Kirby G6 Diamond

[jjsunshine]

My 2006 G6 has a problem with self propelling...it's fast and easy in reverse but is hard to push forward. I took the vacuum into my local dealer and was told I need a new transmission for $220. My vacuum has had very little use so I am wondering if it could be something else? The belt and brush are both new. Thanks!

 

[chrisb32]

I doubt it needs a new transmission. take off the bag, nozzle, etc. and if you know how to take the metal top off (two screws in front and two in back-youll have to pop off the plastic trim around the switch.) look at the spring that the handle attaches too, its probably just loose or shifted. That happens sometimes and it needs to be in just the right spot to have equal propulsion in forward and reverse. There is a big bolt/screw that holds it down tight, and you can usually tell where it originally was by the marks in the black paint. I probably didnt explain what I am trying to say very well but I hope this helps.

 

[twocvbloke]

Even if the transmission is at fault, they're extracting the urine with that price, you can get them used and new, starting at $49 (used) to $94.50 for new ones from Kent Oyler...

And they're easy to change, less than an hour's work...

But yes, check the slide assembly's alignment first, that could have slipped if the screws have either worked loose or have been fiddled with in the past and not done correctly...

http://stores.ebay.com/Vacuum-needs/_i.html?_nkw=transmission&_sid=99636453&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

 

[bimmer740]

If I were you, I would take your machine somewhere else, maybe a reputable vacuum repair shop, and let them look at it. I have had several G-series machines and currently have a Diamond Edition and an Ultimate G and I honestly cant imagine your transmission needing to be replaced, none the less with a price tag of $220. I purchased my Ultimate G at a garage sale this past summer and it was in rough shape but cleaned up well, but I think that the Tech-Drive is smoother in that machine than my Diamond Edition that I purchase NIB. You would really have to abuse the crap out of the G6 to ruin the transmission. My guess is that the dealer has the mentality that a sucker is born every minute and wants to hit you with the most costly charge they can. Best of luck!

 

[twocvbloke]

I just stripped, cleaned up and regreased the innards of my G3's TechDrive, not something for the faint hearted, but then again, I am a cheapskate with a tin of grease!!!

I think that dealer may do the same as what I did then charge the next person silly money for a "new" one (after all, Kirby are known for selling used machines as New, the same probably goes for their parts), Kirbys aren't vastly complicated machines, so, if you have a set of screwdrivers, then you're pretty much set for having a go at repairing it...

 

[kittingerhoover]

I agree with Bimmer740 about the transmission....

My G6 has a better feeling transmission than my Ultimate G. I thought that the Ultimate G had a problem the difference is so real, however after adjusting/checking it all seems to be in perfect order. I guess each machine has it's little differences...

 

[jjsunshine]

Thank you for all the responses! I was able to adjust the slide, however it is still hard to push forward.....but cruises fast in reverse!?

 

[twocvbloke]

Sounds like one of the clutch plates may be worn, on the back of the transmission there's a couple of adjuster nuts, tweaking those should adjust how much pressure is applied to either clutch plate. You'll want to undo them slightly and test each time, and once the speed feels right, you're set...

If that doesn't fix it, then the forwards-direction clutch plate is probably worn down and needs replacing, which you can't really do without replacing the whole transmission...

 

[jjsunshine]

Thank you Twocvbloke, are you talking about the black slide on the top of the transmission or are there actually other adjustments that I didn't see?

 

[beerad]

to jjsunshine

nice smile you have going on there

 

[kirbyloverdan]

I`ll second that beerad .

You are right beerad but I also like your pic a lot , very cute !

 

[twocvbloke]

oops!!!

The two small adjuster bolts are hidden under the footswitch, I forgot to mention that!! :S

That just unclips from the transmission and then slides off the switch lever/actuator bar, and then you have access to the two nuts to adjust the pressure on the plates...

 

[jjsunshine]

Thanks for the compliment Beerad & Kirbyloverdan

So Twocvbloke! With you help my vacuum is fixed! It's actually easier to push than when it was new! One problem....somehow I messed up the N/D switch and cannot get it to go into neutral..any suggestions? Thanks again for your help!!

 

[twocvbloke]

If the transmission isn't going into neutral, then either the pedal assembly has broken, or, the lever that pulls the sprocket off the transmission output has slipped off...

Again, it's all under the foot switch pedal, so you can see it operating as you press the Neutral-Drive pedal, I haven't got my G3 to hand (freeloader of a brother's occupying the living room floor, and that's where the G3 is!!!) so can't really take a look at the moment.

The parts in question, aswell as removal and refitting instructions, are better described here in the following link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120493561128

 

[jjsunshine]

FIXED!

The lever had slipped off....Thanks again for all your help!
Funny how I almost shelled out the big bucks for the "NEW TRANSMISSION" I didn't need!

 

[twocvbloke]

No worries, glad you got it sorted and saved yourself a load of money...

Just goes to show, even a home-DIYer can fix problems, you just need to ask in the right places...