Kenmore, Whirlpool, & Sears Services & Repairs Q&A

We have the parts you need. The smaller diameter pipe is not available, nor those fittings but you can use an adapter on each side and modern central vac pipe and fittings between. The pipe and fittings compatible with Kenmore 1-3/4 inch Central Vacuum Systems will resolve this.

We are not finding any cross references. You can see all our belts including smooth ones. We give you all the dimensions to help you find a belt. https://builtinvacuum.com/parts/belts.html. If you can't find the belt we'd love to help you find a new head or new hose and head kit for your system. Please send a photo of the vacuum head, hose and hose ends to help you further.

Please click on the following link for a video tutorial on how to remove the canister and change the filter: https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/videos/index.html

That truly sounds like a rare part, sorry. Three prong items have all been phased out. Needless to say, we have complete replacement hoses, heads (may not be compatible with your set up), and kits but that is a lot different than just replacing a part.

In most cases it ends up costing more to keep repairing an old carpet brush than to just replace it. You can view your replacement option here https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/powermate.html If your old carpet brush says Powermate on it, this will be a direct replacement.

Correct, it is the motor or the minibreaker itself, but it is usually the motor. Do you smell any burning electrical? That would be the motor. Is it popping sooner and sooner? That would be the motor too. That said, sometimes as the motor goes out it takes the minibreaker out too.

Other than the built in screen, no. Your system was not designed to use filters. If dust is a problem in the location, you can easily replace it with our Flo Master model M85. It is a filtered unit with convenient bags that can be replaced and is about the same overall size but with more power. Contact your local dealer for options and pricing at https://builtinvacuum.com/dealers.html

The Kenmore models did not come with bags, though some did have a piece of store bought foam or a screen that was just wrapped around the intake to the motor. If these are present in your system, they will need to be cleaned when you empty the collection bin. If you wash the foam or screen, it is very important to be sure that it is completely dry before using.

Yes, your motor is out as you know. The motors they used are listed here so you'll be able to nail down the right one using the photo and description https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/motor.html. Let us know if you need help.

Usually that noise happens immediately because the hose was manufactured with the ends on the wrong sides. But for it to happen later is interesting. Try cleaning your filter really well. Suction a full paper towel through the hose. See if the dynamics of the hose and suction changes and fixes this.

That is a problem that can only be resolved by replacing the entire vacuum unit. You can use any unit on the market but we highly recommend our's from California. The FloMaster M85 and SilentMaster S44 are powerful, quieter, and we have the parts to fit it into your system easily. Please call us for details.

Sounds like the gear on the motor brush is broken or the motor burned out. If it is airpowered then take it apart to unjam the turbine.

The original inlets are not available but if they used the standard, non proprietary ones then you can get them here https://builtinvacuum.com/inlets/basic.html. Call us for some options, ask for technical assistance.

Hi, please watch video #2 here on Kenmore filtration https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/videos/index.html. Be sure all screens are cleaned in the unit. Also, the motor could be full of hair. From the bottom look up into it. If it is you'll need to replace the motor. The videos are help for that as well and for what you can get in a hose and a kit. Here is a link to buy kits for your system. https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/kits.html. Do read the NOTE about adapters and let us know if you need any further help. mdservice@builtinvacuum.com

Hi Ron, good and bad news. Bad news first, those inlets are only replaceable if you open up your wall, cut the pipe, put in a new 90 and backing plate. Sorry. Good news is you can buy a new unit and hook it up to the existing pipe and wire. See our #2 and 10 videos for Kenmore here https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/videos/index.html.

Hi, we have what you need. Buy the Basic Hose for 1.25 inch inlets here https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/hoses.html#basic and then the Stretch Hose found under it. The Stretch Hose fits on to the end of the Basic Hose when you need to reach further.

Hi Laura, congratulations on the home and central vac (the only way to clean!). Yes, we have everything you need to get your system functioning to it fullest potential. There is basically nothing you need to change, you just need to get a hose and tool set. All the sets fit and the only issue is if you need an adapter. See the NOTE text after the Electric Kit header here https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/kits.html. All the accessories you see are compatible with the new kit and we your current hose if you have one. Please don't hesitate to let us know how else we can help. We are also available by phone four days a week.

Hi, if the motor is at the top then the larger portion of the bag should be installed so it is suctioned upwards.

Hi, yes the model number vacuum nozzle you have, and the wands, are all replaceable with the parts found on this page https://builtinvacuum.com/parts/hayden-parts.html.

