If you are talking about the acorn nut that secures the separator to the motor shaft, it can be removed with a small (or even a big, for that matter) air or electric impact wrench with the proper sized socket. Find a mechanic friend who has one, make sure it is set to UNDO (anti clockwise) and give it a short burst. The motor has sufficient inertia that the wrench will undo the nut in one or two tries. If a couple of bursts does not do it, you will really have to take the vac to a service shop. Although this method has never failed for me. Clean up the threads of corrosion, if any, until the nut threads on freely.

I am not familiar with late model Rainbow vacuum's. However, I suggest the following:

Since you havn't found out how to get to the other side, can you grab the bolt with a pair of needle nose pliers to remove???


Alternatively, press a screw driver against the bolt pressing it to the side and try to remove.

You might try to cut the bolt with a pair of dikes

It is strange that you cant change a filter without this major work.

there will likely be another volunteer question catcher take your question and has experience with this issue. Dont try mine until others have had a chance to respond.

Thanks for your interest in FixYa.com

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May I suggest you look the machine over closely before you remove the nut and bolt assembly.