Here are some common problems you may encounter with the Oreck or Sanitaire vacuums:

Not enough suction

Unplug the vacuum before doing anything else.

First see if something is stuck in the pipes of the vacuum. Take out object if there is.

Check to see if the vacuum bag is full or nearing full. If so, replace the bag.

Smells like burning rubber/ loud sound

This is something that can happen to the Oreck. Make sure you’re not vacuuming carpets with too long of strings or else the rubber belt in the vacuum can start to slip and generate that loud sound and burning smell.

If this happens, avoid the long-string fluffy carpets and clean the carpet another way if possible.

If the vacuum continues making the smell, you’ll need to get out your backup vacuum and repair it later. If you don’t have a backup, go straight to repairing it.

There’s a couple potential problems. One is that the vacuum brush roll has gotten too much hair/ dirt into where it spins. Spin it with your hand to see if its very hard to spin. If it is and slows down at points during the spin, you’re gonna need to replace the brush roll.

If the brush roll seems to rotate fine, it may be that the rubber belt got too stretched and is slipping.

Use the screwdriver kit supplied to you and find one that fits the screws the bottom of the vacuum where the brush roll is. Unscrew the bottom screws and open up the bottom. Grab the rubber belt out and the brush roll and replace the part you need to.

Screw it back in and you’re good to go!

Doesn’t turn on

First, check if the outlet you plugged into is not working. Some don’t have power going to them.

If not, then check the length of the wire to see if there’s anywhere that was damaged and needs repair. You may need to buy a new wire.

If the wire is okay, it may be the motor. Unscrew the bottom where the brush roll is using the screwdriver kit and replace with a new motor.

Screw back in and you’re good to go!