I have an epic 6500SR I'm trying to change the

You really don't want to get into the vacuum. You could cause more damage than what you have now. After you do get into the vac, the cordwinder is another monster to get into.
There are two strips,one on each side of the cleaner under the rubber bumpers. The strips have to be removed by pulling off the bumper and pull them out the front of the vac.This is not easy. After you get the locking strips out, turn the vac over and pull the bottom off. Then you can see the cordwinder.
The best thing to do is take the vac to a Aerus/Electrolux shop for repair.