how to repair a kirby?

I am a vacuum professional specializing in Kirby vacuum repair. I have an eBay store called CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS and my seller ID is b0sslady2001. Copy and paste the following into your browser to visit me.

http://stores.ebay.com/CLICK-HERE-FOR-GREAT-DEALS_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

If you are a do-it-yourselfer and can't figure out what is wrong with your Kirby, here are some of the most frequent issues that commonly occur in G SERIES models and what is the probable cause/solution.

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PROBLEM: The Kirby makes a very loud, obnoxious noise when you start it up

POSSIBLE CAUSES: 1) Sometimes there is a piece of debris in the fan case. (Not likely, but possible) Take the power head, handle and cloth bag off of the Kirby, pick it up and turn it with the fan toward the floor and shake it to see if something falls out.

If there's nothing in there and it still makes the noise, you most likely need to replace the fan/impeller as it is probably cracked or broken. You can sometimes see fan damage by removing the power head, looking into the hole in the front of the Kirby and slowly rotating the fan by using the shaft in front. The damage can't always be seen that way, but if you can't see it, you'll need to take the fan case off so that the whole fan is visible to make sure. I have written complete instructions that should lead you through the whole repair. Copy and paste the following into your address bar to view the guide.

http://reviews.ebay.com/KIRBY-VACUUM-REPAIR-HOW-TO-REPLACE-THE-FAN-IMPELLER_W0QQugidZ10000000003711302

If neither of these things are found to be the case, check the carbon brushes. I don't have a guide written for this yet, but my switch repair guide (link below) will help you break down the Kirby to get to them. Unscrew both brushes, take them out and look at them. The remaining length of brush will pop out of the holder and if they are shorter than 1/2 inch long, I recommend replacement. (they are not expensive)

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PROBLEM: THE KIRBY WILL TURN ON, BUT SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING DURING USE

POSSIBLE CAUSES: There a few things that could cause this to happen.

1) You have a short in your power cord. ( This is the most likely cause) Turn the vacuum on and wiggle the cord in several areas to see if the machine shuts off. If it does, I have cords available in my store and they are VERY easy to replace. (even for beginners!!)

2) The small tab that sticks out of the side of the mini emptor "boot" is not activating the power switch when attached to the Kirby. This can be caused by the boot being cracked, or the little tab on the side of the boot is worn down and is no longer properly triggering the power switch. Remove the boot and look for this little tab and examine it for wear/breakage. If the boot is loose or comes off VERY VERY easily when rotating it away from the machine, it is worn out and needs replaced. IN this case, the bag may be causing the machine to turn off if bumped or jarred.

3) The power switch may be malfunctioning. I have these switches available, but they are not listed in my store yet. (they will be soon) If you need one, drop me a line and I will add them to my inventory. Here is the guide to replacing the switch.

http://reviews.ebay.com/REPLACING-THE-POWER-SWITCH-ON-ANY-KIRBY-G-SERIES-VACUUM_W0QQugidZ10000000003752018

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PROBLEM: THE KIRBY WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL

POSSIBLE CAUSES:

Please note......The Kirby has TWO safety switches that need to be engaged before it will operate. One is on the fan case in the front. It is activated by having an attachment attached to the front. (hose, power nozzle, etc.)
The other switch is on the side of the Kirby where the cloth bag attaches and is engaged by the little tab that sticks out from the side of the hard plastic cloth bag "boot". The bag boot MUST be completely engaged to activate the safety switch and allow the Kirby to power on. If you are having trouble getting the bag to properly engage, (sometimes they are STUBBORN) simply lubricate the black gasket that the boot fits onto with gasket lubricator, VASELINE, or try a tiny drop of DISHWASHING DETERGENT or HAND CREAM. It doesn't take much, so use the smallest amount possible to get the desired effect. You should hear a slight "pop" when the bag completely engages.

If neither of these things are indicated, it is probably again, either the power cord, switch or the carbon brushes.

