how to change belt on my kenmore whispertone vacuum, model 116 51513002?

that was so easy its insane, and it was clogged up with carpet strands, so the roller was tight, which created too much resistance in the electrical wiring which I think was the reason it burnt the wiring in the handle. so I replaced the hose/handle unit which I found on e/bay, I should have taken apart the handle and bought the new wiring kit for the switch. and fixed it myself. I read how to chg. belt, thanks

Keith H. Olsen, evangelist, baptist church, jn.3.3
February 2016

Hi, everyone-

I'm having the same problem trying to remove the cover from the power head to replace the belt... and as far as I can tell, there are no screws visible on the bottom - unless I'm really missing something.

Steve Lovelace
December 2007

In the middle of the bottom of the vacuum, there is a couple of screws, don't remove the screws, but in between there are two little clip things that slide over, just slide them over and it should release it

Brian
November 2007

I have a whispertone vacuum, different model #, but maybe instructions will be the same. Turns out I didn't need a new belt, just clean out the crud and reset overload protector. The instructions in the manual tell you to remove the light cover and bulb first. To do this, press in and lift both sides. Push in and turn bulb counterclockwise to remove. (you need to do this because the next step involves turning the unit over). This takes you to
Step 2. Unscrew the cover screws ( on either side of bulb).
Step 3. Turn unit over. To remove cover, insert screwdriver at cover tabs on both sides and twist to release tabs.
Step. 4 Turn unit right side up. Press handle release pedal and lower the swivel. Tilt cover forward from back until front snaps free.
Step 5. Carefully insert and twist screwdriver at each brush support to free brush from base.
Step 6. Remove worn belt.
Step 7. Slide brush supports off to check and clean brush support areas.

To replace belt: slide washers and brush supports onto brush assembly.
Install new belt over motor drive, then over brush sprocket.
Snap brush supports into place on base. Be sure brush supports are not upside down.
Line up front of cover and base. Rest cover on front edge of base. Tilt cover to back. Press cover firmly until side tabs snap into place. Replace cover screws, light bulb and light cover.

Hope this is helpful. I sucked up the corner of a dangling sheet in mine and thought the belt broke. Turns out ( once I found my manual and got the cover off) there was a bunch of crud in there. After vacuuming my vacuum and pressing the overload protector button it worked again.

darlene tillman
November 2007