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Vacuum cleaners are electrical appliances that clean surfaces by suction. The suction is caused by a pressure differential (an enclosed chamber with reduced air pressure), rather than by a vacuum which is the absence of air. The outside air pressure of the chamber is more than the air pressure inside and that causes the outside air to attempt to get into the vacuum cleaner. As the air comes into the machine, it pulls any debris it picks up as it’s moving into the machine. Debris is trapped in a bag while air passes through the bag and back outside. Whether the machine is an upright vacuum or canister vacuum, they work about the same way. The electric motor operates a fan that draws the air and dirt into the machine and into the bag. More powerful motors can be used in canister vacuums than in upright models. Both models use a spinning brush in the head to grab debris and force it into the vacuum cleaner.

To disassemble an upright vacuum cleaner, you must:

1. Be sure the vacuum cleaner is unplugged. The lower handle screw and the handle must be removed. If there is an accessory hose, remove it.
2. Turning the vacuum cleaner over, remove the top cover screws. Then turn the machine right side up again and shift the height adjustment out of the way. Then you can lift off the cover.
3. Remove the brush roller (beater bar) and drive belt and then remove the motor. The motor clamp is secured by a screw that must be removed. When you reinstall the parts, be sure you do not damage the gasket at the other end of the motor.

To disassemble a canister vacuum, you must:

1. Be sure the vacuum cleaner is unplugged. First you remove the dust bag, filter, and all hoses. Take off the cover screws and then lift off the cover so you can access the motor and electrical components.
2. For servicing the motor brushes or canister, you must remove any securing screws on the motor cover plate. Then you can lift out the motor. You should locate and replace the sealing gaskets.
3. For servicing the brush roller (beater bar), you must turn the power nozzle over and remove any dust and debris. The top cover is secured by screws that must be removed, before turning the machine right side up. Then you can lift the top cover off.

To service a beater bar on an upright or canister vacuum cleaner, you must:

1. Inspect the beater bar by turning the vacuum or vacuum head upside down. The beater bar is located at the front edge of the housing.
2. There are clips at each end that must be removed. Then you can detach the drive belt and lift the beater bar from the housing.
3. If it is necessary to disassemble the beater bar, you can remove the end cap and flange. Then pull the brush from the casing.
4. Replace the brush if it is worn. If it is necessary, you should also replace a case, a broken cap, or a flange. You can also replace the entire beater bar.

How to replace the drive belt:

1. First you need to take out one end of the beater bar from the vacuum cleaner housing.
2. Then you must slide the replacement drive belt over the beater bar and slip it around the motor pulley. You will notice that the new belt is smaller (not wider or narrower) than the old one because the old one has been stretched by use.
3. Then you can reinstall the beater bar into the vacuum cleaner and adjust the drive belt if it is necessary.

In order to keep your vacuum cleaner operating efficiently, you should replace the filter. Just open the access door and remove the filter. Check for any secondary filters and replace them as well.