Replacing the Dyson DC41 Cyclone catch?

[AndrewP]

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Got one of the older DC41 with a broken cyclone catch. Need to replace it. No problem, but they changed the design from the early ones. The top part of the catch is easy as to do. Now how do I replace the bottom one?

Looks like I need to take the top of the cyclone, so I can slide the bottom catch out. Is this correct and if so, how does it come off?

Parts in question I'm trying to install are these https://manchestervacs.co.uk/Dyson/image/cache/data/DC41/DC41-cyclone-release-clip%20(3)-500x500.jpg

Thanks

[MVacs]

When you have done it a few times there is a way of manipulating the bottom catch out without splitting the cyclone. The problem arises when you're trying to refit the spring in the correct position on refitting. It is very fiddly and takes a lot of practice.

If this is the first one you've done, the best method indeed is to split the Cyclone. This is done with a T15 screwdriver, I recall. The trickiest part of refitting is getting the spring tension assembled correctly so the bottom clip holds into position.

If you're struggling I am happy to do a tutorial on this because it is a question that we are asked. However, if you need it, it will probably take me quite a few days to be able to do it as we are so busy at the moment.

If anybody else can chip in with some handy tips on this one it would be most appreciated.

[AndrewP]

Thanks for the reply. I have the parts already from you but can wait if you wanted to make a video. I'm in no rush and don't want to break the cyclone unit so it's not usable. Pretty sure a video will be helpful for me and many others!

I do have a T15 screwdriver so that won't be an issue. Looking at how the top part of the cyclone unit comes apart, are these screws the inside once the bottom is unclipped? I can't see any outside screws. I can unclick the lower piece, and I assume screws will be under there? I did start to unclip this piece either and screen all the springs on strange angles. I stopped as I thought this might be tricky to put back together and I wanted to use the vacuum before I temporary render is unusable for a while, until I get those springs back in

[MVacs]

We'll do our best to make a video/tutorial in the next week, Andrew. A few folks are away on holiday from our place this week, so we are a tad short staffed.

[AndrewP]

No worries, I'm just manually opening the bin as needed until I can replace the bottom part of the catch. The top part is installed and working well :)

I'm happy to have a go at splitting the cyclone without a video. I assume it's going to be something like

- unclip the bottom half of the cycle
- undo the screws?
- remove the top cycle cap
- fit new part
- put it back together.

I guess, I just wanted to know if there is a point that the cyclone will explode into 1000 pieces, never to go back together again or its all pretty safe?

Thanks for the update though!

[MVacs]

Broadly, yes, the biggest problem is getting the spring in the correct position on re-assembly.

[AndrewP]

OK, so I went ahead and did the bottom catch replacement today, didn't go as I thought, but nothing ever does! 

So unclipped the bottom half without too many issues. Take note of the spring locations as you do this.

From here, I could see the screws deep in the top, but didn't have a long enough driver bit to get to them. All my extension bars had been too fat, with the screw heads next to the mini cyclones, it just wasn't going to work.

So then remembered you did it without taking the top off. So had a bit of a look, and got the old catch out.

For those playing along at home, split the cyclone, then remove the spring on the catch, the catch will then with a bit of gentle force 'pop' out sideways. Put the new one in, by threading the top through the hole and then gently pushing the bottom in. Again it should 'pop' in sideways without much trouble.

Make sure the spring is installed and catching at the top, as its needed to 'push' the catch out.

The HARDEST part was yep, getting the springs all lined up. Its a three handed job. I got an extra set of hands to hold the catch spring with half a clockwise turn on it needed to push out the catch. They then held this with some pliers.

I then got the grey catch spring in location, once all lined up. clipped it back together, removing the pliers at the last min so the spring still had the twist tension on it.

All good the bottom catch has tension, so it is pushed away from the unit so it lines up with the bottom bin parts, the grey catch is working. No broken plastic bits etc. So win win!

Now would I remember this method if you have the older catch like I do and needed to replace both parts? Maybe not. For me in Australia, it cost $20AUD for the catch shipped, but I did notice Dyson sells the cyclone for $80AUD shipped. So unless you're great with pulling these things apart, for the Aussies just buy a new cyclone.

I did notice in the UK the price is a bit different, $5 vs $55 pounds, so clearly YMMV and of course I'm sure if you dropped into the lovely people at Manchester Vacs, they would do it all for you!

$5 pound option - https://shop.manchestervacs.co.uk/dyson-upright-vacuum-cleaner-spares/dc41-spare-parts/dc41-cyclone-release-clips

$55 pound option - http://www.dyson.co.uk/spares/c/cyclone-assembly/cyclone-assembly-dc41-satin-blue.aspx?pid=DC41-Animal

If you do the go it yourself route, maybe think about one of these https://shop.manchestervacs.co.uk/dyson-cylinder-vacuum-cleaner-spares/dc26-spare-parts/dyson-type-t15-screwdriver

Again, thanks for the advice and thanks for supply the part MVacs. All happy now, that the old DC41 is back to working again!

[MVacs]

Excellent write up, Andrew. 

[AndrewP]

Thanks MVacs... other than the few typos I just spotted, but I can't edit. Oh well, hopefully, it helps someone else in the future!

[tbpsmith]

Thank to Andrew and MVacs for all your information.
tbpsmith

[Kazza]

Hi - Manchester Vacs - can you possibly do a tutorial - I bought the part from you but can't change it and can't follow the instructions on this forum because just can't visualise it - I.e. Which parts are being referred to - top, bottom, etc.  vaccuum useless at the minute - kind regards

[MVacs]

Hi - Manchester Vacs - can you possibly do a tutorial - I bought the part from you but can't change it and can't follow the instructions on this forum because just can't visualise it - I.e. Which parts are being referred to - top, bottom, etc.  vaccuum useless at the minute - kind regards

I'll do my best to do one this week.

[AndrewP]

can't follow the instructions on this forum because just can't visualise it

As per this picture, the top catch is on the right, bottom catch is on the left -



If you look at the cyclone, the top red catch is at the top, and the bottom part of the catch is under this.

As for splitting the cyclone, basically this:

But it's for the DC40. Note the tension on the bottom catch part. You need to ensure the spring has a turn on it like I said above for this to happen when you put it back together.

Also note the bottom catch on the DC41 doesn't come out like the DC40 does, its slightly different.

And this is how you put it back together again, this is for the DC41

[macman]

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but I have recently had to change one of these for the first time, on a DC55: both top and lower sections. I struggled with this for some hours before finding a YouTube video that may be helpful.
I split the cyclone, as I could see no way to get the lower piece in without extra clearance at the top. This is not too difficult if you magnetise the tip of your T15 driver in order to hold the screws in place when replacing them. From then on, it's mostly straightforward: once the lower piece is in place, replace the cyclone top and put the 7 screws back in. Then put the spring in, from the bottom of the holder. Hook the top spring tab UNDER the tab on the clip: if you don't do this it won't push the clip out to meet the pushrod on the bin.
Then, push the spring up from below until the LOWER spring tab can slide into the little slot on the clip holder, by rotating it clockwise.  Hold it in place while you (or someone to help you) push the lower section of the cyclone up so that the projecting pin holds the spring in place. If you get it right it will drop into the little recess in the upper cyclone section. Then push the lower cyclone section up to secure all the clips, making sure the grey release button spring is still in the right place. Sometimes the upper spring tab will come out again: if it does just tuck it back behind the clip tab.
The video explains it better than i can. The relevant part starts at about 9.00 mins in. As Stuart said, once you've done it once, it's not so tricky, apart from manipulating the spring with only 2 hands.