Live Chat> Transcript Hoover SteamVac Brushes Won't Turn

Visitor : Hello Paul, my name is Jack
Paul : How can I help you Jack?
Visitor : I have a Hoover Steam Vac, Model 5905-900 and the brushes are not rotating.
Paul : Let look at that model...
Visitor : I have opened the cover and cleaned the screen.
Paul : OK, that would have been my second question.
Visitor : How are the brushes turned, there does not appear to be any belts?
Paul : Is the square peg in the middle of the brush OK - not broken?
Visitor : Let me check!
Visitor : I remooved the brush assembly, the square pegs in the middle and one side are in there and appear not to be worn.
Paul : OK. The brushes are driven by a turbine which is powered by the suction of the main motor. Is it possible for you to look at the underside of your SteamVac with the brushes removed?
Visitor : I will have to go out to my workbench and look. What should I see in the turbine?
Paul : You will see a white square hole where that peg on the brushes fit. If you stick a flat blade screwdriver in that hole and try to spin it it should spin freely. If it doesn't, your turbine is seized up and will have to be replaced.
Visitor : OK, lemme go check.
Paul : I'll be here.
Visitor : The turbine shaft will not rotate using a flat bladed screw driver.
Visitor : I does not move with the brush switch in Low or High, either.
Paul : Yes, that is common. The moisture eventually gets to the bushings and bearings and they just seize up. You will need to replace the turbine.
Visitor : Is it worth it to replace the turbine or buy another unit?
Paul : How old is your SteamVac?
Visitor : Probably 4-5 years old.
Visitor : Turbine and gear assembly appear to cost about $40.
Paul : Well, I have to tell you that the average lifespan of these machines is 2 to 4 years. It will cost you around $47.00 if you replace it yourself. I can't see the condition of your machine so you will have to decide if you think it will last a while longer. Motor sound OK? Hoses in good shape? - that sort of thing. I sell a new one for $189
Visitor : So, it's history, huh?
Visitor : 2-4 years doesn't seem very durable, when it only gets used once or twice a year?
Paul : Not necessarily. I personally wouldn't pay someone else to fix it. But if you get 2 more uses out of it, it's cheaper than a rental.
Visitor : Can I get the part at the local Hoover Store?
Paul : 2-4 years is about the average. I have seen them that are 8 to 10 years old, but it's rare. The moisture really gets to them.
Visitor : Or need I order it?
Paul : I am sorry, could you please run that by me once again?
Visitor : Can I get the turbine assembly at a local Hoover Store or do I need to order it online?
Paul : I only know what I sell. I don't have information on what other stires sell.
Paul : stores
Visitor : Another part fell out upon removing the cover. It has a square hollow shaft and and flat disk on top. The decal on the disk looks like a volume icon? (((( ))))
Visitor : It is only about an inch tall.
Paul : That sounds like the disc that spins when the brushes turn - to tell you they are spinning.
Visitor : Does that sit on the other brush shaft at the left?
Paul : It would be to the left of the operator's position - to the right as you are looking at the machine.
Visitor : It's on the left from the operating position.
Visitor : Yup, that's it. That part is not essential to operation is it?
Paul : No, it's just handy to have.
Visitor : It's cracked, so I need not replace it. I can just look under the cleaning head and see if the brushes rotate, I guess?
Paul : Sure.
Visitor : You are with the Vacuum Cleaner Shop?
Paul : That's me.
Visitor : I see the part, but I have to ask my Daughter if she wants me to fix it, since she owns it. What is the shipping time?
Paul : You would get it in 3 to 5 days.
Visitor : OK, Paul, thanks for your help, you have been great!
Paul : You're welcome - anytime.

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