Kirby headlight rattle...?

[hoovercelebrity]

So, if you recall, I recently got a Kirby Legend II.

I love it to pieces, but have noticed that when I'm using it, and I push it forward--the headlight and/or belt lifter vibrate--presumably against one another... and make an awful rattling noise. I seem to recall this happening when I used the Heritage I used to own.

Does anyone else know what I'm talking about, and have you had this problem? Can something be tightened? Do I need to put some sort of foam tape somewhere to soften the vibration?

Any help or suggestion would be appreciated.

 

[centralvacs1928]

Fred,

The headlight casting probably is loose on the motor casting, right? I think there's supposed to be some resistance when you raise or lower the casting, which also prevents it vibrating when the machine is in use.

You could try tightening/replacing the hinge pin that connects the headlight casting to the motor casting, or inserting a washer or two between the two parts.

Earlier models had a little spring/clip thingy that pushed against the hinge pin and added some tension, but not the Heritage I/II machines for some reason.

-Owen

 

[williamr1248]

Kirby headlight rattle

Fred,
Mine has that same rattle since the first day I bought the Kirby. Mine does it more when the rug nozzle is adjusted "correctly" and seems to do it more on the thick carpeting than when cleaning thin rugs or the hardwoods with the belt turned off. I thought it was unique to my machine!
Rob

 

[xraytech]

Fred,

I also just recently bought a legend II and I love it also and got to use it 3 times before the fan blew apart into pieces. Mine also has the same rattle to it as yours and Rob's. Mine is also very loose and the light does not stay up on it's own.

Sam

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

My Hertiage II makes the same rattling noise.
Haven't played with it to try and discover the cause.
Once I "unpack my stuff" I'll spend some time with it.
It always bothered me that such a great machine would create such rachet.

 

[compactelectra]

Fred

I have experienced that rattle on some of my Kirbys. The brand new Legend II I got from Kewaskum doesn't have it. Not sure why.

 

[vinvac]

Are you sure it is the headlight or belt lifter...sometimes if you take the bottom plate and bend the two ends to fit more snug around the brush that noise will stop.

Just a thought, I have never had a Kirby belt lifter or headlight make any unusual noises...hopefully it is the brushroll.

Morgan

 

[electroluxxxx]

Hello Morgan
I think my Dual Sanitronic 80 pulled a stunt like that once but the belt lifter rattled to a point where I thought it was going to fly right off of the head. also on my Heritage the brushroll started rattling not that long ago. I was vacuuming the church with it and each time I pushed the machine forward it started rattling. I dont know if it had anything to do with the light but I think I might take another look at just in case

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

My Heritage 2 has had the rattling headlight since I first got it. Sometimes, the light will even flicker on and off on the backstroke. Quite annoying. So glad I don't use it much anyway... it's G5 or Dual Sanitronic 80 for me all the way. My Heritage 2 is good if I need to fluff someone's carpet or if I need to suck up flour or powder and not clog up the bags of my other machines.

 

[a007kirbyman]

Bulbs & Rattling noises...

Hello all.

Some of this is/was touched on above ^^^^^ !!!

If the filament is still good in the bulb, 9 out of 10 times it is the lead (solder) contact(s) (depending on model) on the bulb that have partially or completely arced away. You may attempt adding a bit back (ONLY if you feel qualified to do so--LOL.) to the bulb.

Personally I feel the time getting out the "iron," waiting for it to heat & cool, etc; it's easier & time-wise more cost effective to just replace them. (mho) ($2.00 to $5.00 each depending on who, where & which model!!!)

Most rattling noises in my experiences are caused by an old/loose/stretched belt (jumping up & down), loose fitting brushroll in the rug plate, "prongs" may be spread apart slightly (pre-G Series models), or a fan out of balance (i.e., on it's last leg, cracked, chipped, "something" literally stuck into the fan, etc.).

Not to say the loose headlight pivot is not contributing to it as well. (You have to be doing some [serious] vacuuming to make the headlight jump by itself, (unless you have some "off-road surfaces," bumpy!!!)

Hope all is well in vacuum collector land!!!

Bill

 

[a007kirbyman]

Sry 4 'da 'fusion (confusion) lol

Oops, I meant to post the headlight info on this thread:

Thread# 5363 Kirby Heritage Question


I read them both, then went back & oh well...

(WE are "collectors," let me collect my thoughts. Must be the blonde hairs showing thru--no offense to anyone--LOL)

Bill