There are no belts as far as I can see. I believe the suction/brush operation is driven like the blades of a turbine, however I can't quite figure how the Air from the main fan motor is diverted to this part. I had the same symptoms as you and also thought maybe the shaft that drives the brush/suction had snapped, but don't see any evidence of this. Hopefully my answer can get the ball rolling as to how to fix the steam cleaner.
Tunk
Tunk, April 2006
