Hoover SteamVac and Vax: Brushes Stop Spinning – $10 Fix
Hoover SteamVac and Vax: Brushes Stop Spinning - $10 Fix My Hoover SteamVac Brushes are Frozen and I Can't Let it Go
The problem:
The old Hoover SteamVac gives me grief AGAIN!
My Hoover SteamVac Dual V carpet cleaner tank had serious leaks and the valves dripped onto and into the machine. As a result, the Power Scrub carpet brushes stopped spinning and froze up due to a rusted, seized bearing in the brush motor. The Vax Dual V and All Terrain also seem to share this problem.
I checked to see if a clogged inline filter had caused the brushes to stop, but the filter was sparkly clean. The brush switch was working properly, so I determined the problem was in the brush motor itself.
Fixing this usually requires a new brush motor assembly, and the expensive parts are becoming harder to find. More than that, I was simply tired of spending money on this machine.
I decided to give fixing it one more try before dragging the cleaner to the curb. It was DIY or death for the SteamVac this time!
Hmm… I wonder how I can tell which one is old, and which is new…
The solution:
I ordered a 10-pack of bearings for under $10 and replaced the bad one in the brush motor assembly. Taking it apart and putting in a new bearing is not too difficult, and it takes about a half hour.
The video below will walk you through the project step by step, and a link to the bearing I used is below.
It worked beautifully and kept the SteamVac alive to see another day. Being able to finally clean the carpets certainly eased the friction around here!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission on items bought using them. These are the same recommendations I would make regardless of any compensation. For products that I have older versions of, I recommend the items that I would replace them with if I were buying them new.
Resources for Hoover SteamVac and Vax: Brushes Stop Spinning
PGN – R4-2RS Sealed Bearing – 1/4″x5/8″x0.196″ – Lubricated – Chrome Steel (10 Pieces)
From Amazon
Make sure to use these specifications for your bearings
WD-40 Multi-Use Lubricant
From Amazon
Used as a rust penetrant, but not as a long-lasting oil
3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil
From Amazon
This is the long-lasting oil