Electrolux upright

[rugsucker]

--wheels--

For rear wheels you must remove them after taking off base cover and lifting lower body away from base.Then clean and lube with small amount of grease,vaseline,etc.For front rollers lift axles with side of flat screwdriver,clean possible strings/debris,clean axles and lube with small amount of oil.If metal axles have a groove worn into them turn over so rollers will have a new surface to ride on.

 

[human]

Another maintenance tip: When I took my Genesis LXe in for its recall handle swap to get rid of the 'ponytail' cord, the Aerus tech told me to keep a dab of petroleum jelly on the two spots at the top of the base where it comes in contact with the upper tank to keep it in the upright position for storage. Those spots need a little lubrication to prevent them from binding and possibly breaking something when you pull the handle down into its operating position. We are dealing with 30-year-old plastic, after all. It doesn't have to be done very often but when it starts to get a bit stiff, it's time for some fresh lube.

FYI on the Genesis and other models with the 'ponytail' recall: Aerus is still honoring that recall at no charge but the handle they put on probably won't match your machine. Mine is dove gray and doesn't match the machine's slate blue and putty gray color scheme (see photo). Also, it has a three position rocker switch instead of the older style sliding switch and it doesn't work as well. More often than not, the machine won't turn on if I move the switch just one click from the 'off' position to the 'I' (suction only) position. I have to go another click to the 'II' (suction and brushroll) position and then back to the 'I' position if I don't want to use the brush roll. It annoys me because the original switch on the 'ponytail' handle worked perfectly. I kind of regret having the repair done as mine didn't have the damage that prompted the recall. Apparently some people would use the cord as an extension of the handle (push the machine forward, let go of the handle to allow it to roll a little farther, then pull it back by the cord). Over time, this would cause damage to the cord where it joined the handle, leaving exposed wires for a shock hazard. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have just kept the original handle, especially since it took the better part of half a day to drive the 100-mile round trip to the nearest Aerus dealer. I found it asinine that the company wouldn't just send the part directly to me. The handle and cord assembly only requires rudimentary screwdriver skills to swap.

The photo below shows the new handle on my Genesis LXe, which has the cord coming into the bottom of the hand grip and the upper cord cleat mounted about midway up the handle shaft, approximately where the little screw hole is on the original poster's handle. That's why I suggested may have been swapped out at some point, whether for the recall or some other reason.

 

[rugsucker]

Electrolux upright

Good advice above.Handle should lock securely in storage position and pull back easily to use.
Good theory that something on the handle assembly has been changed.But the rotating cord hook in reply 20 would only have 2 small holes for fasteners that lock in place with push pins.

 

[luxkid1980]

Edgar,

Regarding your switch, I wonder if cleaning the contacts on the switch would allow it to start working again. Than was the issue with the RS I picked up. Cleaning it with a few sprays of Deoxit fixed the switch. Although, yours could be an electrical issue. Did you try replacing the switch?

The older style cords which plug into the bulkhead seem more robust (maybe less wear and tear). I prefer that to the type that exit out of the upper handle.

 

[paul]

You're welcome for the info, Jason. As before, I yield to Jimmy's experience and knowledge; but the former Aerus guy I know suggested Tri-Flow, so I've been using that along with grease and pj.


Thanks for the info & instructions for lubricating the wheel axles, Jimmy.

________


Re: Reply 20

" ... the Aerus tech told me to keep a dab of petroleum jelly on the two spots at the top of the base where it comes in contact with the upper tank ... "

The metal catches are called 'detents' (see number 7 in my tips in reply 17). Keeping them greased really improves their performance!


Edgar,
It's good to know that Aerus will still honor the replacement of the ponytail handle, but I agree with you about keeping it. I think mine is pretty safe with the cable tie and don't see the need for replacement; especially since the new color wouldn't match.

 

[luxkid1980]

So, I went by the local Aerus store today and picked up a new brushroll, belt and the cord holder. I understood they would be more expensive than online stores when it comes to parts, but I didn't realize brushrolls were $50. I would rather support a local store but that was a lot to swallow! Can franchises charge whatever they want for parts or does that seem in line with what other Aerus stores would charge?

