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I sometimes soak them in petrol overnight, then after drying use compressed air to clean any bits out followed by grease.
we aren't rich enough george to buy that product, here in the uk we have to save the last few drops from the garage pump whilst filling the car.
I find that Hoover Activator bearings do wear, especially 40+ year old ones! I have split and greased them before, but the wear means the new grease falls out quickly. Pattern agitator bearings are pennies.
Most motor bearings I see are 2 styles. Sealed ones with a metal plate, which can't be opened. A drop of oil might help, but not much. The other type (and I see these on Dyson brushrolls too) have a plastic cap either side that can be popped off, then thoroughly cleaned and re-greased.
Hoover sleeve bearings are generally OK, a clean out with IPA and a cotton bud and as long as it's not worn, a drop of lithium grease has them happy again. The fancase bearings are pressed together, so a soak in spray grease/oil is all one can really do (or soak them as mentioned but I can never be fully bothered, and don't find it needs it much, the felt pad keeps the dirt out, they just dry up!
Ryevac, I've seen people say to soak an old style car air filter in petrol to clean it, back in the 70's when it was a few pence worth in a bucket it was probably a good idea! Not nowadays when it would be a good tenners worth of pez!
I read on Vacuumland once that you Grease your Balls and Oil your Sleeves! Never stood me wrong yet