Kirby handle spring replacement

[ed209]

Does anyone have any instructions on how to replace the handle spring assembly in a Kirby Omega? I need to replace the whole assembly in the Kirby Omega that I just bought.

Thanks!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Alex,

Here's some pages from the Classic III service manual (credit: chicagomike) to help you.

~Ben

 

[rugsucker]

Kirby handle spring

Good information above.As with many jobs this is difficult without the proper tools.Hopefully you have or can borrow them.Good luck.

 

[ed209]

Awesome thanks! I'm guessing assuming it might be a little tricky winding that spring because from reading through the instructions it does not sound too hard but the guy at the Kirby shop told me that he hates replacing those.

So if I understand right that tool just has a pin in the center that goes into the handle pin hole and another hole that hooks onto the hole right above it? I don't have the tool but I do work in a machine shop and think I could whip one up pretty quick with some scrap materal.

 

[bikerray]

The tool has the shaft going through the center of the disk, that shaft fits into the opening for the handle pin. The disk has a pin that fits into the slot on the handle fork spring bushing.

And NO they aren't that bad to install.

 

[ed209]

Awesome! One more question I have is how tight of a fit is the spring tool in the hole for the handle pin? Got some measurements today to machine my own tool at work but want to make sure I don't make it too loose

 

[chicagomike]

This video is not for a CLIII but it might be useful.

I also videoed the ClIII spring replacement but have not published it to youtube yet.

 

[ed209]

Started machining a handle tool

Just about have the handle spring tool finished up. Found a piece of scrap steel at work and spent an hour tonight turning it down on the lathe. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the hole for the pin and the pin installed and drill a hole in the end for a handle. Hopefully it works.

 

[chicagomike]

ED209 (Nebraska)

Did you know Kirby sells the tool?

It is rather expensive though.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirby-Vacuu...860234?hash=item280f07c8ca:g:onIAAOSwT5tWQP~T

 

[chicagomike]

older model tool

This tool sure could use some improvement tho as the spring tends to fall off the hook and snap back rather easily = black finger nails.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kirby-Sprin...805169?hash=item2811f29ff1:g:WS0AAOSwG-1Wvn86

 

[ed209]

Yeah I did see the tool on ebay but I figured I would try and save a few bucks (free to make it since it's just left over scrap steel at work that we would just throw in the recycle bin). If it does not work then I'll end up buying the real tool.

 

[kirbysthebest]

I applaud you for having the talent to make your own tool.  Hope it works for you.

 

[ed209]

Finished up the tool today and it worked great! I think the dowel pin should have stuck out maybe .010 to .020" more but it worked and now the handle stands up like it should with plenty of spring tension.

 

[kirbysthebest]

Great job.

 

[ed209]

Thanks guys I appreciate the help with getting this figured out. Actually not too difficult once you do it a few times (and finally figuring out do it without releasing the spring tension before you get the clip installed lol)