Having trouble replacing belt in Hoover Runabout vacuum

Tom Schofield, April 2005

To expand on what Valerie said, after removing the plastic piece covering the brush, take the top shell off the vacuum. Look on the bottom of the vacuum. You will see two snaps on each side. Take a long flat head screwdriver and insert it between the shell and the inside of the vacuum. Apply outward pressure and the shell will pop out of the snaps. Do this to all four snaps, lift up, then place the vacuum handle down and pull the shell off.

Thanks to Valerie and everybody else.

Tom, January 2013

great info thanks

red, September 2011

The Hoover website is indeed worthless on this issue, so good luck trying to find the belt. I bought two Bissell belts (Number 2) at Walmart for about $3.00 and they work fine.

Kaleo, April 2011

On my very old Runabout there where no screws to remove. Simply just take a flat head screwdriver and on the bottom it has arrows that tell you where to push. Take cover top and bottom cover off and replace belt. As a note I made the mistake of removing the 4 screws that hold the motor/upright system and that was NOT needed.!! After you do it once (which will take all of 5 to 10 minutes tops ) you will be a pro.
I hope I helped somebody..!!!!!

I fixed mine, March 2011

No, the Hoover web site does not even recognize their own model numbers. It was pretty much useless.

John3p, February 2011

What Valerie has said works. I had to use a screwdriver to get the top off though. Just insert a flathead around the outside edge between the inner black plastic and the purple plastic and you will see the clips. Starting at the back, pry outward then pull the cover away from the base. You may have to give the butt of the screwdriver a smack to pop it off. Remove the cover entirely, it makes it a lot easier to replace the belt.

BJ, November 2009

My husband and I ran into to same problem. While I ran to the computer to find help, he started to take it apart. First of all remove the 2 screws from the bottom. Next there are 2 press in type clips. Press clips inward and apply even outward pressure to the frame in front of the brush up and it will snap off.
Lastly, apply even pressure to the upper housing while the vacuum is standing up. It should come off with a snap. Replace belt and reverse instructions. Be careful not to use too much pressure as you may crack to plastic. Also make sure your clips are center to come through their holes when replacing. Hope this helps.
When you think of it, this is how new sales happens!!

Valerie, September 2009

www.hoover.com type in model and serial number in manual box and it will give directions

Al Ross, May 2005