How do I Fix a Hoover Windtunnel Foot Pedal Release?
The Hoover Windtunnel T-Series, the newest range of vacuums in Hoover's Windtunnel line, includes a foot pedal that turns on and off the unit's brushroll. Applying slight pressure with your foot to the brushroll pedal -- which is located on the back right of the vacuum (if you are looking at the front of the vacuum) -- will turn this pedal on and off. The brushroll should be turned off if you are using the Windtunnel on bare floors, such as hardwood or tile, or when you're using the vacuum's attachment tools; it should be turned on when using the vacuum on carpet. If your pedal becomes jammed, squeaky or broken, you can try these steps to fix it.
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Inspect the brushroll pedal to see if there is any visible dirt or debris that could be causing the pedal to jam. If there is, remove it with your hands (make sure the vacuum is turned off and unplugged first).
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Examine the underside of your Hoover Windtunnel vacuum, where the brushroll itself is housed. To do this, tip the vacuum on its side and turn the red latch near the rear wheels counterclockwise. Next, slide the red latch closest to the brushroll to the "unlock" position, and remove the protective plate covering the brushroll. Examine the brushroll; remove any obvious dirt, debris or hair that might be clogging the brushroll. Hoover recommends cleaning the brushroll on its Windtunnel vacuums on a regular basis to avoid jams.
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Check to see if the brushroll's belt is frayed, stretched or broken while the vacuum is still on its side. If the belt is not working properly, it may give the appearance that the brushroll pedal is not working, since pressing the pedal may have no affect on a brushroll attached to a broken belt. The belt will be on the underside of the vacuum, on the same side as the brushroll pedal. It's attached to both the brushroll and a motor. First, slide the belt off the brushroll, then remove it from the motor. Hoover recommends using a flat belt, with part number 562289001 or AH20065. Make sure any writing on the new belt is on the outside, then slide the new belt first over the motor, then over the brushroll (use the area without bristles). Replace the protective plate, move the red latches back to their original positions and stand the vacuum upright to see if the brushroll pedal is now working properly.
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Apply varying degrees of pressure to your vacuum's brushroll pedal. Start by applying gentle pressure with your foot; then try applying slightly more pressure to see if the pedal will move. This may help loosen any debris on the underside of the vacuum that is causing the pedal to jam. Avoiding stomping or pounding on the pedal, as this could lead to further damage.
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Apply lubricant to the pedal itself. This can help loosen any stiff or corroded parts. Start by spraying a lubricant (such as WD-40) onto the pedal; make sure to get the lubricant into the seam surrounding the edge of the pedal, where it meets the rest of the vacuum. Gently apply pressure to the pedal (as described in Step 4) to see if you can get the lubricant to loosen up the pedal.
Tips
- Persistent problems with the brushroll pedal should be looked at by a licensed Hoover repair person. Call the company's customer service hotline at 1-800-944-9200 for a referral to a certified Hoover service location.
- Vacuums in the Hoover Windtunnel T-Series line have a limited two year warranty; this warranty does not extend to the brushroll or belt. Also, any improper maintenance of the vacuum nullifies the warranty. This means if you further damage the vacuum while attempting to fix or maintain it, the company may not be responsible for repairing it under the terms of the warranty.
Warnings
- Check that your Hoover Windtunnel vacuum is unplugged and turned off before attempting to fix any broken or incorrectly working pieces.
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Falwell has been writing for the TV news industry since 2005. Her work has appeared on WXII 12 News, WMGT 41 News, NewParent.com and multiple parenting blogs. A graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Falwell holds a Master of Science in broadcast journalism.
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