Joe, out of the multitude of inlets you have the hardest to work with. The intake hole for the faceplate neck is not the standard 1-5/8 inch diameter. Plus, if you where to go into the wall to put new backing plates you probably have the non-standard diameter pipe. We have adaptors to bring it up to 2 inch OD but working in the wall is a real mess. If you only have a couple inlets you may be crazy enough to retrofit a tight 90 standard fitting over a freshly cut old 90 just under the sleeve where the old pipe was glued. Call us for more information.

Hi, the Basic Hose for 1.25 inlets has a 1.25 metal friction fit end and works perfectly. We don't have any solution for the broken garage inlet on the unit. You can splice into the plastic tube and put a simple inline valve there. Here is what you'll need for your 1-3/4 inch diameter PVC thinwall pipe https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=613A,507P2,508,520-4&qty=1,2,1,1.

Hi, sorry, we don't have the hose handle but we do have the hose - in fact two options - found here https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/hoses.html. Replacing the hose, though expensive, is well worth it. The newer hoses are so much better to handle and use.

Hi Craig, you have the bottom emptying unit with the plastic T shaped part inside and on the straight section is a screen where the air is suctioned in, right? You can by regular 1 foam and wrap it around the screen portion. There are plenty of folks who don't though and more debris goes through the motor and out the exhaust.

Hi, you are in luck if your inlets look like any of these https://builtinvacuum.com/inlets/basic.html. If not then there are none available. On a good note we have hoses and vacuum kits that fit all the Kenmore inlets. https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/kits.html

Hi, first be sure to go through our troubleshooting guide here www.builtinvacuum.com/flowchrt.html. If it turns out the be the electronics then have an electrician install our small circuit board #235S to replace all the components.

You can open the vacuum and bypass the minibreaker / reset button and run the motor. As it heats up turn it off if you smell it starting to burn or get too hot. That shows the motor is going bad and the minibreaker to be fine.

Hi, that is actually a sign that your motor is going bad. Rarely when they go bad do they permanently ruin the minibreaker but right now it is popping because the motor is overheating as it fails. We have replacement motors here and ship promptly to Canada. https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/motor.html.

Hi, if your equipment looks like this https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore/powermate.html then we have parts for it here https://builtinvacuum.com/parts/hayden-parts.html.

Patti, those backing plates and inlets are not available any longer thanks to Sears existing the market. You'll have to use the standard ones and put a new end on your hose that will work for both types https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=302-1.25A. For the pipe you will see in the pipe and elbows page an adaptor (#507P2) that will mate older with new pipe.

Hello Jim, did you first press the sides of the top plastic section and lift up? The screws are under that section.

Hello, the hose from Sears may be easily changed to fit your industry standard 1.5 inch diameter inlets. The reducer should pull out of the end of the hose leaving the standard size end ready for use.

Hi, you have a bad switch. We sell parts that may work for it here. A lot of these parts fit the vacuum cleaner itself but may not fit the hose switch. Scroll down to #342S https://builtinvacuum.com/parts/hayden-parts.html

Hi, our experience with Kenmore Central Vacuum customers is that our #320 cord replaces the L connection and the cord. Here is the part https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=320.

Hi, we are glad you found us! Yes, you need the adaptor for your 1.25 inch diameter inlets. It fits all hoses with a plastic body end. Using the low voltage hose is a great idea. It has a comfortable grip, 360-degree swivel for less kinking, and is made better than basic hoses. We sell the hose up to 50ft long and you can check them out here https://builtinvacuum.com/hoses/lowvoltagehoses.html.

Hello, you can pull this off quite easily. The part #507P2 adapts the central vacuum pipe to your old pipe. Here is the adaptor and pipe and fittings https://builtinvacuum.com/install_shop/pipe-fittings.html. For the new inlet use #517 backing plate and any Basic Inlet Valve https://builtinvacuum.com/inlets/basic.html. Run low voltage wire spliced into your existing wire or all the way back to the Kenmore Vacuum Unit. The bigger issue once it is all installed is the two different hose port diameters and using one hose. But that can be fixed easily as well for a little money. Buy these and put the metal part into the end of the plastic cuff. Put it in far enough so when you use the new inlets it goes in and allows the plastic cuff with metal ring to engage. Here is what you need and they will fit on your old hose https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=302HCR,302-1.25ST. Or you can buy a new hose and put that metal part into it directly https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=302,303,302-1.25ST. If you have more questions please ask.

www.builtinvacuum.com/hayden/Hayden-PowerMate-Instructions.pdf has instructions for taking the brush apart. The trick is to put the neck in the down position and then squeeze and lift the sides of the top-most plastic section. It comes off and the screws are under that.

