Royal 4000 upright vacuum Tune up repair

[@joealberti8553]

My grandmother used to have a Royal upright that had a red and black shakeout bag and a headlight. It used to scare the hell out of me when they used it, which was kinda odd because I really liked vacuum cleaners. As I got older, I got over my fear of it, and to this day my favorite vintage vacuums are Royals and pre Classic Kirbys.

[@ArbokLover1618]

The Royal was pretty much the inspiration for Kirby. The Royal was founded in 1905 and Kirby came out way later.

[@darthgamer6080]

But Kirby did it better.

[@colterkardas4105]

1906 is not "way later..." 🤣

[@bsanchez3563]

​@@colterkardas4105I suppose that is true ngl if you consider Scott Fetzer sanitation etc.

[@thefirstlayer350]

We got a model 4000 back in the mid 90's. We still have it and will still have it for many years. Ours was even used for commercial use cleaning a church for many years. For a "Cheap" vacuum I think they do quite well. They are very serviceable and I have even found bearings for the brush roller to extend the life of it.

[@silvermine2033]

Great video. I just pulled a Royal out of my parent's closet after 5 years.

[@672macknasby7]

I found a Royal 9961 on ebay. I disassembled, cleaned, and buffed all the aluminum out. I then cut the axles off of it, and fabricated replacement axles out of metric bolts, that I MIG welded in place. The reason for the axle modification, was I installed skateboard wheels with ball bearings. No more squeaks, and it pushes SO smooth.

[@RalphSampson...]

Great video! I just came across one of these Royals. It is absolutely filthy. The beater roller was full of hair! The orange bag has a hole where the hang chain penetrates. There was no paper bag and nastiness was shooting out of the hole through the top of the orange bag. I'll see what I can do with it. I'll be using it to do a "final clean" on construction job sites, mainly drywall dust. Thank you for posting!

[@jeremyd2003]

Thank you for your videos. I've used them to service Kirbys and I just got a Royal 992 for 5 bucks.

[@PerformanceReviews]

Glad to here ! Check us out on IG and Faceballs

[@jeremyd2003]

Bought a Royal 992 for 5 bucks (they never ever cleaned it, and wondered why it didnt work well.). Used your videos and polished it. Sold it for $120.00.

[@georgeatlarge]

Came out of work one day right by the dumpster and there she was a complete Royal 880 deluxe with all attachments may be used twice😂😂

[@mhtube01]

Reminds me of my Royal in many ways, I have a Classic model 9089 from 1989. If I'm correct, that was the last year for the older 6 amp motor that it uses before they went to the louder motors that they still use. Mine is a relatively quiet vacuum and has that classic Royal sound to it. It lived a rough life before I got it almost 4 years ago, the metal is dulled and scratched and it needed a serious cleaning. It also needed new carbon brushes in the motor and ever since then it has run like brand new. My favorite vacuum I've ever used, the airflow is so powerful and the roller brush propels the machine across the floor. I will never sell it, I have yet to use a vacuum that works better and I've used a lot of vacuums.

[@PerformanceReviews]

The old classic American royals are definitely great. But definitely can't compared to so many modern options that have much more power.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

They really got louder because of an increase in the number of fan blades, from six to nine.

[@hanksgarage_]

Cool vacuums for a collector for sure, I own 2 of them, an 880 and 882, decent machines, they seem to clean well enough, super easy to maintain. One of the has the micro cracks you mentioned, right where yours was...

[@PerformanceReviews]

+Hank's Small Engine Repair Royal 800s are among my favorite machines and far superior to this thing on my bench as far as I'm concerned. I've got a video coming up with some 800 including a royal 888 .

[@bookbeing]

@@PerformanceReviews you inspired me. I just checked the label on my own Royal upright and mine is an 800! You are right, my 800 is a bit different from the one you're working on in this video in terms of some of the little accents. For example, my 880 wheels have these chrome looking "hubcaps" with the etched Royal crown logo facing out from each wheel. Your clip was really informative and helpful 🐕. Mine also uses a bag that attaches near the bottom inside the cloth bag with this springy metal cuff that rolls over the paper on the connector.

