For the Eureka experts: Can the motor in a canister be disassembled in order to grease the bearings? The reason I ask is because my Bradford (Eureka) compact canister is showing symptoms of "Dry Bearing Syndrome", and has sort of a "dry whine" occasionally, that either happens right when I turn it on or when it winds down after I turn it off. I know for a fact this was caused by using the machine with a busted bag in the bag compartment, as I was greeted with a dusty mess when I opened it up for the first time. Something that could have obviously been prevented, of course.
Hi, Austin--Nathan Thomas here. I have worked on some Eureka Vacuums, and depending on the type of motor that is in your machine, it may or may not be serviceable. To find out, I'm presuming your Eureka is small compact canister, like a Mighty-Mite? You will need to dis-assemble your machine. Once you are to the motor unit, the way to tell if it can be serviced is to look at the outside fan housing, if it can be serviced, there is usually a little lip/groove all around the housing. If your motor is rusty, it's probably not worth trying to fix. To service your motor if it does have the rim/groove around it, you'll need a hammer and flat-head screwdriver. Using Sharp Taps, tap all around the housing until the top housing comes off. Next, loosen the nut on the fan. After removing the nut, pull off the top fan, it's a good idea to label it "Top". Next, tap off the bottom housing, and remove the bottom fan, label it "Bottom". To gain access to the bearing compartment, turn your motor upside down with the armature and brushes facing toward you. Remove the Motor Brushes, and loosen the bolt underneath each motor brush. It is generally a long, black bolt. You will need a socket set. After you have removed the two bolts, the armature can be removed. Replacement bearings are usually pretty easy to find. Any bearing supply house should have them. Take the bearing with you so they can match it up. While you have your motor dis-assembled, clean it thoroughly, including the fans, as dirt can pack the fans. I use a small brush, usually an old vacuum cleaner floor brush, or you can use Q-tips. You want the inside of the fans to be clean, that way You'll have top suction. Replace the bearing, if the armature or commutator end of the vacuum motor has a bearing on it, replace it as well. You may need a bearing puller to pull your bearings. I know this sounds like a lot, but working on vacuum motors takes patience. Your patience will be rewarded, as, when re-assembled, your vacuum should run like new! If the motor is not serviceable, it will not have the groove around the fan housings. In that case, It's probably easier to buy a new motor. There is a wholesale vacuum parts place to where you can find motors, it's called "HESCO". Their website is www.hescoinc.com.... Anyway--I hope this will help you. If you need any other help or have questions--Feel free to ask! Have a good day! P.S. Austin--Some of the Newer Style Eureka Mighty Mite Canisters have Torx type screws. Torx Screws' heads are Star Shaped. Torx Wrenches are available at any hardware store. Hope this Helps! Sincerely, Nathan L. Thomas
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