I dropped it and I think a piece of plastic broke off and fell into the fan.

hank, June 2008

Bill's answer from July 2008 is exactly correct.

Wayne, February 2020

how do I get the motor out of a tristar vaccuum and can one put new brushes in.

Pat, May 2014

after taking a tri star vacuum apart how do i get the fan off the motor

jim vialoux, December 2012

There are three screws that hold the shell together.
The rear (phillips) screws are in the rear wheel wells. The front screw is also accessed from the bottom, in the front where the power plugs in for the brush. After the screws are out, carefully split the case. The bumper might be pretty snug, holding the shell halves together. Once the front is loose, it should pop apart

This is how my CXL Tristar came apart.

Bill, July 2008