I would like to open the kenmore whispertone vacuum to repair the cable retractor.

Any help would be appreciated.

TW

twowordz, March 2006

Thanks for the tip. This worked for me also. The retractor plate is indeed tricky to remove if you haven't done it before.

Jim2, March 2013

this was the answer for me, thankyou all
this is correct information for opening
Kenmore Whispertone 8100 vacuum

Darren, January 2009

Jim's technique worked well with my Kenmore Model 116.2385190 canister vacuum. When removing the cord retractor bar, you should see four tabs in the slot you created when prying the bar away from the vacuum body. The plastic from the bar (dark colored on my machine) goes underneath each tab which is part of the body (light colored on my machine). A second medium-small screwdriver may be used to push on the tab (which is part of the body) away from the bar- this will help it to release the bar. Upon reassembly, note that the spring goes around the pushrod on the retractor bar.

Larry, November 2007

If you want to open the lower unit, which houses the spinning brush, the belt for the brush, and the wheels, the trick is to first remove the plastic housing that covers the front-light. It sometimes looks like an integral piece, but it snaps off by pushing in a bit on the clear part of the plastic that covers the light, then lifting off the rectangular housing that holds this plastic cover. Inside you will find two screws that hold on the bottom unit. Unscrew them. Then turn the unit over and use a screwdriver to release the one clip on either side (an arrow points to the spot.) Then you're in. The belt is a snap to change and needs no further explanation.

Ethan, September 2006

If it is the same as mine the screws are pretty well hidden. If you lift the cover over the bag compartment and wiggle the hinges until you can remove it completely you will find two screws under where the two curved hinge joints were. The other two are hidden under the cord retracter button. That is not too hard to remove. If you pry it forward at the back of it where it pivots you can pull it off. It may seem like it will break but the tabs do not go too far under the lip. You may try using two thin screw drivers to press in both directions at the same time on one end then work in to the next tab. Watch for where the spring goes because it comes loose when you do this. Then it is easy. The button will pop back in fairly easy when re-assembling.

Jim, March 2006