How can I tell if I need to replace the beater bar? I replaced the belt but now it seems too tight and the bar doesn't want to spin.

If the beater bar on your Vax Air Reach vacuum cleaner won't spin, despite the fact that the green light is on, there may be a few possible causes:

1. Belt is worn or broken: If the beater bar belt is worn or broken, it will not spin. Check the belt to see if it is intact and not stretched or frayed. If it is, you may need to replace the belt.
2. Beater bar is clogged: If the beater bar is clogged with hair, debris, or other objects, it may not be able to spin. Remove the beater bar and clean it thoroughly, removing any blockages or tangles.
3. Motor is faulty: If the motor that powers the beater bar is faulty, it may not be able to turn the bar. If the above steps do not resolve the issue, the motor may need to be repaired or replaced.

Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove the beater bar by releasing the clips or screws that hold it in place.
3. Check the beater bar for blockages, and clean it thoroughly.
4. Check the beater bar belt for wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
5. Reinstall the beater bar and secure it in place.
6. Plug in the vacuum and turn it on to see if the beater bar is now spinning.

If the above steps do not work, it may be necessary to contact Vax customer support or a professional repair technician for further assistance.

Belts may look ok and may make the brushroll spin but need to be replaced at least once per year. First make sure the brush roll will spin freely.

Your belt is probably stretched and can't turn the brush when it's on the floor. Replace the belt at least twice per year.

Per owner's manual
1. Make sure the brush control is set on carpet mode.
2. The brush will only spin when the handle is reclined.
Others:
The belt has worn out and needs replaced. Although it appears okay, stretching is possible, which would result in too loose a grip to turn the bar.
If the belt was replaced, it may not have been pulled tight enough to turn the bar. To tighten on many vacuums, simply loosen the screws on each end of the brush, pull toward the front of the power head and hold while tightening the screws.

Hello, W/D here.
Since the brush will not spin, but the motor works, either the belt has come off of the motor shaft, the belt is worn past it's useful life, or the beater bar has seized.
1. Turn off the power (unplug).
2. Remove the bottom plate. With the plate off, use your finger to test the tension of the belt. It should be tight, and roll when you roll the beater bar by hand.
3. Remove the beater bar and belt. Inspect the beater bar, particularly by the bearings. Remove any twine, hair, etc.
4. Inspect the belt for abnormal wear. If there is any significant wear in the belt, replace it.
5. Reassembly is in the reverse order. Place the belt on the beater bar. While holding the beater bar close to it's position, place the belt on the motor shaft. Rotate the beater bar bearings to their proper position and install the beater bar. Replace the cover plate.

Best regards, --W/D--

1. if you are smelling burnt rubber and hearing a loud squealing then your belt is tight but something is binding up the beater bar, more than likely if that is the case you need to take out the bar and see if the ends are packed up with carpet fibers, on the otherhand if the bar isn't moving and no smell or sound is present then more than likely your belt has slipped off the impeller shaft and all you have to do is pull it back onto the shaft, or the belt has snapped and you need to replace it

Even though the belt is intact it can still be stretched and if it is it won't turn the brush roll when it's on the carpet. Here is a link to the belt you need and to a manual you can view:

Rainbow Replacement Belts and Manual

the belt is broke. you can buy a new one for around 5-10 dollars at target or walmart, or loews or homedepot.take the screws of the bottom panel to expose belt. you will have to pull out the beater bar to replace the belt. just pull on it after the bottom plate is removed the beater bar just slides out. slide the new belt down the beater bar then pull the belt over the spinning pin. now stretch the beater back to its original position it should slide right in. replace the bottom plate and your back in business

You need a new belt, they stretch after awhile and will slip.

Changing the belt on this nifty little machine only seems difficult until you find all eight of the screws that hold the entire assembly together, and the nice thing is you get to totally ignore the torx style screws altogether.

There are two screws in the bottom of the unit just forward and to either side of the beater brush, remove 'em.

Flip the vacuum over and remove the two screws holding the top in place. One is located under the removable suction hose near the right rear wheel, the other is in plain sight over the left rear wheel.

After you pop the top off you'll see the dark clear plastic housing that covers the beater brush and belt assembly. It is held in place by four more screws, three on the back side of the beater and one on the front side in the center of the machine.

Change your belt, clean your brush and tell your kids to get back to work while you take something out for dinner and open a cold one.

Gregory Glaser
Fixer of broken things