up so they click as you push the machine across the floor. Replace the cam.

Post# 323059 , Reply# 2 4/23/2015 at 13:50 (3,284 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes I'm having the same issue with my G5. I replaced the bracket cam assembly and that helped somewhat. But pushing it around in neutral, it sounds like a fishing reel when the drag's being pulled. I can't complain about its performance, though.

Post# 323066 , Reply# 3 4/23/2015 at 14:48 (3,284 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)
Checkrate/Likes Is the Bracket Cam assy the same thing as the N/D cam?

Post# 323080 , Reply# 4 4/23/2015 at 17:16 (3,284 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes *Not sure* I'm not sure. the bracket cam assembly is the metal plate that goes between the n/d pedal and the gears that engage and disengage the transmission. For reference, I've included the photo from the eBay auction where I bought mine. The cam may be on the inside end of the N/D pedal's shaft. It engages with the little arm at the top of the photo to move it on its pivot so the other end of the arm engages or disengages the gears. View Full Size

Post# 323084 , Reply# 5 4/23/2015 at 18:08 (3,284 days old) by sptyks (Skowhegan, Maine)
Checkrate/Likes Human, thanks for the photo and in depth description.

Post# 323108 , Reply# 6 4/23/2015 at 22:00 (3,283 days old) by oldkirbyman (The Dalles, Or)
Checkrate/Likes *G5 trans* If you still have noise after new N/D cam. Clean and Service--- Remove axel clean gears--- ball holes in axel--- file ruff edges around holes so gears slide easily over holes. ( Don't lose the balls ) lightly lube the axel and put it back together. I put a little grease on top of the cam arm so it lubes the shift arm and gear slot. Gives you less wear on cam arm and gear. Spray axel bushings and N/D Cam with Silicone lube. Should be good.---If not--In rare cases the shift gear will have to much wear and won't let the gears open up enough. But that's rare. A good Clean & Service a new N/D Cam should take care of your problem-----Greg---PS If that doesn't do it ---take it to a good vac shop.