Kenmore Progressive canister model 116.20812. The spring on the power cord retractor no longer has the strength to pull the cord all the way in. If I could get at the reel I might be able to wind it tighter, but there is at least one screw holding the top housing to the bottom of the case that is under the plastic cord retractor bar (the part you push to retract the cord). How can that bar be removed temporarily to get at the screw? Thanks.

Mark Bernstein, June 2004

There are two screws hidden below the grey plastic foot release for the cord. The plastic foot release plate is held in place by three plastic tabs; one placed in the center and the other two approximately 1-1/2 inches either side of it. With the vacuum placed horizontally on its wheels, insert a medium screwdriver vertically in the gap between the blue body of the case and the grey foot release. Gently twist the screwdriver to pry away the blue vertical body of the case adjacent to the three tabs. In this way you can remove the release plate.

Doug, December 2007

The answer here worked for me:

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=167850

Mark Middlebrook, September 2004