I still have my Shop Vac Hang Up that I bought in 2018. It still makes that grinding noise whenever I turn it on. What could be going on with it? It doesn't make that bearing noise anymore so I don't need to lube it.
No 3 in 1 Oil. That oil is SAE20 at most and some formulas are less than that, not for heavy duty applications like vacuum motors. Also 3-in-1 oil contains detergent and once the lubricating oil burns away the detergents are left behind to attract and hold dust and dirt. In a sewing machine this is likely not much of a problem, but in a vacuum cleaner it's a big deal.
Use a non-detergent SAE-30 electric motor oil when needed, and for situations where grease packing is required, Mobil Polyrex EM. Also leave the vacuum to sit for 3-4 hours after oiling to allow the oil to soak in and settle itself.
Non-detergent motor oil is typically recommended for lubricating electric motors that do not have sealed bearings and for lubricating bronze sleeve bearings. Non-detergent is usually specified in electric motor manuals - even for modern electric motors. This is why Royal and TTI use it because their vacuums are marketed mainly for industrial use and are used for hours upon hours a day, nearly non-stop. You need to use a slightly heavier oil so it doesn't burn up with friction.
3-in-1 Electric Motor oil is non-detergent, and that’s specifically why I recommend it. See product FAQs.
SAE 20 weight is not blanketly inferior to SAE 30. Higher speed applications usually want a lower weight as too high of a viscosity can lead to oil overheating. Vac motors qualify as high speed.