[@eoinmaclean6478]

Looks a lot like mine, except it’s an anniversary edition from ‘89, older than me by 4 years lol. Takes the type A bags, but I use F&G because they are available just about everywhere. The brush roll has square-ish inserts on the ends, and unfortunately I can’t use the newer brush rolls because they have hex ends. Still works well, despite a busted fin on the fan and a slightly bent motor/fan spindle. It tends to knock the height adjustment out from vibrations and acts like its self-propelled. I call it Jaws lol.

[@mattjones7621]

Great machine! I have the 2028. In the past I have had two 880s and an 801.

[@sts1542]

Matt Jones Which one in your opinion cleaned better, the Royal with the higher or lower amp motor?

[@mattjones7621]

Honestly, the newer one. The other three I had had like a 3 amp motor. The ones made from the early 1990's-current have stronger motors. The 2028 agitates WAY better than my older machines did. It restores the nap on the carpet and rugs. The HEPA bags filter much, much better than the old Royal type A (same as Eureka F&G) bags. My older ones, however, were lighter and a little easier to use. The older ones are better on hard floors, too, as the newer ones tend to scatter certain debris. So, while there are pros and cons to both old and new, I'd go with the newer models if you have a lot of carpet and little hard flooring.

[@sts1542]

Matt Jones I always had the feeling that the higher amp motor would do better, but I thought I'd ask since I've never had a Royal but do have a Kirby g3 which is a pretty solid machine with the 7 amps that it uses and isn't too loud either. Thanks Matt

[@mattjones7621]

Sure, no problem. I have a couple of Kirby vacuums, too. I have a vintage 519 (1959) and a Diamond Edition (2005). The Diamond is my main use machine.

[@sts1542]

Matt Jones They're awesome.. doesn't take too much to keep them going... I might upgrade to an avalir sometime, (still toying with the idea) but the diamond is one my favorite models too.. if I remember that one had the two speed motor.. very cool machine and color scheme

[@mattjones7621]

The only thing I've mainly had to replace, metal wise, on a Royal is the handle yolk. I have had two break under pressure.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Models 888, 893, 980 and 990 are among those in which the head can actually be removed, but all of them are very hard to find these days!

[@PerformanceReviews]

+ClassicTVMan1981X stay tuned I have something involving that coming up

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

I can't wait!

[@hanksgarage_]

If you ever get one of those full metal bypass royals that had tools can you make a vid on one of them? They look so weird and interesting. I doubt you see them though

[@PerformanceReviews]

+Hank's Small Engine Repair you mean the power cast?

[@hanksgarage_]

Performance Reviews I’m not familiar with the name of it just seen pictures and looked really interesting

[@coltonpreslar3026]

I have a Royal model 886 and was wondering were I could find parts for my machine. Always enjoy watching your videos and very informative to

[@georgevranas498]

Without a bench mounted type buffer, how else can I buff my Royal to a decent shine? Any particular paste?

[@coltonpreslar3026]

How is the suction on the Royal vacuums when you use the hose & tools?

[@jimtomassetti4817]

Great to watch all the Repairs you make! You give so many good Tips for us Kirby owners! Were is your shop please from Connecticut. My kirby need's a going over. Never had one in 12yrs!

[@PerformanceReviews]

Check out the patreon page ,I do mail in.

[@bsanchez3563]

I like that carpet patern design fwiw. Where did you buy it do you recall?

[@jeremyd2003]

Tried a couple of car bulbs, they blew out. Any idea where I can get a bulb? Rural area, no vac stores near me.

