How To Replace Central Vacuum Motor? 6 Steps Guide

If you want to save a lot of money, you might consider replacing your central vacuum motor instead of replacing the entire vacuum unit. By doing this, you can greatly increase the vacuum’s efficiency.

How to replace central vacuum motor?

Folks, don’t worry! The following article offers tips and tricks to simplify the central vacuum motor replacement process and walks you through each step-in detail. This task may take an hour or less to complete.

Step-By-Step Guide To Replacing Central Vacuum Motors

To Make A Replacement Motor, You Will Need:

  • Replacement motor
  • Screwdriver
  • Wire nuts
  • Socket set
  • Pliers
  • Wire strippers

1. Purchasing A New Vacuum Motor

If quality is important to you, you should purchase replacement parts directly from the manufacturer. You can purchase quality parts from the original retailer or on the Internet. There are a variety of brands to choose from, such as Imperium, VacuMaid, and Beam.

2. Disconnect The Power Source And Remove The Cover

Please turn off the house circuit breaker or unplug the vacuum unit’s cord from the wall so that no power is going to it.

There are usually one to three screws on the side of a motor on the bottom. To reach the motor, remove the top cover of the unit. Also, you should remove the components following your manual.

3. Motor Detachment

Motors have two or three wires that connect to relays, mini breakers, or other wires. Disconnect the motor wire from these devices. There may be a difference in the connection between the new and old motors.

Depending on the case, keeping the motor attached to the component and cutting the wire might be easier. After this, you can tie a wire nut to the new wire from the new motor.

A motor is typically held down with two to three bolts, screws, or springs. Additionally, there is a gasket on every motor. You can reuse a thick gasket that separates from the motor; if it is thick, a replacement is probably unavailable. We suggest that buy a new gasket if yours is thin.

Different brands have different sizes of hex heads. Take the fasteners out carefully and loosen them. (Vacuflo will come with a larger hex head.) You can use a metal lubricant like W-40 to make the fasteners easier to unscrew if the screws are too difficult to remove.

how to test a central vacuum motor

4. Install The New Motor

To maintain a seal, the new motor must sit on a gasket. Then mount the motor and attach the gasket to it. Install the new motor carefully without overtightening it. Remove anything attached to the exhaust horn if the motor has one. In case the motor coupling cannot be salvaged, buy another one.

Hook the new motor to the bracket in the same manner. Ensure that the motor is connected to the relay. In the meantime, make sure the motor is functioning properly.

You can inspect the brushes to determine if the motor is working. You will find the brushes on the opposite side of the motor body. Make sure that the brushes appear to be in good condition.

If damage is discovered on the brushes, then it is time to replace them. Make sure you get the right parts from the right manufacturer. A spring-loaded system is used to attach the brushes. As soon as the brushes jump, you know the motor is disconnected. Reattach the brushes and make sure they are all inserted well.

5. Connecting The New Motor

Generally, vacuum motors are neutral-polarized, which means you can connect the white wire to either the black or white wire (depending on the old or new motor). As a result, if the motor wires are switched, nothing will go wrong. It would be best if you reconnected the motor wires as it is.

If you do not have the proper ends, splice the new wires together with a wire nut. You may often find a green ground wire on the vacuum tank metal or some motors.

To ensure the motor gasket is in perfect condition, check it while performing this step. Ensure the motor gasket has no tears or damage to the protective screen.

6. How To Test A Central Vacuum Motor

You should test the motor once it’s been installed. Put everything back together, and plug the motor into power. You can test it by switching on and off the unit. Activate the motor by resupplying power.

During operation, check the exhaust. Whenever it is working properly, you can feel a slight breeze. You probably need to check your motor seal and gasket if the exhaust air is excessive. Examine the vacuum motor carefully to prevent electrocution.

Ensure the vacuum is properly and securely mounted on the wall after being removed. It is not important which wire is connected to which connection, just that the low voltage wire is connected properly.

5 Best Central Vacuum Motors

NameBlower StagesCFMAirWattsVoltage (volt)Weight (pound)Link (Amazon)
Ametek 116765 Lamb Central Vacuum Motor3954651206.75Check Prices
Ametek Lamb Vacuum Blower Motor 1163922972481205.54Check Prices
Ametek 120V Vacuum Motor2942741200.03Check Prices
EUREKA Central Vacuum 116765 Motor3954651201Check Prices
New Ametek Lamb Vacuum Motor 1175492115.84951209Check Prices

Final Words

Central vacuum motors contribute to longer appliance lifespans. The central vacuum motor may require replacement if it starts to behave abnormally. A good thing about central vacuum motors is that they are designed and shaped similarly across different brands and operate roughly the same way.

The motor needs to be replaced correctly; otherwise, it may cause more harm than good. By reading this instruction on how to replace central vacuum motor carefully, I hope you can complete it easily and effortlessly.

Related Post: How To Unclog Central Vacuum Pipes

Central Vacuum Motor Replacement (FAQs)

How Do I Know If My Central Vacuum Motor Is Bad?

1. If your vacuum motor has a strong odor coming from the shellac coating of the copper coil windings, it could be damaged or burned out.
2. You can still run the motor until it fails. It can turn on and off by itself while it is heating and cooling. If this is the case, you may have to replace the entire circuit board or the mini-breaker.
3. If there is no odor, turn on the vacuum to check the motor. Blue sparks suggest a motor brush problem.

How Long Do Central Vacuum Motors Last?

An average central vacuum motor lasts between 800 to 1100 hours. If the motor is less than 800 hours old or activates upon jolting the canister. You can extend the life of the motor by replacing the carbon brushes with new ones.

How Much Does A Central Vacuum Motor Cost?

Since replacing your central vacuum motor is a DIY project, you may think it’s a “free” option. However, you have to spend some money to buy a new motor. New central vacuum motors range from $70 to $150.

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