Fixing a Loud Noise in a Nutone Vacuum Cleaner Motor

Nutone central vacuum cleaners are noisy machines in general, but it is always possible to hear when the vacuum is making a lot of noise. Before you throw the machine away, first attempt to find the source of the noise. Shut the machine off to see if the noise was caused by large objects in the Nutone vacuum hose. Also, try utilizing other brush attachments, as broken bearings in a brush attachment will cause noise. If these troubleshooting method does not work, you may need to service the engine.

Step 1

Remove the Nutone central vacuum bag and filter and ensure that they are not clogged or full of debris. Clean any filters according to the instructions for your machine or change the bag. A lot of debris will make the engine run noisily.

Step 2

Inspect the Nutone central vacuum hose and remove any large debris that may be clogging the inside of the tube. Large amounts of dust and stones or other hard materials that bounce may result in loud noise in the engine.

Step 3

Remove the housing that conceals the engine of your Nutone central vac and inspect the fan for damage or clogging. Remove any dirt or debris that may prevent the movement of the fan. Inspect the fan for any damage such as bent or excessively sharp blades. Change the fan blades as needed; inform your vacuum manufacturer if the fan is damaged. The replacement part will comprise instructions.

Step 4

Tighten the fan with a ratchet if it is loose on the assembly. A loose fan will make a rattling noise as the Nutone motor revs.

Step 5

Wipe dirt and dust from the frame of the engine. Large quantities of dirt or dust around the motor can make it to overheat, resulting in vibration and loud noise.

Step 6

Look for corrosion around the engine. If the motor is damaged, it must be changed.

Step 7

Grease the bearings of the engine if you hear a grinding noise from the Nutone vacuum. Greasing is usually performed through ports in the engine, or by removing the bearings. Nevertheless, the actual greasing method is model-specific. Consult your owner's guide or send the vacuum to a service professional for this service.

Step 8

Inspect the inside of the Nutone vacuum for other worn parts or broken pieces. Worn or broken parts can cause loud noises to occur. Remove the broken Nutone vacuum parts and order new materials from the vacuum manufacturer or take the machine in for service.