[@coltonpreslar3026]

How would I clean the commutator? I have the stone for it

[@LlyleHunter]

I wish that Royal still made the Powertank. I'd say that if you were starting out in your first apartment and bought each, you'd have them long enough to replace them much later in life with an Aerus and a Kirby with the money you'd saved over the years by not constantly replacing vacuums. Then again, if they still made the powertank (with an updated powernozzle) you could replace the first pair with an identicle pair and buy a Kitchenaid dishwasher and stand mixer and be set for a long time. Are you sure that these are out of production or are they unable to keep up with demand. I saw these machines of which all but one are in the Commercial line just last week before having trouble logging on to Royalvacuum.com this week. It would be a shame if they cancel them. It's an icon and just look at how nice that 19 year old looks sitting there including how it's nameplate looks. No Royal No! Save the metals!Metal Rocks!

[@tyler2610]

I agree. My grandma gave me her Royal 4700 canister almost 10 years ago and I was just going to use it until it died and then buy something new. Well when it finally had a serious failure a few years ago (the pigtail cord that attaches at the handle had burnt up and actually burned a small hole in the handle housing!) I looked at modern vacuums and decided that I better restore my metal US made canister because any vacuum below $1,000 just wouldn't compare. I have now restored mine to like new condition and in the process learned to do most of the servicing myself. I have also stockpiled a number of NOS discontinued parts for it including bags as I fear Royal will eventually stop making them too. Mine will be 20 years old this year and it's still going strong!

[@bookbeing]

@@tyler2610your grandma gave you a good vacuum! I have the red version of the royal canister power team and I wouldn't trade it for anything! I had the same problem you described regarding the cord burnout failure at the built in side, not the cannister plug port near the tank handle, but the area closest to the lid to the filter housing. The cord was bent and fraying for a while and finally sent sparks flying the other day while it was running. it's in the shop now. I hate not having it here. I use the horse hair brush attachment on my long haired akita when she is blowing her undercoat and she thinks she's at the day spa!

[@tyler2610]

@@bookbeing Yes she did. I still have it and hopefully will until I die but I haven't used it for over 2 years now. I restored it to near new condition and just got to the point I was afraid of damaging it and wearing it out so it sits in the closet and now I use a 4600 I bought off eBay that I will probably eventually clean up and sell and find another "daily driver" to replace it. I actually bought a brand new Kirby Avalir a few years ago but that also rarely gets used as I think the Royal tanks leave the carpets looking a lot better. I hope your repair shop can get parts for you as everything is pretty much NLA on them anymore. If they can get a cord it will most likely be black and not color matched as your original was. I would really like to get a new upper wand for mine but they just seem to all be gone. I got a NOS one off eBay for a 4600 I was restoring to sell recently but they just don't seem to be out there for the 4700. I would stock up on bags if you can find some cheap as I think Royal even quit manufacturing those. I have probably over 100 and I even reuse them a couple times so I should be set for many decades!

[@johnerikson7094]

I have the new royal cr5128Z, and sadly Royal seems to have downgrade some areas of their vacuum. The rear cord clip is now plastic, plastic strain relief (very odd), plastic cord cover, and plastic end caps. The brush stiffener is gone too. Apparently the armature cooling fan is also plastic I think as I could see through the vents.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

The plastic external strain relief you mention first appeared on the commercial machines in 1988, but did not extend to the household models until 1990.

[@johnerikson7094]

ClassicTVMan1981X oh really? Interesting, i would’ve never thought.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

And when you mentioned that the old-style brush stiffeners were removed, it is because the brush bristles themselves are stiffer.

[@pinomarino8917]

Can you still get parts for these since TTI killed off Royal?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Nope

[@cloudstrifeification]

Seeing this vacuum reminds me of old Saturday morning cartoons (Tom and Jerry) where it keeps sucking up things and the bag keeps getting bigger and bigger!

[@mannys9130]

Serious question: How do you (and other vacuum service centers) prevent and handle flea/tick/bedbug infestations? I've restored a few Kirbys so far. For all of them I brought them around the side gate into the back yard, I took the bag off and apart, and split the fan housing. I washed the bag outside by hand, and once I was confident nothing was living inside everything I took it all in the house to finish. I am terrified of bedbugs.

