How to take apart a kirby G4?

remove vac. fan an replace kirby heratage 2

gable
January 2012

Paul thanks so much, ya saved me lots of bux

Terry
May 2010

Hi, we have a Kirby G4, had it for 15 years ish now and its been fantastic, recently it has been working intermittently, when your using it the power will cut out, then you give the cable a bit of a wobble and a knock it starts but it has now died totally, i have taken the power cable from the hoover and tested it and that is fine, I have removed the casing head to see if i can have a go at it but stopped as i don't want to knacker it, our local repairer doesn't repair Kirby vacuum's and my wife refuses to allow Kirby the company into our house any more as she says the have taken the p--s for the years they have been servicing and so called repairing phantom problem, can you offer any advice about having it repaired or having a go myself.

Thanks

Paul

Paul
May 2010

As a seller of Kirby vacuum parts and supplies, I know a lot about common repairs and have much experience. If you have any questions or need a part, PLEASE ASK! There are NOT enough help forums on the net for this subject! With this instruction guide, I will hopefully enable you to do your own Kirby fan / impeller repair and I hope to save you LOTS OF MONEY!!
COME VISIT MY EBAY STORE ... it called CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS and my eBay ID is b0sslady2001....I have other Kirby repair guides posted on eBay as well.

This is a common repair that I have many inquiries about. I will do the best I can to make this repair easier for you. HOPE THIS HELPS!!

TOOLS NEEDED:

G3 & G4 models>> Medium sized phillips screwdriver

G5, Gsix, Ultimate G models>> #15 Torx (star) screwdriver and a #20 Torx

Other tools needed for ALL G series fan repairs>> medium flathead screwdriver, standard pliers, #9 wrench

DIRECTIONS: (be sure that as you remove the screws, that you remember where they came from...lol) When I started, I arranged mine on a magnetic bowl so that I didn't lose track of where they went.


1) Remove the handle, cloth bag assembly and power nozzle from the machine

2) Turn the main unit around so that you are looking at the on/off switch and remove the screw that is right above the neutral/drive button (not underneath the machine, but on the rear between the on/off button and the N/D button)

3) Remove the smaller screw that holds the cord to the machine (located to the right, between where the handle plugs into the unit and the on/off switch) This requires the smaller Torx driver.

4) Insert the tip of the flathead screwdriver into the small open slot in the center of the "scuff plate" (the plastic trim piece) and pry gently upward to remove the plastic piece. Remove the two rear screws that are now visible that hold the aluminum shell on. (above the N/D button)

5) Turn the machine around so that you are looking at the fan case (front). Remove the top two screws, put the hood down and lift off the aluminum top shell.

6) Raise the hood again and remove ALL FIVE screws from the front of the fan case. Now you can remove the front aluminum piece that covers the fan. There is a little gap between the fan case and the main body of the Kirby....right above the hole where the the bag attaches to. It is helpful to use the flathead screwdriver in this gap to pry the front off, as it will probably have some sealant holding it on. Don't be afraid...it's ok to break the seal. It is up to you whether you want to reseal it when reassembling. It doesn't really need it, but you can if you'd like.

OK....I'll try to explain this part as well as I can...lol

7) Look from the side (where the cloth bag was) into the "guts" of the Kirby, right underneath where the handle plugs in. Take hold of the fan shaft in front and turn it slowly. KEEP LOOKING CLOSELY INTO THE SIDE WHILE TURNING! You will see that near the back end of the shaft is a small flat spot. Use the #9 wrench to grab the flat spot. (if you put it up against where the flat spot is and turn the shaft slowly, it should slide right on.) Hold the wrench still while unscrewing the front shaft. This will prevent the shaft from turning and allow you to unscrew the front of the shaft with the pliers. IMPORTANT>>>The front shaft loosens by turning it to the RIGHT and tightens when turning it LEFT...it is threaded so that it doesn't unscrew itself when the Kirby is running. After you get the shaft off, simply pull the fan and hardware off and put the new assembly on. Pay close attention to the spacers' position and how they look to avoid mistakes when reassembling. Put the new drive shaft on by turning it to the LEFT. It is not necessary (actually could be detrimental) to tighten the shaft too much, so just take it to finger tight and then give a half turn with the pliers. It will tighten up automatically when the macine is running.

8) Now, reverse all directions given so far and put the Kirby back together, starting with the aluminum fan case.

I hope this was helpful. If anyone has problems understanding these instructions, please contact me via eBay messaging. I'll be glad to help further!

HAPPY VACUUMING!!!!

Marci (b0sslady2001)
June 2007

Hi Lynn,

I have the same problem as you do. I actually bought the fan part and a set of bags off eBay for under thirty dollars. It came complete with the washers, bushing and seals.

Nitty Gritty.
It's a real pain.
First remove the cord on the side. There's just one screw that hold the attachment on, after that you just pull it out, like the power cord on your computer.

Next, remove the one screw in the back by the drive peddal.

Remove all the screws on the front panel and carefully lift off the metal quarter panels on the top left and right side.

The leap of faith for me was the front silver part. Take note of the dark metal chasis. On our Kirby there was a bit of sealant in the seam between the silvery front and the dark metal part. I simply waited till my wife was out of the room and carefully took a standard flat head screwdriver and pried it apart.

The G4 breaks down into three major parts. The metal chasie, the trasmission (drops in the back of the chasie) and the motor (drive shaft that pokes out the front and goes clear through the motor).

Here's a link of the only diagrame I could ever find.

http://www.onlinevacuumparts.com/pc-17-0-kirby-generation-4-vacuum-parts-main-body-diagram.aspx

It's still in peices in my family room cuz I had to get to work this after noon. My email is bshafto42@yahoo. If you need more help I can try and help you as much as I can. I'll even take some pics if you like.

Hope this helps.

Brandon

Brandon
October 2006