Kenmore troubles

[chan55]

I have a Kenmore Progressive upright, blue that has developed a problem that I cannot figure out.It is the beltless top model with dirt sensor.

When it is on high power it sounds like there is a bird flapping it's feathers inside the machine. It does this with just the hose and when you put the hose into the base for floor cleaning. I have checked the hose, filters, and bag and nothing stuck. The hose suction is still very strong.

Is the motor shot? It is about 4 years old. The red performance light stays on all the time too, It is so loud I can't stand to use it.

 

[kirbykid]

Bad bearings.

 

[rugsucker]

clog?

This can be bad motor as above.But many KM noises can be related to clogging.Run with dirt cup removed or bag door open and see if sound returns to normal.If so there could still be a clog. If still sounds bad(with brush off) would be bearing/fan/motor problem.

 

[chan55]

Kenmore

Thanks for the tips. I wonder if it pays to get it fixed.

 

[durango159]

depends on what you find. Motor probably not. Bearings might be able to worked if you find a shop that knows you and will do it reasonably without giving excuses.

 

[director12]

My old purple Kenmore bagless from 2009 had that after new filters.

 

[chan55]

Kenmore

Thanks everyone. We have a Sears here, but they charge an arm and a leg just to look at it, besides parts and repairs.

Our vac repair shops are few, since most people just throw vacs away now.

I stage homes and businesses on the side, and this vac does a great job on carpets.Not crazy about the tool set up. Use a canister for those chores.

I will do some more tinkering with it and make a decision after the holidays, when I can think.I hate to think there is a clog I am missing. should dig out the book, but recently moved, and that could be a search.

 

[fan-of-fans]

I would say it could be a clog, especially since the performance indicator is on. It sounds like there could be a piece of paper or plastic stuck that is vibrating and making the flapping noise. If you can, try removing the hose from the machine at both ends and turn it on to see if it still does it. Also try what rugsucker said about turning the brushroll off to see if it isn't that.

 

[piano_god]

It's definitely a clog...

The flapping noise is coming from the bleeder valve that's vibrating while allowing air to enter the machine to help prevent the motor from overheating.

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I have the same one and it makes a similar noise, but the motor sounds fine... I think it is the hose reeling from the suction as it only does it when I first turn it on and first turn it off... is that the same with yours, or is it constant?

 

[chan55]

Kenmore

Mine just started this recently, and it is whenever it is on high speed. The noise seems to be coming from near the motor.If I turn it down it stops, but then you have no suction..........

 

[chan55]

Kenmore

Mine just started this recently, and it is whenever it is on high speed. The noise seems to be coming from near the motor.If I turn it down it stops, but then you have no suction..........

 

[chan55]

Kenmore troubles

OK,so I tried to take the hose off the back of the vac, but it is permentily attached. There are 3 screw, I removed them and nothing came apart. I don't want to break the housing, what am I doing wrong? I also tried putting the hose from a canister against the hose and sucking out the clog, but that did not work either. there is nothing stuck where the bag meets the back of the vac either.
Chan

 

[gmerkt]

My thinking is along the line of that in post #8; when the motor encounters resistance in the induction system, the bleeder is pulled open and this makes a fluttering sound. The bleeder valve is spring loaded, which vibrates when it is pulled open hence the fluttering. Also, you have the red light on which also indicates a fault with the induction air.

Have you checked the pre-motor filter under the little black hatch on the bottom of the dust compartment? If this was partially obstructed, that could cause the bleeder to open only on high speed when max. airflow was called upon.

Can you give us a model number for this machine? That might enhance the diagnosis process.

 

[gmerkt]

Never mind checking the pre-motor filter as the cause of the bleeder opening on the bagged version. Good idea to check it anyway, though.

 

[electroluxxxx]

if the hose is clogged and it is a stretch hose try flexing the hose vigorously with the vacuum on. I was taught that by a vac shop years ago and it seems to work well. a broom handle also works if the opening is wide enough

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

You don't have to take the hose off to check for a clog... just hold the hose as straight as you can and stick a broom handle (starting from the suction end) all the way through until it comes out the hole in the bag chamber... you should be able to feel for a clog and dislodge it if there is one.