[@PerformanceReviews]

+mannys9130 it's a serious question without a good answer.

[@mannys9130]

Performance Reviews Have you ever had an infestation in the shop?

[@steve069]

I installed a LED 12v twist in bulb into my 1998 Royal 4000 and when the vacuum is on it kinda works but it is very dim and flickers. When I tested the bulb with a 12V power supply it was super bright with no issues, any advice/ideas?

[@LlyleHunter]

How would you say that Royal uprights compare to Kirby regarding airflow and dear cleaning performance? A 17 pound Kirby sounds attractive as mine is 24 and doesn't have powerdrive. This Royal is lighter by a few pounds than a Hoover React, Eureka Floorrover and Electrolux ProSwivel, three new bagless machines on the market. It's eight ponds lighter than a Miele U1 You'd never think it by looking at them.

[@electroluxlad]

I personally think they are the best

[@1911beauty]

Mine cleans like a champ and for the price you can't beat it. This is a 25 year machine.

[@redwolfpiping5701]

Where can I find attachments for a Royal 882?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Good luck

[@cornopeanus]

any ideas how to repair the switch? I think my vacuum is perfectly fine; the switch just seems to have stopped working.

[@PerformanceReviews]

Take it to your local vacuum shop.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Hello. I have the 2075 and would like to know what would the correct belts this vac takes? What's the best place to get them and last but least is what would the year of this thing? Great vid mate.

[@PerformanceReviews]

Royal "style 8" belts are interchangeable with Kirby belts. As far as dating it try to find a date wheel molded into it somewhere. Sometimes they'll be a date code as well next to the model number sticker.

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Performance Reviews Thank you. I do agree with you on this model that its not the best but its fun to run around the house.

[@cornopeanus]

The switch is broken on my Royal. will this video show me how to fix that?

[@ronarra2640]

I recently purchased a Stark vacuum cleaner which looks like this Royal model. Where can I purchase bags and a belt?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Stark rebranded Royal vacuum cleaners at a point in time. Your local vacuum shop should have everything you need. There are also links in the description

[@ericwarmington522]

Hey there you happen to know what type of brushes that i need to put on my Royal 18” commercial upright? Model 7910Z with 7 amp motor

[@PerformanceReviews]

I'm not sure the brush roller is currently produced you need to go to your local authorized Royal /Hoover dealer . If you're talking about carbon brushes that go in the motor they were never made by themselves.

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

Holy blower fan batman!!

[@icanfix1]

You have a wonderful channel. I enjoy it. But I cringe every time you toss things around. Especially a collector type of vac such as this lovely unit.

[@Dahna_]

you took the words right out of my mouth. I was like damn I hope the owners don't watch his vids!

[@H92b-q9h]

I bought an all metal royal hand vac and the bag is dirty how should I wash it out?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Washing machine on the gentle cycle

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

You are forgetting about the UR38200 "Pro Series"!

[@PerformanceReviews]

+ClassicTVMan1981X believe me I've had one sitting in my store for years I might never sell it.

[@johnerikson7094]

Performance Reviews maybe you will. I don’t mean to sound religious or anything, but pray hard and maybe it WILL sell!

[@ad356]

how does it compare to the old non generation kirby's? are they easier to push? lighter or heavier?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Like the same as a heritage 2

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Hey guy!! I just found one of these and had to give it a try. The one I have is a 2075 and in excellent shape. I would like to know what year this may be and what bags would you recommend?

[@DDDrew8]

Is there any place I can buy a front cover for this machine?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Your local vacuum store.

[@1911beauty]

So Royal is no longer going to make the all metal for professional or on home?

[@PerformanceReviews]

Royal is not being made at all right now .

[@AwesomeVacuums]

Performance Reviews the company has been discontinued.

[@tammyruehrmund7978]

How do you get a. Wheel off for replacement?

[@PerformanceReviews]

It really depends on the model. Usually you order in the axle with the wheels attached. I would bring it to your local dealer and have them deal with it.

