I am replacing The Center Tube on a Kenmore cannister vac Model #116.238519?

This is tricky to explain in text. You are going to need 2 flat blade screw drivers. One of a medium size, (3/16" blade works well) and one, preferably with a sharp, thin blade. Looking down into the adapter, you will see tabs, where the adapter attaches to the tube. Insert the medium-sized driver in between the tube and adapter, where the tabs come together. You need to wedge the driver in just enough to keep the tabs apart, maybe only 1/4 to 1/2 an inch, don't push the driver too far in. Now that you have the driver wedged in one set of tabs, do the same with the other side with the sharper, smaller blade (it is easier to use the sharp one second, since it pushes in easier). When you have both wedged in between the tabs, pry outward on the drivers till the adapter slips off of the tube. Basically, you are pushing the adapter downward, and pulling upward on the tube in one motion. If you have any other questions about the Kenmore or any other vacs, send me an e-mail at arctic@worldlynx.net.

Help Around the House
May 2006