How to Fix a Non-Turning Motor Pulley on a Vacuum Cleaner

Turn off the vacuum, and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Lay the vacuum on the floor, and turn it over to expose the brush roll at the bottom.

Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the base plate that covers the brush roll. Most vacuum models have four screws to secure the base plate. Pull off the base plate, and set it aside.

Examine the belt that attaches the motor pulley to the vacuum. If the belt is loose, detached or ripped, it will cause the motor pulley to stop turning; in this case, you need to replace the belt. Remove the belt and brush roller from the vacuum by pulling the belt away from the motor pulley. The belt and brush roller will then lift out of the vacuum base.

Use a flashlight to examine the motor pulley area. The motor pulley is a small, metal bar that attaches to the motor. Remove any obstructions such as hair or string from the motor pulley using your hands. Use tweezers if the obstruction is stuck and you can't remove it with your hands. Wipe the motor pulley and the area around it with a dry cotton rag.

Use scissors to cut away string, hair or other obstructions from the brush roll. Wipe the brush roll casing with a dry cotton rag to remove dust and debris.

Wrap the belt around the designated groove on the brush roll. If the belt was loose, ripped or broken when you examined it, attach a new belt. Attach the other end of the belt security to the motor pulley. Place the brush roller in the brush roller casing; this may require some effort. Some vacuum models require that you pull the belt slightly to fit it securely into the brush roll casing.

Place the base plate on the bottom of the unit. Screw in the screws firmly with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Stand the vacuum up, and plug it in. Test the vacuum by vacuuming a soil spot on the carpet.