Filter Queen motor issue

[mister299]

Hello,
I seem to notice a change in the sound of the motor of my Filter Queen Majestic from 1995. The motor seems to have developed a wining sound. And when I turn it off hit has a noticeable growl sound to it. Does this sound like the bearings or the motor brushes? It is our daily driver but I don’t want to keep using it if I am going to cause further damage to the motor if it can be fixed. I called my local vacuum shop and he said that they no longer replace motor bearings or brushes but he said that I might be able to perform the work myself. Any advice on repairing it is appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[compactc9guy]

Youd have to open the motor up and check for bearing or carbon brush damage those motors dont usually fail that easy .

 

[mister299]

What would carbon brush damage look like? Would it be chipped? Also are replacement brushes and bearings available?

 

[compactc9guy]

Yes part are available carbon brush would arch out and make marks on the AMATURE bearing would bea growling sound but ameteck motor should not fall apart so soon odd .Open her up and find out ,Best bet is replace the motor whit a Genuine Ameteck motor.BUT Filter Queen motors dont usually fall apart so suddenly id need more information from you when did it start any odd sound or smell?? its from 95 ive seen fitler queen from 75 run like a champ for years this is oddd

 

[mister299]

The sound started about 2 weeks ago, initially I noticed that it ran slightly slower and when you turned it off, the spin-down time seemed short. Then in the last few days, the normal speed returned but these sounds have developed. The normal spin-down time has returned but with the growl noise. The smell from the exhaust seems the same as it always has been. We have been using this vacuum since I bought it used in 2007, we use it almost daily. Thanks.

 

[dysonman1]

Take the exhaust cap off, turn ON the machine, and look. Do you see lots of sparks (a small line of blue sparks is normal, but it's a straight line)? Can you smell an acrid smell of burning electrical? If not, the carbons are not the problem. Bearings for 23 years old, so they should be replaced. I'm shocked that a vac shop won't replace bearings. They must be independently wealthy. I replace bearings all the time. Bearings are very much available.

 

[mister299]

Okay, I turned it on and looked where the brushes hit the commutator. It is mostly a blue spark however I see little bits of blue and gold sparks flying off near the brushes while it's running. The smell does not seem abnormal it is similar to what it has been all that time I've had the machine. When I spoke to the VAC shop over the phone, he said that he no longer repairs motor bearings and brushes because parts have become hard to find. Thanks.

 

[mister299]

Update

I tried using it today and all of the sudden the motor slow down and noticed a burning smell so I turned it off right away. Time to bring the old Kirby Tradition up from the basement until I get this figured out!

 

[madman]

Growl on spin down sounds like bad bearings. I mean it could be either, but my money's on bearings. It can't be that hard to replace them. Take it apart, and take your time with it. You'll find something.

 

[mister299]

Needs armature.....

Well, I found a shop to look at the motor and it turns out it is a bad armature. They didn't have the parts to replace it. Does anyone have one that they want to part with? Or possibly a part# I can search for?

 

[compactc9guy]

Just research an amteck motor on ebay for tristar or filter queen will bolt right in your vacuum . Here you go single speed amteck vacuum ball bearing motor

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FILTER-QUE...h=item48a72d2b04:g:De0AAOSwrslaVT8F:rk:3:pf:0

 

[repairman]

Not surprised about the shop thing

I work at a vac/sew shop that's only been open for 6 years, and if my coworker has a motor with bad bearings, he tells them they a new motor. Bearing replacement wasn't an idea until I showed up. I even had to bring a puller because we didn't have one.

 

[madman]

Don't jump the gun. It may not need an armature, and still just need bearings.

However, it may still be easier for you to replace the whole motor.