Kirby G5 transmission belt

[vaclover]

Hello everyone. I bought myself a 2nd hand kirby G5, it seems the people had vacumed up water with it. That piece of the handle thats putting the transmission to the front or reverse was stuck, i had to clean the needle bearings as well as the blocks in wich they run. Now the belt to the transmission seems to be too long. Has anyone ever experienced something like that? When i push it while vacuuming you can hear the belt slipping and making a scratching noise. Is there a way to tension it? And can you buy the belt seperate if theres different sizes?

Ruan

 

[louvac]

Kirby G5 Belt

Most of these transmission belts are the same for the G-series Kirbys. IF and WHEN you need to replace it, JUST make sure you order the belt for the correct model. This way you are sure to get the proper "version" or "revision" as Kirby could have updated the part. The belt is very easy to replace. You should also change the Bracket Cam Assembly which I believe is the same part for all G-series. It's the finger-like bracket that engages the transmission inside behind the transmission N/D pedal.

 

[lesinutah]

Ummm

I know the transmissions take different belt numbers. I was rebuilding 3 sentrias and 2 g6s a year ago. I ordered new belts for all of them. I keenly noticed different part numbers but it's the exact same belt. I think g3-g5 same transmission, v6 and ultimate g same transmission. Sentria transmission is same as g7d iirc. The transmission from sentria to avalir 2 are the same model it's got upgrades to the transmission but it's the same transmission.

 

[louvac]

Careful....

Hey Les!
Be careful thinking the belts look alike because to the naked eye they make look alike BUT the spacing between teeth could be millimeters off. In other words, I believe from what I have heard from reliable sources, Kirby has continuously tweaked the gear ratios which thus could change the belts from model to model and within the same model. In other words, there can be different renditions.

 

[huskyvacs]

Also of note that Kirby never advises any of their authorized repair centers or techs to actually repair the transmission. They just have them order an entirely new transmission. This is done solely to make Kirby more money and to save shop labor rates as well as prevent employee error and having to train employees. Not to say it cannot be fixed, as they can, but it's just Kirby's method is to replace the part entirely. So there might be discrepancies with the belts - whether be it specific tensions or gear teeth or whatever else may be.

 

[louvac]

Good to know!

Thanks for that info Husky! I am not surprised that Kirby does this. In a way it makes sense and it's great for guys like us who find these machines later--we get a "new" transmission! But what a waste! Where do these transmissions that have minor issues go?

And, you're right! When the transmission is replaced it can get the revised or updated version, as well!

 

[huskyvacs]

It just makes me wish you could eMail Kirby and give them the serial # of your vacuum and then they can send you all the documents and information they have on file for the vacuum from the previous owner(s). You can get a comprehensive history of where it's been, and what has been done to it. Kind of like CARFAX for vacuums.