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Servicing New Kirby Sentria sweeper transmission
Last Updated: 04/18/2023
Problem:
I bought new Kirby Sentria not even a year ago. Everything was fine in the beginning bot now when vacuuming handle handle gets stuck in forward or reverse and I have to push or pull really hard to get it to stop.
Possible Causes:
This was an issue on Kirby machines made between September 2009 and March 2011. Units made after March 2011 have the wedge installed.
NEW KIRBY SWEEPERS MISSING ADJUSTMENT WEDGE
Kirby has a "slide bracket mechanism" that allows the handle to move a little bit and switch transmission from forward to reverse and back while vacuuming. This mechanism was held in place with 4 screws and plastic wedge that adjusted tension and secured guide blocks. Lately brand new Kirby Sentria model vacuum cleaners are made without that wedge. In addition the bearings are not lubricated. It works well when Kirby is new but it tends to get loose and stick fairly quickly. We have some service centers complaining that they are getting Kirby vacuums in for service that are only few months old.
Why would Kirby not install the part on new Sentria vacuums that they deemed necessary for over 10 years? Why would they stop lubricating slide - do not ask as this is a mystery to us too.
Missing parts from Kirby transmission slide
Suggested Solutions :
Clean and lubricate slide, guide blocks and bearings. Install and adjust wedge

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Kirby bearing slide service/replacement

Just to make sure that we use same vocabulary:
This is "Guide Block" (Kirby parts #178797s)
Kirby guide block

This is "Bearing Assembly" (Kirby parts # 178989s)
Kirby bearing assembly (guide)

This is "Slide" (Kirby parts # 676595s)
Kirby slide

This is "Wedge" (Kirby parts # 179489s)
Kirby slide wedge

This is "Slide Bracket Casing" (Kirby parts # 849003s )
Kirby slide bracket casting

This is "Pivot Spring Assembly" (Kirby parts # 671901g )
Kirby pivot spring assembly


FIRST unplug the Kirby from electric outlet!

Kirby motor cover front screws

1.

Remove 2 screws holding cover shell to front of the Kirby sweeper

Kirby Sentria cord screws

2.

Remove screws holding cord to the body of the vacuum.

Kirby scuff plate screw

3.

Remove the screw holding scuff plate (plastic cover that goes around the handle and on/off switch)

Releasing plastic handle base cover

4.

In the opening put a screwdriver and push it a bit down to release a tab that is a part of the scuff plate and now the plate will come off.

Kirby Cover Shell screws rear

5.

Remove 2 more screws that hold the aluminum cover shell onto the main vacuum body

Missing parts from Kirby transmission slide

6.

Now you have access to the Kirby slide assembly. If this is how it looks - the parts are missing. You will need to purchase the wedge and the screw:

Kirby slide parts that need lubrication

7.

First clean parts then carefully inspect surfaces for wear. If slide and/or guide blocks are worn - replace worn parts. If parts are not worn but just very dirty or corroded you can use a fine sanding paper. I would say sanding paper #800 is perfect. Would not recommend using sandpaper with number less than #600. If you used sanding paper clean the parts of the abrasive residue before lubricating and assembling. Use just a little bit of lithium grease or bearing grease. If you put too much it will start leaking over the motor.

How to bend Kirby slide bearing
Kirby slide assembly manual

8.

When installing pivot spring assembly make sure that bearing is properly oriented and the correct side is facing guide block.

Proper tech drive and handle pivot installation newer models

9.

When lowering the parts into the frame - make sure that spring loaded pivot arm is properly engaged with the transmission lever

Proper tech drive and handle pivot installation older models

10.

This is in case if you are working on the older Kirby vacuum cleaner models

Proper tech drive and handle pivot installation older models

11.

Now you have to adjust the tension in the handle slide mechanism. To do so follow these instructions:
a) Put in screws #1 and #2 but do not tighten yet.
b) Put the wedge in (tapered side to the taper on the slide bracket casing) and tighten screw #3 enough to get the slide to your right flush with slide bracket casting(frame you are assembling everything onto). c) Now tighten screws #1.
d) Loosen the screw #3 and the wedge and start tightening it again but this time no more than 1/4 or the turn at a time while checking how slide is moving. It has to be tight enough to not have any slack to the left or right. It still has to move to front and to the back. It has to move very easily and smoothly.
e) Now tighten screws #2


IF YOU HAD TO OR ACCIDENTALLY REMOVED "Pivot Spring Assembly" (part that is held to the slide with 2 big black screws #4 in the picture:

You have to adjust it when slide bracket casting and slide with bearings and guide blocks is already installed on the Kirby vacuum. (you can adjust them as described above later)
This pivot arm assembly has to be attached to the slide in the position where the slide does not reach slide bracket casting (frame) when moving pivot spring assembly back and forth.
When released it has to come back to the position where Kirby comes to rest even when transmission is set on "D". So when you release it the lever that comes out of the transmission and is engaged with the pivot arm has to be a bit loose.

If you attach the pivot arm to slide a bit too far to the front of the unit Kirby sweeper will shoot ahead and it will take much more force to get it moving in reverse (if possible at all). And if the pivot will be too far back - the opposite will happen.
Kirby on/off Pedal Lubrication

12.

While you at it - we have noticed that ON/OFF switch pedal on new Kirby Sentria vacuum cleaners is also not lubricated. This may result in wear and braking of the pedal a bit sooner than it normally would if it was lubricated. Just put a halve of a drop of the lubricant you are using for slide onto the mounts where pedal clamps onto the transmission.

Now just assemble the shell back onto the unit and you are done.
If you would like us to perform the above described service - just print and fill out the service request form and send your Kirby sweeper in (motor unit ONLY - no handle, no bag no nozzle) . It will be 59.00 USD and we also will ship you your Kirby Sentria vacuum cleaner model back at no additional charge (48 continental US states only).





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