Hi there, Alec (smartalec) from Nelsonvacuums.com.au here. I basically spend all day fixing vacuums and i can help you with this one. The noise fou are hearing is the clutch engaging. There are a couple of probable causes for this.
1st possibility. Something is jamming the brush roller in place. if you tip the machine on its back and take off the sole plate you can check the brush to see if it turns ok. If there is an obstuction simply remove and retest.
2nd possibility. The bearings for the brush roller are siezed. Basically from step above you need to then remove the brush (not easy) by lifting it up and sliding it out from the belt. Once out you can remove the end caps and then you will be able to access the bearings by removing the brush axle and pushing out the bearing with the axle. Then clean bearing and check it spins freeley. If not you may need to replace with a 625 bearing - I can get these for you just contact me through nelsonvacuums.com.au. If both bearings are shot then you will need a new brush.
3. if your bearings are okay then it is going to be the clutch itself. For this you will need to do above steps then remove the plate that sits below belt which simply pulls out but be carfull to apply pressure at both ends at once or you will damage the guides. Then you will need a torx driver to remove the clutch cover and a new clutch to replace the damaged one.
This is not an especially easy repair because once the new clutch goes in the belt tension is super high and it is difficult to slide the roller back in. It is possible to do however and i did hundreds before i found a magical clutch tool costs about $30 and isnt necessary if your only going to do 1.
If you have any more questions or need parts just hit me on the website ill help you out.
Regards Alec from nelsonvacuums.com.au
smartalec, August 2009
