Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hey guys, I remember this vacuum being discussed here before, and I finally got one for myself. I love it for the most part, but it has a problem and I wanted to ask you all about it.... even though it's not technically a "current" vacuum, it is relatively modern. The problem is with the telescopic handle. When I collapse it all the way (make it as small as it will go), and then attempt to use the vacuum, it extends by itself, without me pressing the release button. It will only lock in the highest (tallest) notch.... I tried to figure out how to get into it to see if I could figure out what was going on, but I can't. I have a small place and using a machine this big with the handle fully extended makes it extremely ungainly. I did find a replacement for 32 dollars, but I've never ordered from this place before (there are none on Ebay), and it will likely be out of stock when I go to order it. I only paid 20 bucks for the machine, so I'd hate to spend 32 dollars plus shipping just on the handle, but this really annoys me and this will likely be my daily driver for a while. Here's a link to the part.... http://www.ereplacementparts.com/upper-handlewand-assembly-p-550574.html?osCsid=9c9mm2dte1201et8f0po0r7fl4 Is there anything I can do about this? Is this a common problem with these? I imagine the massive weight of the vacuum over time has worn something out on the inside of the wand that allows it to lock. The vacuum is powerful and all the settings work and it has a great sound and feel, it's just that one issue that is driving me crazy! Thanks!