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PROBLEM: THE KIRBY IS SPARKING

PROBABLE CAUSE (MOTOR): Worn out carbon brushes, bad armature or perhaps BOTH

PROBABLE CAUSE (CORD): The cord has a short in it. Replace the power cord

PROBABLE CAUSE (POWER NOZZLE): There is something metallic stuck in the fan or power nozzle

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PROBLEM: THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A CLICKING SOUND WHEN PUSHED IN NEUTRAL GEAR

PROBABLE CAUSE: This is a common characteristic of the G series models and should be ignored unless it is affecting the drive feature when the "D" button is pushed down. It does not normally indicate a problem.

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PROBLEM: THE KIRBY HAS POOR SUCTION, OR CLEANING EFFICIENCY IS GREATLY REDUCED

PROBABLE CAUSE: CLOGGING The "boot" or fill tube inside the cloth bag may be plugged/clogged and needs cleaned out. Make sure that you check the hole where the bag plugs onto to make sure that it is not also plugged. This happens most frequently to those Kirbys which are used in a household with many pets or long haired animals.

The fan case can also get plugged up with dirt or hair and should also be checked.

If CLOGGING IS NOT THE PROBLEM....... you may not have the belt connected properly. Make sure that the green light on the side of the power nozzle is lit up when the vacuum is running. If not, please see my guide to changing the belt.....and make sure that you have the brushroll settings adjusted properly by looking at the notches on both ends when reinstalling it. If it is not put back in correctly, it could have an affect on the suction seal between the carpet and the power nozzle. Also, check the length of your brushes on the brushroll. If they are short, thin and worn, replace the brushroll. (Did I forget to mention that I have them in my store?? :0) ) To learn more about putting the brushroll back in correctly please see my belt changing guide.....

http://reviews.ebay.com/CHANGING-THE-BELT-ON-A-KIRBY-G3-G4-G5-GSIX-ULTIMATE-G_W0QQugidZ10000000003720039

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PROBLEM: THE KIRBY SMELLS LIKE BURNING RUBBER OR IS BREAKING BELTS

PROBABLE CAUSE: BAD BRUSHROLL OR IMPROPER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Take the brushroll out of your nozzle, clean the hair and strings off of it and hold one end in each hand. Spin it, being careful not to touch the wooden brushroll at all. If the brush does not spin FREELY, it needs replaced, as it causing undue stress on the belt.

You may also be running the Kirby on too low of a height setting. Raise the Kirby height adjuster up ALL THE WAY, turn the machine on and then lower it slowly, one click at time. You will hear a sound change when the power nozzle makes contact with the carpet. GO ONE MORE CLICK LOWER after hearing the sound change. This is the proper height for that carpet. (You may have to change the height in different rooms if the carpet nap is different in each room.)

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PROBLEM: THE CLOTH BAG IS EXTREMELY DIRTY ON THE INSIDE AND MAKES PAPER BAG CHANGES VERY MESSY

PROBABLE CAUSE: CRACK OR HOLE IN THE FILL TUBE INSIDE THE CLOTH BAG

It is common for G series machines with the old style fill tube to spring a fill tube leak. If you find a crack or a hole, I have new replacement fill tubes complete with zip ties in my store. Replace the fill tube and then follow my guide for cleaning the cloth bag....



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This is all that I can think of at the moment, but if you have any questions not covered in this guide, please contact me and I'll help in any way that I can.

Don't forget to visit me at eBay to let me know if I helped anyone.....and if the part that you need is not listed in my store, I can still get it within 3 business days. JUST ASK!!!

Marci (b0sslady2001)
June 2007

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 STORE (click on link on the right side of this page) FOR NEAR WHOLESALE KIRBY VACUUM PARTS, BAGS, SHAMPOO, HOSES, ATTACHMENTS, STAIN REMOVERS AND SUPPLIES!! Use the searchbar on the left of the store homepage to narrow your product search.


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 underneath the neutral/drive button (not underneath the machine, but on the rear near the bottom)

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, as it is my first attemt to write a repair manual. If it helps anyone, or if anyone has problems understanding these instructions, please contact me via eBay messaging. I'll be glad to help!


HAPPY VACUUMING!!!!

eBay seller ID.. b0sslady2001 (Marci)
June 2007