I replaced the clutch on my DC14 and it wasn't too bad. Only because there's a youtube video showing exactly how to do it... the new clutch even came with the tools to change the belt and on of them is good for changing belts on other vacuums too (a hook with a "T" shaped handle). I don't notice any better pick up, but the machine sure sounds lot better. Though I must admit 40 dollars is an expensive "belt" replacement!
Hello Vacuumfreeeke:
Congrats on two accounts. First, you accomplished a difficult dyson repair for $40 rather than $90-$150. Tho you may have wanted to replace the brush roll too for an extra $30-35. A new brush roll may improve the pick up. Second, you debunked the longstanding dyson claim/myth: lifetime belts never need replacing.
Ironically, if a customer purchased a DC14 with a 5 year limited warranty and needed a belt/brush even under the warranty, he/she would have to pay for these repairs. Why? Considered normal wear and tear not defective. Also ironic, Consumer Reports does not count belt replacements in reliability survey data. Why? Belt replacements are considered a user task and too inexpensive to count. CR should rethink the reliability survey if it reads your post here and wants to better report on dyson repair data.
Finally, there is no wonder for the reason dyson abandoned the gawdawful noisey unneeded clutch.
Carmine D.
This message was modified Sep 22, 2009 by CarmineD
