How to change belt in Hoover model 04617-930?

Hello. First remove the upright body from the base of the vacuum cleaner.
This is very easy to do. There is one screw to remove. You will find that screw right below the bottom of the vacuums bag holder. I believe your vacuum has a 'Stair Cleaning Handle' at the bottom of the bag holder. Right below that you will see the screw. Once you have removed the screw, pull the body of the vacuum off the base. Shouldn't be much effort. Pull the height adjuster control knob. It should come off with little effort. Once this is done, take the body, turn it over, wheel side up. You then must remove the bottom plate which covers the agitator(spinning brush round thingy). This is easily removed by using a simple flat head screwdriver. Put the flat head into the right slot push effortlessly to the rear. Then do the same of the left side. The plate will come off, almost by itself at this point. At this point remove the agitator. Which will almost come out on it's own. Now you must remove the hood of the base. While the base is still flipped over find the the 4 arrows signaling where to use the flat head screwdriver to separate the hood from the body. For the slots nearest the rear wheels push the screwdriver handle towards where the vacuum cleaner handle would normally be attached. For the two slots up by the agitator pry out ward to release the latches. Well now take the hood off and place the remaining body on it's wheels. While you have the cleaner apart, take the time to clean it. Be thorough. Tighten any loose screws on the now exposed part of the body. I assure you there will be some loose screws. Now it's time to replace your belt. New belt about $2.00. Belt ID#P38528040. You first attach the belt to the steel post coming out of the motor. Now this is the one part I found difficult while replacing my belt the night before last, 9/7/2004. After the belt is around the steel post you now have to place the agitator through the other end of the belt and put the agitator back into its slots. I'm a fairly strong guy, and it took a lot of effort to get the agitator through the belt. It doesn't seem like the belt is big enough but it is. Once this is done. Re assemble your vacuum cleaner. When you start it up, you may find some black chunks of your old belt will come flying out. So when you start it, start it over a hard surface, not carpet. The rubber that comes out will be hot, and melt into your carpet. If all goes well your 10 year old vacuum will run better than when it was new. At least mine does, now. Hope this helps.

Sam Mann
September 2004