How to change carbon brushes in Vax 2000
Since new carbon brushes can be bought for a Vax 2000 (e.g., here) then I guess they can be replaced. Can you give me any tips on how this is done. I've opened up the motor unit and can see the carbon brush units. They seem to be retained by a brass housing. Do I just bend parts of the brass housing until the brush can be withdrawn, or is there some clever way to release the brush and/or housing? Simon
Vacuums - VAX Appliances - Vax X5 Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum
Answers & Comments
Bend back the three tabs and cut off the contact wire as close to the top tab as possible. You can then pull the brush (or what is left of it) out. The new brushes have a brass plate the same size as the brush opening. The connection wire that you cut away on the original brush is attached to this plate so you don't have to solder the connection. Push the new brush into the holder (you might have to file the carbon slightly to get it in). Then you have to compress the spring so that it all fits into the brush holder (this is difficult) once this is in keep the sping compressed with a small screw driver or other small tool, and bend the three tabs back over the brass plate to hold it in place. This is tricky but can be done.