how to fix my kenmore "whisperbelt "canister vacuum model 116?

what is the "belt re-set" red button for? Help,please! My new vacuum has quit working after I inadvertently vacuumed up some fabric.

Carol McD.
January 2016

to release the cover on a kenmore 116 3493593C there are two screws on the bottom that need to be removed and then pry the two tabs at the back of the powerhead out and then use the screwdriver to pry the two sides out where it says "insert screwdriver to separate and it comes apart. Fairly easy when you know. Really hard when you don't;.

Grace
October 2013

how do I install a new hose? I cant get the bottom piece
(the part that goes into the canister) off the hose.

Dave
March 2013

It is preposterous that something needing replacement would cause such a problem. One would think access would be easy and straight forward. It isn't. With clips and cheap plastic, one is afraid of breaking the cover, and this shouldn't be. I don't have the manual and went on line to find one and got into a Sears questionnaire on how GOOD that worthless web site is. I still don't know how to remove the existing belt.

Sam Thomas
July 2012

My brush stopped spinning. I have good suction and everything is fine. I thought it might be the motor in the brush.

Kristi
February 2011

116 20512003

Barbara Dulin
January 2011

To replace the drive belt as on my Kenmore model 116 (others may be different), remove the cover (slide two latchs outward) and the light/agitator cover (release the small loops attached to the rubber 'bumper' edges, then pinch two clips at back of cover and lift up from the back, rotating it forward). Pull the rubber 'bumper' edges away from the ends of the roller, lift the roller straight up, and the pieces that hold the roller at either end will slide up in their slots. It is difficult to see this until the roller is lifted. Notice that the piece that is in each slot has the flat edge up, as they should be reinserted with this orientation. Fully remove the roller. Note that the belt placement order can be reversed (roller then drive axle), but there are some tight spaces and fairly sharp edges next to the path of the belt. With the agitator selector lever in the "Carpet" position (engaged/forward), place the good belt around the drive axle and also around the movable selector roller towards the rear of the housing. Stretch the belt to position it on the roller, then pull the roller forward to line up and insert the end pieces into the slots. This will likely be a hard stretch of the belt, and the entire housing unit will need held in place to make this stretch. Check that the belt is turning freely and is correctly lined up on the roller and the drive axle. This belt replacement can be achieved with two good hands and likely a foot or two to hold the housing, but additional hands should be very helpful. I sincerely pray for your patience and your fingers when making this belt change.

MrL4JC in K-town
December 2009

how do I change the belt on my kenmore whisper belt 116
also where can I get a owners manual mod 2040000-1 C

VERNON
August 2009

How do I fix my older kenmore 3.9 vac. M#116, the on & off button does not work on it? I don't know how to get to the switch and I see no screws to take out.

Tim
March 2009

Mine is so messed up on the little rolly thing ther is a cord wrapped around it so how do i get the roly thing out please.

Senor Mastero
March 2009

My brush roller on my Kenmore 116 Power-Mate Jr. is jammed up. I separated it from the unit; but I wonder if I can separate it further. I see two plastic indented pieces on one end of the roller, but don't know what their function is. I've put some "liquid wrench" on both sides to loosen it up, but it seems that it should be more loose. What do you think? Should I just replace the brush roller all together? I haven't used it all that much, although it is pretty old, but otherwise in good condition!
Thanks.

Paul
December 2008

There may be slightly different versions of this vacuum head. For mine, the sequence that worked best was: (1) Remove the light housing. (2) Remove the two then-exposed screws. (3) Remove the small plastic lever you usually use to release the vacuum head from the steel tube by pulling up and then out. (4) Turn the housing over. (5) Using your flat-head screwdriver (two -- one on each side -- is even better because you can keep the first side released while you work on the second), release the tension on the two plastic tabs on either side of the head. The location of these tabs is written on your rubber bumper, but you have to look hard to see the writing. (6) Pry the two halves apart. They should come apart easily.

NOTE: IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE RUBBER BUMPER TO DO ALL OF THIS STUFF. But if you are reading this, you may already have done that. Just remember to put it back on before putting the two halves together again.

Gary
December 2008

turn sweeper upside down and remove 2 screws on the bottom of the sweeper, then there are 2 clip-like things near the front that you must pry to remove the plastic fixture. then remove the brush roller position the belt on the roller at the motor, the belt shoud go under the roller thing that does not rotate. the other roller rotates the belt.

Jim
August 2007

worked for me. Just pry off the light housing on top, remove the two screws, then flip over and pry bottom off using two arrows on bottom.

mwhigherground
July 2007

vacum lost secution what should I do

mike
July 2007

Thanks Carol! Our instruction were for a different model. You explained it perfectly.

Robert, First take the top light housing cover off. There are no instructions here like on the bottom. Just apply pressure on the side of the housing while pulling up slightly to release the tabs

HEW
May 2006

I just did EXACTLY what Carol G. said to do and it worked fine. Thank you Carol.

Joni
May 2006

Pry off the top housing that contains the light- there are tabs on either side you first have to release with a screwdriver. Mine has directions printed on the inside of this housing to continue on, but if yours doesn't have directions, here goes: You should see two screws there under the housing you just removed- take those out and then turn over the entire piece and pry the top part off. Again, there are tabs on the side you need to undo before the top and bottom separate. You should see the belt on the side there, and can remove it pretty easily from this point. Hope this helps.

Carol G.
April 2006

I'm having the same problem. BUT the bottom of the power head, on each side, instructs me to insert a screw driver to remove the cover. I haven't tried it yet, but I will. If you do it first let me know....

Robert Aue
April 2006