A Kirby motor rarely dies all at once. It gets loud, then it gets hot, then it starts throwing carbon dust, and somewhere in that sequence the armature is the part that has actually failed. This 114789 armature with the rear bearing already fitted is the core component of a Kirby motor rebuild, and it is what turns a seized or sparking machine back into a working one.
Built for
- Vacuum repair shops rebuilding Generation series Kirby motors for customers
- Experienced DIY owners with the tools and patience for a full motor teardown
- Anyone restoring a Kirby that is otherwise sound and worth keeping
- Technicians replacing a noisy rear bearing along with a worn commutator in one part
Model compatibility
The 114789 armature fits Kirby Generation 3, Generation 4, Generation 5, Generation 6, Ultimate G, Diamond Edition, Sentria and Avalir machines. This is the 110 volt version. Confirm your machine voltage before ordering, since 220 volt machines built for other markets use different motor components.
Symptoms that point to the armature
- A grinding or rumbling noise that changes pitch with motor speed rather than with the brushroll
- Visible arcing or a bright ring of sparks at the commutator when the machine is running
- Burning smell and heat at the motor housing after only a few minutes of use
- Carbon brushes that wear out again quickly after being replaced, which points at a scored commutator
- A motor that will not spin freely by hand with the belt removed
Rebuild notes
Replacing the armature is a full motor teardown, not a bolt-on job. Plan on pulling the motor unit, pressing the fan and bearings, and inspecting the field coil and carbon brushes while everything is open. Technicians almost always replace the carbon brushes at the same time, because installing worn brushes against a fresh commutator scores it quickly and wastes the new armature. Check the field coil for discoloration or a burnt smell before reassembly. If the field has cooked, the armature alone will not solve the problem.
If you are not set up for a motor rebuild, this is a part worth handing to a vacuum shop rather than learning on. The machines themselves are built to last decades, which is precisely why the rebuild is usually the economical choice.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kirby models use the 114789 armature?
Generation 3, Generation 4, Generation 5, Generation 6, Ultimate G, Diamond Edition, Sentria and Avalir machines, in the 110 volt configuration.
Does the rear bearing come installed?
Yes. The armature is supplied with the rear bearing already fitted, which is why it is the standard core part for a Kirby motor rebuild.
How do I know the armature has failed rather than something else?
Grinding noise that tracks motor speed, visible arcing at the commutator, motor heat and burning smell, or carbon brushes that wear out quickly after replacement all point to the armature.
Should I replace the carbon brushes at the same time?
Almost always. Worn brushes against a fresh commutator score it quickly, which wastes a new armature.
Is this a job for a home mechanic?
It is a full motor teardown involving pressing the fan and bearings. Experienced owners do it, but many people are better served handing the part to a vacuum repair shop.
Discount Cleaning Products is an authorized dealer supplying commercial cleaning contractors, facility managers and in-house maintenance teams across the United States. Our US-based staff can confirm fit against your model and serial number before you order, and we stock the companion wear parts most crews replace at the same time.
