I am trying to locate a broken connection inside the canister. I remove 2 screws but it feels like there is another one. How can I get inside the housing to get to the motor?

Clint Rila, May 2007

cant get My Kenmore canister apart Model 116 please help Me wifh this? Thank You Rita Payne

Rita Payne, November 2013

Thanks Randall. That is exactly what I needed to know and I was able to remove the housing just as you said. The trick to push the black tabs back with one screwdriver while a 2nd opened the gap. I have model 116 26212690c, much the same. I also went to the Sears web site http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Kenmore-Parts/Vacuum-Parts/Model-11626212690C/0582/0642000/10043975/00001?blt=06&prst=&shdMod= and it showed the four screws. Thanks.

Fred B, September 2010

Visit the parts section of sears.com and from that website, you might be able to find a diagram of the exact model you have.

On the Kenmore 116 2561190 canister vacuum I have, there are two screws underneath the hinges of the large cover that you lift to change the bag. Lift the cover all the way and see if you can flex the hinges some so you can remove the cover enitrely. It makes it easier to get to those screws with the cover removed.

There are also two screws underneath the on/off pedal at the rear of the canister. To remove the pedal get a flashlight and look at the front of the on/off pedal and you should see some retaining tabs. Get a couple of screwdrivers and inbetween the pedal and the top rear cover housing pry the tabs of the housing forward so that they will release the tabs of the on/off pedal. When I did it, I started on the left side and made my way to the other side. I used one screwdriver to keep pressure on the pedal towards the rear of the vacuum, and used the other screwdriver to push the retaining tabs of the housing forward to clear the tabs on the pedal.

Once you get the on/off pedal off, you'll see the two remaining screws that need to be removed to get access to the motor or power cord assembly.

Randall, August 2008

If it is an ancient 116 like my power-mate 4.1 the switching and reel compartment opens by prying firmly but gently with a screw driver at the two forward sides (about 1/2) inch back from the lip and at the two rear edges (~1/2 inch forward of the end) of the top section. Snap clips are located there holding the top on. The front will pry off more easily than the back...watch your switch levers as they will pop off and are easily replaced.

Eric, June 2007

I discovered that, by carefully prying up the cord retracter bar, it can be removed. The two remaining screws are accessable.

Clint Rila, May 2007