Is there an unusual screeching noise when you switch on you Hoover vacuum cleaner? Is it leaving bits of dirt behind where before you would see a spotless floor after vacuuming? The noise you hear or the drop in cleaning performance could be caused by a loose belt or a belt that has snapped into pieces. When this happens, the belt starts to slip away from its position, causing the noise and the lack of performance.
You will need to replace the Hoover vacuum belt, not the entire appliance. Your Hoover is probably good for many more years of use if you keep it clean and properly maintenanced.
Hoover is a respectable brand that has been around for over 100 years. Since 2007, Hoover has been incorporated into Techtronic Industries and is no longer a product under the Whirlpool label. Techtronic is another iconic company with base operations in Hong Kong and a North American network; they’re also the current leader in floor care and cleaning.
If you have been hearing talk about how quickly Hoover belts start to malfunction, don’t panic. Many people who don’t know much about the mechanics of a vacuum cleaner do not realize that these belts are considered consumable items. They will need to be replaced periodically. Fortunately, Hoover vacuum belts are not hard to find, although generally speaking you must should always try to match the belt to the vacuum model.
The different Hoover belts are V-shaped, Round, Flat, or Cogged. With the help of your local hardware store or handyman, it is possible to fit your Hoover vacuum cleaner with a generic belt, although you will need a professional to recommend the right one.
The Hoover Wind Tunnel Vacuum
Out of all the Hoover vacuum cleaners in the market, it is the Hoover Wind Tunnel series that people truly associate with the company. The Hoover wind tunnel vacuum belt is also known as the Hoover vacuum belt 38528 series. There are different kinds of Hoover vacuum belt 38528 to correspond to the different Hoover Wind Tunnel models.
The popularity of this series is attributed to the following features:
- Attractive and wide range of prices
- Lightweight
- Easy to adjust the height
- Consistency in suctioning dirt
- HEPA filters
- Power cord is retractable
- Filter can be cleaned easily with a simple rinse
- Excellent and well-planned accessories
In the Hoover vacuum manuals, the recommendation to stick to the model number when replacing the Hoover wind tunnel vacuum belts does not have to be followed strictly. You can get a different belt number if the model number you use keeps breaking. It’s an indication that the belt is too tight and instead of forcing the issue, an expert would recommend a slightly longer belt. This is especially true for the Hoover vacuum belt 38528-008 model number. It can be replaced instead by using the Hoover vacuum belt 38528-033. However, it’s a personal decision you must make on your own or discuss with your Hoover technician or local expert. You can also log onto the Hoover website and find out what the alternative Hoover vacuum belts are for your model.
How to Replace the Hoover Vacuum Belt
Before anything else, unplug your Hoover vacuum appliance. You could accidentally switch it on while working on the appliance and that could be disastrous. In fact, try to bundle and tie the cable wire with a nylon strap so it does not get in your way. Here are simple steps to follow:
- Remove the knob the adjusts the height of your Hoover
- Turn your vacuum cleaner upside down slowly. You will see a button to release the vacuum cleaner handle from its locked position
- With a screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the latches in place. Once they’ve been removed, you will be able to take off the cover of your vacuum roller plate
- Only remove the bottom plate
- Flip your vacuum around to an upright position and place it on top a study table
- Lock the vacuum’s handle
- You will see the belt. Remove it or cut it out. Make sure you do not leave any pieces inside
- Turn the vacuum back around so you can see the roller. Remove this roller (This could also look more like a bar depending on the model of your Hoover)
- Check the roller by spinning it. If it rolls freely, then it’s in good condition.
- Wrap the new belt around the roller. Put the roller with the new belt back inside the vacuum and spin it once more. It should be able to roll freely
- Screw back in the bottom plate
- Get the belt and pull it around the motor shaft. Spin the roller once more
- Replace the cover plate. Release the lock and fix the height
- Before you plug in your vacuum, give the roller once last spin.
For the first couple of minutes after switching on your vacuum cleaner you should observe your Hoover closely. Be on alert for unusual sounds and smells. If you smell something burning emanating from your Hoover, switch it off immediately. It’s likely that your belt is installed properly but something is blocking it from moving. You will need to go back and take a peek inside. There could be remnants of the old belt. You could also inspect the roller (or bar) to see if you replaced it securely.
Since you are doing maintenance on your Hoover, you might as well clean the vacuum bag or the vacuum bag area. Vacuum cleaners are notorious for collecting dirt, dust, and debris that may end up being stored inside your appliance. It’s a good time to spring clean Mr. Hoover.
The first time you replace the Hoover vacuum belt, it will be a nerve-wracking period, especially when you switch it back on. This is normal. As long as you took the necessary precautions and followed the instructions, it’s not going to explode into bits. That first thirty seconds running on a new Hoover vacuum belt is the most crucial time, so avoid distractions and shut off your radio, TV, or even mobile phone. Next time around, you’ll be in and out of your vacuum’s innards in minutes.