Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Kenmore Central Vac
All Products for Kenmore
Only hear a "click" when trying to start the system? Does it shut off and start back up in a few minutes? These are common signs of a dead motor which only leaves two options. Replace the motor or the replace unit. If you liked the amount of suction it originally had, then replace the motor. If you'd like stronger suction or if you'd like a cleaner disposal system consider a different unit or alternative brand.

How is a central vacuum maintained? Generally, the only thing required is emptying the main unit. Beyond that there are some upkeep and preventative options given below.
Replacement Chart for Kenmore Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
Sears Kenmore Replacement Motor Filtration
Vacuum Model
116.4043080
116.4043180
116.4043280

Sears Kenmore Vacuum MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116472 (Replaces Sears Kenmore 734067, 732073, 734067 motor)

NOTE: May also be 115334 motor below. Visually compare to determine.

A plastic cylinder, with a screen, filters the air. Some had 3/4 inch regular store bought foam wrapped around the cylinder for extra filtration and that can be done for any system like this.

There is a wide plastic bottom on the cylinder.

Be sure to clean any filter or screen or you will lose suction. Be sure the foam is completely dry before reusing.

Vacuum Model
20-40260
116.40260
116.40261
116.40262
116.40263
20-40270
116.40270
116.40271
Price / Details /
Instructions
116311 (Replaces Sears Kenmore motor 700365)
Vacuum Model
116.40532
116.4053480
116.4053481
116.4053482
Price / Details /
Instructions
116119 (Replaces Sears Kenmore 4369629, 569184, 732172)
Vacuum Model
116.40400
116.40510
20.40520
116.4052090
116.40521
116.4052190
116.4052291
116.40523
116.40524
116.40530
116.40531
116.4053180
116.4053280
116.4053380
116.40540
116.40590
116500
116501
116504		 Price / Details /
Instructions
115334 (Replaces Sears Kenmore 569184 motor, 700333 motor, and 732090 motor.)
Vacuum Model
116.4033080		 Usually one of the motors above.

Kenmore bag 20-5030 #701038 replaced with #723MFS

Some Kenmore Built-in Models including:
34806

 Kenmore Central Vacuum MotorPrice / Details /
Instructions
116765 Used in some models. Click on the link for details to use to match it.		  

Some other Kenmore Built-in Central Vacuum Systems: 116.4081080C, 116.40810
Whirlpool Replacement Motor Filtration
7700 Some Models
i.e. FB7700XS

FB770XSO takes the 115334 motor below


Price / Details /
Instructions
116472

NOTE: May also be 115334 motor below. Visually compare to determine.

 See note above.
9900 All Models
Compare your motor to these by clicking the buy button for a larger photo. FYI: The bottom motor is taller.

For more information, send us your model number such as: FB9900XS

 Price / Details /
Instructions
115334 (replaces motor 115440, 115441)
Price / Details /
Instructions
116119 (replaces motor 116103)
Basic Maintenance for Kenmore Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Kenmore Central Vacuum System is dealing with the filtration. In most cases, the dirt receptacle on the main unit needs to be emptied into a trash can or plastic garbage bag. To do this, remove the base of the unit with a twist or by unlatching, then dump the debris. To clean the filter, place the filter into a plastic trash bag and shake it. If there is a foam filter wrapped about a cylinder, you can replace the foam with 3/4 inch foam from a store. Secure it with tie wraps or black tape. Some may have a center weighted cloth. Reach up and grab the cloth filter and shake it using a platic bag around the bottom. This filter can be further cleaned or replaced. To remove the filter, grab a side of it and pull toward the center. The outer stiff rim of the filter bends in and the filter drops out. Others may have a simple paper bag that needs to be replaced.

Motor and Vacuum Maintenance
There is nothing to lube or oil in or on the central vacuum system, including the Kenmore motor, Kenmore vacuum motor unit, or Kenmore vacuum cleaner. For the indoor vacuum brush, the fibers that get wrapped around the brush roll of the vacuum cleaner head should be cut out and removed on a regular basis.

Pipe and Hose Maintenance
We recommend cleaning out the hose and piping system at least once per year. The best way to do that is with Tornado Central Vacuum Maintenance Cloths. They do a couple of things. First, they push through the pipes, bringing along stalled out debris. Second, they deodorize the hose, pipes, and unit. Some amazing results can come from this product. The vacuum hose will last longer if it is stored on a hanger, always being detached from the vacuum after each use. See if any of these Storage Items can help your situation (scroll to the bottom of the Accessory Page).

Email Reminders to Empty Vacuum
Sign up for the Free Quarterly Email Reminders to dispose of your central vacuum debris. Let the trash build up can reduce suction, making the unit run hotter and clean less efficiently.

Replacement Motors and Parts for Kenmore Vacuums

Troubleshooting
Self diagnose your system using this Interactive Troubleshooting Guide and Solutions.

Motor Replacement
Contact a local dealer for service, or consider doing it yourself. Motors on the Kenmore vacuum have a few fasteners and wires that need to be unattached, the reattached on the new motor. It should take less than one hour. First, turn off the circuit breaker or unplug the central vacuum unit. Then, access the motor by releasing the outer housing. Use the chart to find the right replacement motor for your Kenmore motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed Kenmore Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Separate transformers, relays, and minibreakers are not available here for Kenmore. However, when a circuit board is installed, the most common board replacement for Kenmore vacuums is the Vacuum Motor Circuit Board for Single Motor Units 110 Volt. The board is strong, yet generic and may need to be retrofitted. There are other Generic Circuit Boards here for units with different voltage and two motors. These robust generic boards are made by the leading industry supplier. An electrician will be able to replace the circuit board, or replace the relay, transformer, and minibreakers with a circuit board quite easily. Print and use the large photograph of the board as the wiring guide.

Motor Carbon Brush
The Kenmore motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the Kenmore motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Kenmore motor brushes can be checked every few years and replaced if the 3/4-inch-long solid carbon is worn down. Definitely replace if one or both are down to 3/16 inch. Type the motor replacement number (not model number) in the search box and the motor brushes will come up along with instructions.
 
Note: Kenmore Vacuum is a registered trademark of Sears, not M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from Kenmore Vacuum but are designed to complement a Kenmore Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not Kenmore Vacuum and thus may alter the warranty provided by Kenmore Vacuum.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Kenmore Vacuum Questions and Answers or give us a call at 1-800-997-2278 M-Th 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.