My Kenmore elegance emits a burning rubber smell when used? What can I do?

If the burning smell is an electrical smell it could be motor or wiring problems which are best handled by a professional. If it smells like burning rubber it is probably the belt. If it smells like burnt wood it could be the belt slipping on the brush roll, if the brush roll is made of wood. Dust and debris can also accumulate behind the end caps of the brush roll causing friction which can cause a burning wood smell.

If it is a burning rubber smell it may be the belt slipping. Make sure your brushes are clean and spin freely and then put the belt back on and see if that helps.

sounds like a belt. Isthe smell kind of like rubber then its time for a new belt. chris

The brushroll might be restricted from turning freely causing the belt to slip on the motor shaft.

Sounds like a bad belt and it is burning as the motor tries to turn the brush. Does it smell like burning rubber?

Is it a smell like burning rubber. If it is your rubber drive belt has to much stress on it and is slipping. The friction is causing it to get hot and melt.

Hello,

Actually the screws to access the motor on Kenmore canisters are located underneath of the foot pedal that retracts the cord reel, and there's usually also two screws that underneath of the tool lid arms.

You may access the screws underneath of the cord reel by prying the foot pedal off of the vacuum. Simply put a flat head screw driver in between where the foot pedal and the vacuum cleaner meet on the top of the machine, and pry upwards with the screw driver. Once you remove the pedal you'll see the screws and have direct access to the vacuums motor.


If you are trying to access the power nozzle motor, here's a detailed step by step instruction tutorial that will walk you right through it.
http://www.fixya.com/support/t4499227-need_replace_belt_in_kenmore_vacuum

When a vacuum cleaner smells like something is burning, it can only really be one of two things. Either the rubber belt inside of the power nozzle is burning, or the motor is burning. If it's the belt that's burning, it will be a burning rubber type of smell, but if it's the electrical motor, it will be more of an electrical smell.

If you have any further quesitons, please feel free to reply using the clarification request tool here on Fixya. I'm always more then happy to answer any follow up questions.

If this was helpful, please rate my repair by clicking the thumbs up icons in the top right hand corner of this repair.

Thank you,

Chris J.
GoVacuum.com

Your belt is worn and that is why there is a burnt rubber smell. You need to change your belt. You can find a replacement belt and instructions here:

Rainbow Replacement Belts

It sounds like the brushroll has caused your belt problem and will be the cause of your burning smell as well. What commonly occurs is that carpet fiber,hair,string, thread,etc got wound around the brushroll and some will get caught in the end caps which is where the bearings are.The end caps need to be removed and cleaned so that the bearings can allow the brush to rotate freely.Check that there is no melting of the end caps or the base plate where the end caps fit into the machine._Good Luck

You should unplug the machine, then remove the plate that covers the beater bar. Remove all debris from the beater bar, (strings, hair, etc.) and insure the belt is in proper position. If you have run it very long out of proper position, it may require replacement. Next before you put it back together remove any debis that may have collected in the intake behind the bar. You can also lubricate the bar with machine oil or WD-40.