Motors, Filters, and Maintenance for Budd Central Vacuum
All Products for Budd
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 Budd Vacuum Motors, Filtration, & More
Model # Replacement Motor
 Notes

Budd
5807, 1602
110-120 volt		 Price / Details /
Instructions
117465


Relay #242
Transformer #232

 FILTRATION ON ALL MODELS
Some Budd's had a screen that needs to be brushed off by reaching up into the unit. Others had an inverted cloth bag . Compare our Cloth Bag inventory. (Ours have a weighted center.)

Budd
7811
110-120 volt

Price / Details /
Instructions
117507
 Parts & More


Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd
9915
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
117478
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd
9812
110-120 volt

Price / Details /
Instructions
116472
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd
1914P, 1914S
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
117465
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd
25807P, 25807S
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
(takes 2 motors)
117465
Two motors, two cords.
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd
9813P
110-120 volt

Price / Details /
Instructions
119413
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd
9813S
110-120 volt		 Not available from MD Vac
Two motors.
Relay #242
Transformer #232

Budd 0704
and pre 1984
110-120 volt
Price / Details /
Instructions
115334 (replaces 115472)
Relay #242
Transformer #232
Basic Maintenance for Budd Vacuum

Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Budd Central Vacuum System is changing the bag, or, in most cases, emptying the dirt receptacle on the main unit. To do this, remove the base of the unit with a twist or by unlatching, then dump the debris. Reach up and remove the mesh filter. To further clean the filter, wash and it thoroughly air dry before installing. Above the mesh filter is a screen that needs to be clear from all debris.

For inverted cloth filters, remove the base of the unit with a twist or by unlatching, then dump the debris. Place a plastic trash bag over the bottom of the unit. Reach up and grab the center weighted cloth filter and shake it. 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. To further clean the filter wash it and thoroughly air dry before installing.

Motor and Vacuum Maintenance
There is nothing to lube or oil in or on the central vacuum system, including the Budd motor, Budd vacuum motor unit, or Budd 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 Budd 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 Budd 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 Budd motor model. A motor may have many numbers on it but typically the real motor number starts with 11. Here are detailed Budd Motor Replacement Instructions.

Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
Separate transformers, relays, and minibreakers are not available here for Budd. However, when a circuit board is installed, the most common board replacement for Budd 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 Budd motor has two carbon brushes that wear down and can be replaced before they damage the motor. However, the Budd motor may go bad for other reasons while the carbon brushes remain fine. Budd 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: Budd Vacuum is a registered trademark of Budd, not M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. Products sold by M.D. Manufacturing, Inc. are not from Budd Vacuum but are designed to complement a Budd Central Vacuum. Therefore, parts and products carry warranties from MD Manufacturing and not Budd Vacuum and thus may alter the warranty provided by Budd Vacuum.
Need more help? Try our extensive and helpful Budd 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.