How do you change the bearing on the Hoover Agitator and Activator brush rolls ?

[jmurray01]

I know how to change the bearing that sits in the actual brush roll, that is easy as it just pops out, but how do you remove the one that is on the rod ? It seems to be permanently fixed there...

 

[durango159]

You have grasp the rod tightly and turn the end cap. Both end caps just screw onto the rod. Once the end cap is off, the bearings slide off. In worst cases a dry rag and maybe wrench may be necessary to grasp the rod and loosen the end cap.

 

[durango159]

It's really a matter of which end cap is looser, so when you originally turn the end caps, whichever is looser turns first so the end cap come off and then you can pull the rod out with the other end cap. The rod has recessed ends so that the bearings only fit in the recessed portion of the rod and are locked in with the plastic end cap.

 

[jmurray01]

I see, thank you!

 

[jmurray01]

Brilliant, thanks to that information I got the other bearing off my donor brush roll and the Junior now has two brand new bearings.

I've got a good tip as well.

When I went to unscrew the end cap to get the bearing off it was very obstinate and even with a rag it kept slipping, so instead of going downstairs for my tool box to get pliers, I searched for something closer to hand (being lazy) and saw a pair of rubber gloves...

That gave me an idea - rubber gives you traction, so, I put the gloves on (they do look very fetching, but that's another story) and tried again with no rag and what do you know, came off immediately. Same for the one on the Junior's brush roll.

 

[sebo_fan]

I was going to say grab the shaft and give it a mighty pull. Rubber gloves are optional, to avoid burns. 

 

[jmurray01]

What do you mean pull ? It is SCREWED in. Unless you want to flatten the threads of course.

 

[sebo_fan]

I wasn't referring to the actual agitator. Just adding a bit of fun, like you do. Happy Hoovering!

 

[jmurray01]

Oh I see, didn't catch that one!

Still, I maintain you should always screw where possible, less chance of damage...

 

[durango159]

Your welcome. Glad the rubber gloves worked out. Now you can remove all of the hair and dust on the end cap and what gets stuck around the bearings. I usually roll the bearings on a scrub brush with some soap, trying to work the bristles inside to clean it. Then when its all dried, rinsed and turning smooth, I inject fresh grease into the bearings. Wipe off the metal washers so there's no rust on them, and I'll usually Brillo pad the agitator shaft rod, if that is rusty. With all of the components removed from the agitator it is now very easy to wash the bristles on the agitator as well. Hand soap, water and your hand or a scrub brush work great, just don't bend the bristles out of shape. Ensure everything is bone dry of course, as you know, before re-assembly.