Eureka Upright Motor Question

[eurekastar]

Today, I dug into a Eureka Upright that I've had sitting around. It has a 4 amp motor in it. The lower bearing needs to be replaced. However, my question is about the sleeve bearing on top. What do I need to do to service it? Do I just apply some oil? If so, what kind? I guess the only way to replace it (if it needed replacing) is to replace the motor cover since it is riveted into it. Thanks!

 

[eurekastar]

This is the part I'm talking about. The motor cover has a sleeve bearing in it. From what I can tell, this part is no longer available. Nor is the motor bottom with the ball bearing. Nor are the motor brushes (which are just fine). It's a shame to have to waste a perfectly good armature and motor field when Eureka is no longer producing other replacement parts! I have a 7 amp motor that I'm going to install. But I'd like to keep this 4 amp as a good, working spare!

 

[centralvacs1928]

I believe you can still get an aftermarket lower bearing replacement kit, which works with the old Bakelite motor plate. It includes three rivets and the bearing in a stamped steel retainer.

For the upper bearing, I would use no lubricant. Check for play, and check the shaft for grooving (best tool is a fingernail). If you wanted to lubricate, my recommendation is Zoom Spout, used very sparingly.

 

[eurekastar]

That's for the advice! I've never serviced a Eureka motor before and have found a lot of "no longer available" on parts lists! But I'll keep searching!

 

[vacman1961]

Get rid of that wimpy 4 AMP motor and put in a beefy 7 AMP motor, you wont be disappointed.

 

[eurekastar]

I did install a 7 amp motor. It's just a little disappointing to see that not even a Eureka motor can be serviced these days, especially when there's nothing wrong with the field and armature.