Replace ShopVac bushing with 608 bearing

This ShopVac had a bad on/off switch that I replaced with a higher quality switch. While I had it apart I took the opportunity to change out the sintered bronze bushing for a ball bearing. There was some radial runout in that bushing so it turns out it was time for a fix anyway .

[@rootvalley2]

thanks for this I looked at doing this but wasn’t sure what bearing would work. The bushing is the weak point of these vacuums.

[@kmankman117]

Its the standard roller blade size, 608

[@michael931]

I will be doing this in a few days. Has it stood the test of time? My bushing burned so bad it set the smoke alarm off....

[@mguerramd]

Still working fine a year and a half later. I think this vac is at least 20 years old.

[@michael931]

@@mguerramd thanks. My vac is 30 years old. I guess the original bushing did OK. Hopefully get another 30 years out of it :)

[@martybgood62]

What is the size of your vac? Mine is a 5 gal. Just wondering what sizes this bearing will fit.

[@mguerramd]

@@martybgood62 I think 5 gallon. I suspect most of the shop vacs use the same bearing carrier and the same size bearing for the sake of economy, even if some of the motors have different horsepower ratings. It’s not that difficult to disassemble the thing and find out.

[@SimonFiliatrault]

Would you think of drilling two small holes between the outer edge of the bearing and the carrier and inserting two small dowel pins so it does not spin, would be a good idea?

[@mguerramd]

That will weaken the bearing boss but no idea if it would be significant. Using a shim is cheap, easy and effective. High temp epoxy could work but make it near impossible to replace the bearing in future. You can shim with tape as well. Or cut strips of heavy duty aluminum foil. Or just use… actual shim stock!

[@eva00xxxx]

works like a charm thank you 👍