Kenmore powermate front axle fell off

It isn’t the belt. Hair builds up in other places besides the brush. The device is made to come apart. Take it apart an clean out both ends on the shaft of roller brush. Remove tangled hair on the shaft and the brushes.

there are 2 wands for this unit Emer Vacuums Vacuum Cleaner PartsVacuum Cleaners Powered by Network...

How to remove the motor cover for Kenmore vacuum machine model 116. 2421590

All Kenmore parts are easily ordered at Searsparts.com

Brought the powermate part to local Sears part store and they ordered the items we needed
thanks for trying to help

GFreckles913/Glenna Rodell

I have a whispertone vacuum, different model #, but maybe instructions will be the same. Turns out I didn't need a new belt, just clean out the crud and reset overload protector. The instructions in the manual tell you to remove the light cover and bulb first. To do this, press in and lift both sides. Push in and turn bulb counterclockwise to remove. (you need to do this because the next step involves turning the unit over). This takes you to
Step 2. Unscrew the cover screws ( on either side of bulb).
Step 3. Turn unit over. To remove cover, insert screwdriver at cover tabs on both sides and twist to release tabs.
Step. 4 Turn unit right side up. Press handle release pedal and lower the swivel. Tilt cover forward from back until front snaps free.
Step 5. Carefully insert and twist screwdriver at each brush support to free brush from base.
Step 6. Remove worn belt.
Step 7. Slide brush supports off to check and clean brush support areas.

To replace belt: slide washers and brush supports onto brush assembly.
Install new belt over motor drive, then over brush sprocket.
Snap brush supports into place on base. Be sure brush supports are not upside down.
Line up front of cover and base. Rest cover on front edge of base. Tilt cover to back. Press cover firmly until side tabs snap into place. Replace cover screws, light bulb and light cover.

If the roller brush is not spinning freely once you remove it from the Power Mate Jr., then I have discovered the solution! There are end caps at each end of the roller brush. They seem to be permanently attached, but they are not. There is an axle inside the roller that is permanently attached to one of the caps. Take two pairs of pliers, and grab each end cap with a pair of pliers. Then pull hard to take them off. Once they are off, you will find that there is a big glob of hair wrapped around the axle inside. Remove the hair. Then reassemble the brush by putting the end caps back on. Make sure, when you put the caps back, that they are aligned so that they will fit back into the slots on the Power Mate Jr. You have to push hard to get the caps back on, maybe tapping one of them with pliers.

The axle for the rear wheels have worn into the cut outs in the body that it goes through and they are rubbing on the wheel wells. This common for this vacuum model , the only real fix is to replace the body assembly. Sears will have to do this, this is NOT somthing you want to tackle by your self.
As for the machine locking upright that is the release lever and it just needs to be replaced.

I'm assuming that you have bought the new retractable cord assembly. If you have so, I believe the cord should retract going counter-clock wise (pulling it makes it spin clockwise).