Hello Don, sounds like the roller brush is clogged up and making resistance or the motor is going bad (we have new motors under Parts/Hayden Parts). Clean the bushings on the roller first. Access the parts by first pushing in the sides of the top section to remove it. Screws are located under that section.

Hello Randy, for your case it sounds like a bad hose handle switch. Did the suction come on originally when you opened the port door before? Or on after hose insertion? If after then look inside the port for two small metal contacts. Use foil to short them (no shock). Suction should work which means you need to replace the hose switch, if available, or the hose. Here are the hose options: https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore.html#hoses and here is a switch that may work https://builtinvacuum.com/retail/shopretail.php?part_no=342S (Hayden is same as Kenmore, same original manufacturer, but the switch may have changed after all these years). Hope that helps! Oh, and always consider a new complete kit as well, just look at the top of the page from first link given in this answer.

Hello Ken, we suggest the SilentMaster S4. It has high waterlift or torque, perfect for the restricted pipes used in Kenmore systems. We have the adaptor to bring the smaller diameter pipe to the larger 2 OD pipe and to the S4. For the home we highly recommend the Stealth Kit. Your original Kenmore wall ports are not replaceable, by the way, sorry. The S4 is available through dealers or through us if a dealer is not close to you. Here are some links and let us know if you have more questions. https://builtinvacuum.com/silent_master/index.html
https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore.html#electrickits

Good question Frank, we have a way of making a newer hose fit into both valves but not a way to convert an older hose. Sorry!

Hello, follow the steps here www.builtinvacuum.com/flowchrt.html and let us know if you have questions.

Hello Becky, on the Powermate you need to push in the sides of the top most section, where the light is, and lift up. The screws under under it that allow you to take the brush apart.

On PowerMate vacuum heads the top most part is squeezed in on the sides and lifted up. The screws to take the nozzle apart to get to the belt are under that top part.

On the PowerMate you squeeze the sides of the top headlamp cover and lift up. Under that cover are the screws to take the vacuum head apart.

Usually you squeeze in the sides of the head light section and that top most cover lifts off. The screws are under there.

Yes, the hose for 1.25 diameter inlets like you have will come with the 8ft electric extension cord that is attached to the wall end of the hose. It plugs into a normal electrical outlet within 8ft of the vacuum inlet. It is usually plenty long to reach the closest outlet. If not you can easily use an extension cord. If you'd like take a tape measure and see about your situation. The outlet can be down the hall, around the corner in a room or kitchen, etc. It is a little more work now having to plug in the hose and the cord but you will not be let down with the incredible job the Stealth does on your carpet. We guarantee it or all your money back.

We certainly have and sell many of the Stealth Kits for the Kenmore system you have. The wall end of the hose has an 8ft corded, unlike the one you saw in the photo. Click here and the drop down on the top right shows the compatible Stealth Kits for your built-in system https://builtinvacuum.com/help/kenmore.html

We don't have the transformer. You can replace the central vac or have an electrician put in circuit board #235S (in electrical parts).

If your carpet brush is a PowerMate you will fit a replacement for just over $200 on the Kenmore help page. Under Parts and More click on Hayden Parts to find replacement parts for the PowerMate (it is the exact same brush). We may not have all the parts for it you need however. The overload switch is probably the issue.

You can test them by finding the connection on the unit where the wire from the home goes (not the power cord, but a smaller wire) and by touching one side of the connection to the other side using a wire or paper clip. You will not be shocked. For the accessories you first need to get the diameter hole of the inlet in the wall. No matter the size, you have a lot of options. If you have carpeting you should really consider an electric kit such as the Stealth. If not much carpet at all then the Deluxe. Read over all this in our Kenmore Help Page.

So sorry for this! Of all the items we deal with this is the most difficult to get around. Please read this write up here and then call us if you have more questions.

Is this a built in central vacuum cleaner? If so please read the hose section on the Kenmore Help page. If it is not we may not be able to help you.

This connects to a new backing plate such our #517. A new faceplate attaches to the backing plate. You have older style pipe at will not fit this 90. But you can make it fit by cutting just below the colar of the old 90 where it is glued on the old pipe. The old pipe width plus the colar of the old 90 fit perfectly in the new 90 which has a 2 OD.

The best we can do now is direct you the Kenmore page where you will have to do a visual comparisons and click on the details of the various motors to compare measurements. Also, call us toll-free and we can help you. Have the motor nearby.