 

[paul]

That's not right. I bought a couple of the double-helix style on eBay about a year ago for under $20 apiece. The thing is, Aerus outsources all its products anyway; there is no OEM product anymore. So why the price gouging? Because many have no clue; including some who sell Aerus products.

One of Aerus's problems is the franchise system that replaced corporate-owned branch offices about 20 years ago. According to those familiar with the old arrangement, everything had a fixed price. Since the new system, though, each franchise or independent contractor can set its/their own prices. There may be guidelines but that's it.

Further, Aerus associates are not typically interested in making customers happy, but just selling new products. I get that to a point, but today's popular consumer mindset is to throw away and buy new anyway; so the small percentage of us who want to fix and keep is not going to put them out of business. But their lack of customer satisfaction will.

I've contacted more than a few franchisees who want to do all the talking and are put out if I ask for NLA new or used parts even if they're just sitting around waiting for the phone to ring (I could understand if I were interrupting sales transactions or busy schedules). They also don't like accommodating color requests; for instance seeing nothing wrong with putting a black cord cleat on a fog-colored handle.

Of course, there are some out there who price their items competitively and fair and who do their best to ensure that customers are so happy that they will come back and recommend them to friends and family.

Sorry you didn't find that type.

 

[luxkid1980]

Well, the folks in the Aerus store here are generally nice, but are also quick to tell you this or that about your "old" vacuum. They mostly want to sell you a new machine, and I understand that to a degree. They are in business after all to make money. They did have a genuine Aerus cord cleat, but it was white instead of the original blue, which I'm sure is no longer manufactured. What is interesting though is that they charged $10 for the cord cleat, which is much cheaper than the online stores wanted. Just the brushroll was pricey. After they realized I wasn't there to buy a new cleaner, they didn't pressure me any further and were happy to sell me the parts. They did offer to install them but I declined since it is a simple task I can do myself.

It was worth going into the store though to see a fully restored Electrolux CB vacuum sitting in the corner! And they have about every single Electrolux model ever made on display!

 

[paul]

I'm glad you had a pleasant experience with the Aerus associates. Many are, indeed, nice but mercenary nonetheless. Have you thought about painting your white cleat with paint formulated for plastic?

Aerus would do well to return to a universal, standard pricing system. In addition, the company would benefit as a whole if it developed a shared database of NLA stock to which each franchise would contribute and have access, to better accommodate customers who desire them.

One of the Aerus franchisees I dealt with did go the extra mile for me, when I was looking for such a part. He bought it from another franchisee and sold it to me with the shipping charge. So two franchisees and the customer were all winners, and an item that was just sitting on a shelf collecting dust is now being put to use. Also, I've given the franchisee business since.

On the other hand, another local Aerus franchisee, who's a fast, smooth talker as well as being patronizing and obnoxious is one that I wouldn't patronize even if he had a NLA for which I was looking. It's just not worth the extra time listening to his spiel and having to endure his jabs; besides, I'm sure he'd price gouge. One time I was there he went out and yelled at a neighboring business's customer who'd parked in a stall in front of his store.

While that last one is an extreme, my overall experience with Aerus has not been positive; sorry to say.


I'm sure your local franchise's model collection was quite amazing. The franchises I've been in only have a few vintage cleaners displayed such as the Model XXX, a Model G, a Model 1205 and a Model Super J 1401. None have any vintage accessories or shampooer/polishers.

______

Btw, is your RS an 8.1A or 8.5A? I just noticed a Special Edition 1572E (with ponytail) on eBay with the 8.5A. It seems the upgrade occurred around 1990 with the HP tank motors.

 

[luxkid1980]

Hi Paul. Yeah, sorry your overall experience wasn't positive at Aerus franchises. Actually, the white cleat didn't bother me after it was installed. I believe the RS was the 8.1A version, but it seemed to have pretty good suction nonetheless. I have heard that suction wasnt the best when the accessory hose was used, but on my Epic upright, it seems decent. Though that model had the port for the sidekick, which the RS doesnt have. I took it to my aunt and she felt like it was a better cleaner than the Oreck commercial she has. The RS seems to be more aggressive on the carpet now that I replaced the brushroll and belt. I'll see if I can find the accessory hose and other attachments for it.