[@electroluxlad]

Besides the central vac

[@kg5vacuums205]

What vacuums you know of are better than this?

[@PerformanceReviews]

+KG5Vacuums that's a very long list my friend.

[@kg5vacuums205]

Performance Reviews ok name the top five.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Kirby, for starters: I mean, there's all kinds of off-the-shelf components available for it like the Rug Renovator, Miracle Head (power polisher) and Handi-Butler.

[@PerformanceReviews]

+KG5Vacuums sure :) 1. MD Central Vacuums. 2. Sebo /Windsor any current model. 3. Lindhaus, just about any model. 4. Miele Vacuums full size power nozzles 5. Rainbow E Series 6. Hyla 7. Modern Electrolux canisters 9. Simplicity Riccar 20 30 40 series machines 10. Nilfisk Even Royal decided that other vacuums clean better that's why they made the power cast which has tools, lifetime belt, sealed HEPA, bypass motor.

[@2711marcus]

Performance Reviews Alex the vacuums you mention are more practical and easier to use but I always thought the Royal produces more airflow than any other vacuum even the Kirby it also agitates very well. I think it would be hard to find anything that will clean carpets better.

[@LlyleHunter]

If you ever get one of your own and never want to hear a squeaky wheel, remove each wheel, put a little dab of marine grease on each wheel's axle with marine grease for boats. Wash the wheels insides, and reinstall and spin the wheels to lubricate. Marine grease is made to be used underwater and your Royal won't be doing that. It containes silicon and the vacuum will glide on the carpet even better than machine oil..

[@LlyleHunter]

You won't need to do it again for about fifteen years.

[@PerformanceReviews]

+Bruce Solomon the Tri flow Teflon based lubricant last very long time as well. I put that in the wheels. I use the same stuff on my bike chain as well . Seems to last through all kinds of weather. Doesn't attract too much dirt either.

[@hanksgarage_]

Performance Reviews we used triflow in aerosol cans in aviation at one of my last jobs. I liked it so much at work I bought some for home use. That and LPS 1 and 2 are great too.

[@tammyruehrmund7978]

How do you remove the wheels? I've used these vacuums for 20 yrs.; commercial and residential cleans ! Love them! The latest one , purchased December 2018 gave me SURPRISINGLY poor quality; wheel rolled off across a floor and brush was fried in 1 month?!!! I have old one for parts but can't get a wheel off to replace another whose wheel separated rubber from plastic !?

[@TheVacuumWizard]

I gave you a shoutout in my latest vid and your channel link is in the des of the vid :D

[@PerformanceReviews]

Wizerd thank you!

[@TheVacuumWizard]

np :D

[@matt19218]

To me royals last a lot longer then some of the new brands my dad goes through vacuum cleaner because the motor either give out or the blades

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

BTW, I forgot to tell you that I am the proud owner of two all-metal Royal upright cleaners: one of them is an early 1985 model 880 (sold by Stark's Vacuums of Portland, OR -- the city I was born in) and a 1987 Prince 786 (which looks like an Electro-Hygiene 903 because of its red trim). Here's my 1985 880: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp2UpIVsbb6Hhbs

[@falgianibrandon]

How do you date these.

[@Metalwhore89]

Ask them nicely if they’d like to go out to dinner

[@cowboybob993]

Picked one up on eBay for $50.

[@1911beauty]

What do you mean better? Define better.

[@PerformanceReviews]

Check out my playlist titled upright vacuum reviews better is definitely defined there

[@dylanchalmers6231]

@Performance Reviews royal is copying hoover's design for most of their cleaners from what i saw.

[@AwesomeVacuums]

At some point TTI took over Hoover, Royal, Oreck, Vax and Dirt Devil. So that’s why the designs are the same or similar with those companies.

[@vwsaiphone]

Good and tight lmao

[@bsanchez3563]

Pfft Steel just rusts over the decades, ngl.