How to Replace a Nutone Motor on a Central Vacuum

Unplug the central vacuum unit from the electrical outlet. The central vacuum unit might need to be removed from where it’s mounted on the wall, depending on its location. If the wall unit is properly installed with at least 12 inches of free space above it and at least 18 inches of free space below it, replacing the motor can be done successfully without removing the vacuum from the wall mount. If the top of the central vacuum unit is higher than chest level on the wall, use a step ladder to replace the motor.

Remove the top cover from the unit by unscrewing the screws holding it into place with a Phillips-head screwdriver. This will expose the motor.

Disconnect the fasteners holding the motor in place. The fasteners are different for older and newer styles of NuTone motors. Newer models have spring-loaded clamps that are disconnected by pressing on each spring to release the motor.

Disconnect the motor’s wires by grasping the plastic terminal of each wire and pulling it away from the relay-control. Write down the color of each of the wires and where they’re situated in the relay terminal for future reference. Or, you take a picture of the layout. Remove the old motor from the central vacuum unit.

Remove the gasket from the motor. Clean off the gasket and put the gasket aside for future use. You can reuse the old gasket or buy one to replace it with the new motor.

Attach the sticky side of the gasket onto the new motor. Place the new motor inside the NuTone central vacuum casing. Ensure the gasket attached to the motor is sealed tightly. Reconnect the motor to the clamps to hold the motor into place.

Connect the wires from the new motor to the wire terminals in the unit, following your noted instructions or the picture.

Replace the top cover securely onto the central vacuum unit by screwing in the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Plug the unit back into the electrical outlet. Turn on the unit to test it.