how do I open my upright kenmore vacuum cleaner model number 116 31312100 to replace the belt?

victor peterson, December 2007

To replace the power cord? I have removed 3 screws; how many more?

Eddie, August 2014

The switch on the handle is not turning then machine on any advice? I can't seem to figure out how to get to the switch to see if a wire is loose.

Brenda, February 2013

On the 116 Hepa's it's only 2 screws and then the tabs, which are not easy to see because they are the same color, pull out lift up the cover. I thought maybe there was a 3rd screw under the label, but there's only 2.

gordo, August 2012

fantastic belt-change instructions -- also made me laugh! I especially appreciated the writer's prayers for my patience and fingers.

happy vacuum owner, January 2011

To replace the drive belt as on my Kenmore model 116 (others may be different), remove the cover (slide two latchs outward) and the light/agitator cover (release the small loops attached to the rubber 'bumper' edges, then pinch two clips at back of cover and lift up from the back, rotating it forward). Pull the rubber 'bumper' edges away from the ends of the roller, lift the roller straight up, and the pieces that hold the roller at either end will slide up in their slots. It is difficult to see this until the roller is lifted. Notice that the piece that is in each slot has the flat edge up, as they should be reinserted with this orientation. Fully remove the roller. Note that the belt placement order can be reversed (roller then drive axle), but there are some tight spaces and fairly sharp edges next to the path of the belt. With the agitator selector lever in the "Carpet" position (engaged/forward), place the good belt around the drive axle and also around the movable selector roller towards the rear of the housing. Stretch the belt to position it on the roller, then pull the roller forward to line up and insert the end pieces into the slots. This will likely be a hard stretch of the belt, and the entire housing unit will need held in place to make this stretch. Check that the belt is turning freely and is correctly lined up on the roller and the drive axle. This belt replacement can be achieved with two good hands and likely a foot or two to hold the housing, but additional hands should be very helpful. I sincerely pray for your patience and your fingers when making this belt change.

MrL4JC in K-town, December 2009

Thank you Andrew , Could not get the cover off my power head, but did what you said and it worked fine.

no longer frustrated, December 2008

Wow,
I am a contractor for over 40 years and could not figure it out. Going to this website helped tremendously and it took seconds.
Thanks from an old dog

Big daddy, December 2008

I was about ready to toss my sweeper which I had inadvertently swept a window blind cord into. What a mess! Fortunately I found your suggestion and the rest is history. Next time I have to work on the roller, I will be less frustrated. Thanks so very much!

Sandy Brady, August 2008

Thank you, also for the answer to the belt change. Kenmore is very sneaky in how they put machine together.

Jim in Chicago, May 2008

just wanted to thank andrew for the answer he posted, which also answered my question and put to rest a three-day struggle with that bl**dy thing. should have kept track of where i put that manual! thank you, thank you, andrew. superheroes come in many shapes and sizes.
i have never been so happy to vacuum.

grateful me, January 2008

I don't have a manual either but here's what I just did.

The top cover of the sweeper unit looks like a single piece of plastic but it isn't; the top part that covers light is separate. Pull/squeeze/jiggle this piece to remove it.

At this point I'd recommend removing the light bulb to avoid breaking it when removing/replacing the main cover.

With the light cover removed, you'll see two screws; remove them.

Now flip the unit upside-down. On either side in between the sides of the outer cover and the body you'll see little tabs; on mine the underside even says something like "pry with screwdriver to remove." Slide a straight screwdriver between the body and outer cover and gently lever the body up out of the cover on both sides.

Once both tabs are free, turn the entire unit back over and remove the outer cover. The roller brush lifts out to replace the belt.

Andrew, December 2007