Complete Kirby Disassembly, (Help Topic)

[vac_whisperer]

Hey! Well, I am disassembling my Tradition, (BTW, this is the longest Ive ever been working on a vacuum). I have Removed the bag from the emptor and emptor from the machine. Now, Ho would you disassemble the rest? I need to take EVERYTHING (Even the trim+belt lifter) apart so I can clean and fix everything. And, I need access to the rear bearings. So if you could give me a walk through, (Pictures would be great, but, as always, everything is appreciated!) Thanks!

 


VW

 

[eurekastar]

Everything else pretty much comes apart with a Phillips head screwdriver with one exception.  To remove the fan, you'll need a special armature locking tool which locks the armature in place while you spin the fan off.  You'll need to get that tool from a007kirbyman.  They are very cheap.  You'll also need to get a bearing puller to remove the rear bearing.  You can get that from him too.  In addition, if you plan to replace the front bearing, you'll need a special pair of pliers to remove the retaining ring.  Just about everything else requires only a Phillips screwdriver.  Do you have a fairly decent level of mechanical expertise? 

 

[vac_whisperer]

Sure, Im pretty good with just about anything mechanical. And, how would you remove the belt lifter and trim? And, cant you use an ordinary ice pick or the armature-locking tool?


 


VW

 

[eurekastar]

That hole you're thinking of was only used up through the 1-CR.  After that, Kirby started making a special locking tool.  I've attached a link so you can see what it looks like.  It's been a while since I've worked on a Tradition belt lifter, but as I recall, there is a triangular clip on the inside that you'll need to remove.  It comes off with a flat blade screwdriver or maybe even a pair of needle nose pliers. 



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180637458525#vi-content

 

[vac_whisperer]

Thanks Bill!


 


VW

 

[jfalberti]

Tradition Belt Lifter

as well as the Classic III are a PITA. They have the Visa-Belt lens in them that often got melted and had to be replaced. I found it best (for me) not to take it apart unless I absolutely had to.

 

[jayelux]

Melted Visi-Belt

Is there an easy repair for a melted window? Don't need anything elegant--just want to seal it. Thanks for any advice.
Jay

 

[pr-21]

Clear Lens

This should help, he has 3 left and probably could get more. He has other listing for the clear lens as well.


 


 


Bud

[this post was last edited: 4/18/2011-00:07]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kirby-3CB-Tradi...294?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0faf7c4e

 

[eurekastar]

The Visi-Belt lens on the Tradition is held in place by a small spring clip on the inside of the belt lifter.  You might be able to get at it without removing the belt lifter (if you can see it!).  Otherwise, if have to remove the belt lifter, the clip is easy to get at. 

 

[jayelux]

Thanks!

Thanks to both of you for the good advice. I'll buy the lens, then see about replacing it.
Thanks again. Sorry for my tardy reply.
Jay

 

[kirbykid63]

I have a rebuild video

I have been rebuilding kirby motors for over eleven years now and I made a step by step instruction video on this process. if interested email me at [email protected] or call me at 520-260-1364 perhaps I can help.

Richard Groski
new2youvacuums on ebay

 

[jayelux]

Kirby Vis-A-Belt

Got the new window in the mail today. That little plastic disk was tricky to replace, especially with my fat fingers. It took a few minutes to figure out how the spring held it in place, but I am happy to have it all working well again. Thanks for the advice.
Jay

 

[eurekastar]

Good job!  Were you able to get at it without removing the belt lifter? 

 

[jayelux]

Belt Lifter

I did it without removing the belt lifter. Actually, that scared me a bit. I didn't think I'd ever get it back together if I had to take the belt lifter apart. So, I just kept trying different ways of partially attaching the spring and working the lens around it. When I finally got the lens in place, I attached the rest of the spring. Doubt I could do it again. There was a lot of luck involved.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

How to Take Care of the Vis-A-Belt Window

How would one assume proper care of the Vis-A-Belt window so that it does not warp?

~Ben