Replacing the cord on a retractable cord reel

[DesertTortoise]

Has anyone here replaced just the power cord on a retractable reel? In this case, it is an early 1990's Kenmore 4.1. It has the same general shape as a Kenmore Whimpertone, but is an earlier model, kind of a transition between the old rectangular Kenmores of the 70's and 80's and the Whimpertone model. The cord reel looks more like the one you find in a 1980's Kenmore but uses a button to retract the cord instead of giving the cord a tug and letting her rip. Since the cord disappears into the inside of the reel it is not obvious to me if there is a way to release the existing cord from the rotating contacts and install a new cord on the same reel. If you have ever done this I sure would like some advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

I have done dozens of Electrolux cord reels, and a few Eureka and Hoover models. It's not difficult but it does require a great deal of care not to injure yourself with the spring. I always wear leather gloves until I've got the spring under quarantine. The connection of cord to contacts is usually in the very center of the cord winder and enclosed to prevent contamination and accidental shorting of the contacts.

 

[DesertTortoise]

I see where the cord enters the center of the reel. How does one get into that cavity to remove the old cords leads and attach the new leads? This particular style of cord reel seems to be hard to find as it's not shared with any of the vacuums that came before or after. Thanks.

 

[Gr8DaneDad]

it's either a pressure fit, a twist to lock or snap fit - so try twisting first, then prying with something very thin (putty knife is good). Just be gentle and experiment. You could also post pictures (the more the better, with as many angles as possible) so we can see it and hopefully figure it out. Most of the one's I have done have screws or are pressure fit.... but I've not done one of these myself so I'd have to fiddle with it.