Rug Doctor Pump Replacement

Written By: Arthur Shi

Comments: 19

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 50 minutes

Introduction

If the Rug Doctor is not spraying properly, you may need to replace the pump .

The Mighty Pro and the X3 models have one pump , while the Wide Track (WT) model has two identical pumps running in parallel. This guide is written with the Wide Track model, but can be used for any of the three models.

Optional tools:

Straight edge cutters/pincers instead of hose clamp pliers
Clamp cutter/removal tool
Hair dryer/heat gun

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Before you begin, determine if the pump(s) require replacement. Fill the reservoir with some water, turn the Rug Doctor on to the carpet mode and press the spray button.
For single-pump models (Mighty Pro, X3), if the Rug Doctor does not spray at all, the pump requires replacement.
If it sprays inconsistently, check the spray nozzles for clogs first.
For the Wide Track model, if the Rug Doctor does not spray at all, both pumps require replacement.
If water splashes out of the nozzles for the Wide Track model but does not spray adequately, check the spray nozzles for clogs first.
If the nozzles are clear, one of the two pumps may be defective, not supplying sufficient pressure to the nozzles. If possible, replace both pumps.
If you need to determine which of the two pumps requires replacement, switch the Rug Doctor on to the upholstery mode. Do not disconnect the quick-connect for accessories. If water splashes out of the nozzles like the carpet mode, replace the front pump.
If water does not splash out of the nozzles in accessory mode, replace the rear pump.

Step 2

Before you begin disassembly, make sure that the Rug Doctor is not plugged in and that all reservoirs are empty of liquids.
Use pliers to grip and wiggle the axle hub cap to loosen it.
Pull the axle cap off.
If you are having trouble, pry under the cap to loosen it from the axle.

I had a lot of trouble with this step. I started by grabbing each cap with a pair of pliers and wiggling in opposite directions; they would twist but wouldn’t come off. Then I used a screwdriver to try prying one cap off (be sure to put a putty knife or other thin and stiff piece of metal between your prying tool and the wheel to avoid damage). I managed to move the cap off somewhat, but whenever I pried up one side of the cap, the other would go down. I eventually managed it by crushing the cap using a pair of adjustable pliers.

Steve Wechsler - 27/11/20

It was a little difficult but i kept moving it side to side and it finally let go

Len Aubertin - 21/03/21

Step 3

Pull the wheel off of the axle.
Pull the other wheel with the attached axle out of the body.
Re-assembly tip—to reinstall the wheels and axle:
Slide the axle and wheels back onto the Rug Doctor.
Center a replacement axle hub cap over the exposed axle end.
Use a mallet to tap the hub cap in place. It should not feel loose on the axle.

Step 4

Unclip the clear hose from the back of the Rug Doctor.

Step 5

Remove the eight 15.1 mm long Phillips machine screws securing the bottom pan.

Step 6

Remove the five 15.1 mm long Phillips machine screws securing the back plate.
During re-assembly, over-tightening these screws may crack the plastic plate.

Step 7

Beginning from the bristle end, carefully pull the bottom pan away from the body, to gain access to the pumps.
This will loosen the front metal blade. It may be helpful to temporarily reinstall a screw to hold it in place while you work.

Step 8

Carefully note the pump direction indicated by the arrow on its label. The replacement pump must be installed in the same direction as the original.
If you are working on the Wide Track model, determine which pump(s) you are replacing as well as their direction:
The front pump
The rear pump

Step 9

Remove the crimped hose clamps securing from each end of the pump you are replacing.
You can use a clamp removal tool to cut the clamps.
Alternatively, use pliers to unlatch the small retaining tab on the clamp.
Pry the clamp apart to loosen it.
Use your fingers or pliers to pull the hoses off of the pump nozzles.
The hoses will leak liquids when pulled out.
This will take significant force. If you are having trouble, heat the hose ends with a hair dryer or heat gun, and try again.

Step 10

Re-assembly tip—to reinstall the crimp-style hose clamps:
Slide the clamp onto the hose, leaving 1/2" of hose at the end.
Use hose clamp pliers or straight edge cutters to squeeze and crimp the clamp ears.

Step 11

Cut the zip ties holding the bundle of wires together.
Carefully trace the two wires coming out of the pump you are replacing.
The pump wires should connect to a black wire and a white wire.
There may be a diode attached in-line on the red wire.
Disconnect the pump by pulling the wire terminals apart. This may take significant force. Pull at the terminals, not the wires.
If there is an in-line diode, disconnect and remove it. Do not use it with the replacement part.

The wires did not come apart easily for me. I had to cut into some of the plastic shielding and then I used a small, thin flathead to work them apart. Decided to shrink wrap the connectors with new plastic shrink tubes.

CHARLES KEYZ -

Step 12

Re-assembly tip—when you re-wire the replacement pump, attach the included fusible link to the longer, thicker black wire.
Do not use the previous pump's in-line diode.
Re-connect the pump's wires to the Rug Doctor's black and white wires.
The fusible link should connect to the Rug Doctor's black wire.

Step 13

Pull the rubber mount away from the pump and slide it over the pump nozzle.

Step 14

Slide the pump out of the rubber mount.

Step 15

Remove the pump.
When installing the replacement pump:
Remove the orange caps from the nozzles.
Make sure that the pump is installed in the correct direction.
Check that the nozzles are pointed towards the back of the machine.
The replacement pump may not sit as snugly in the rubber mount as the original. This is normal.

Thank you!!!

Anne Pyres -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order while noting the re-assembly tips.

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 03/01/18

248651 Reputation

15 comments

Fantastic. info!!! Thanks for this. Took me while to find it. Some helpful tips. But the biggest was the fact I had two pumps. I wasn’t 100% sure and I was positive I spotted two with just the back cover off. But needed to be sure before ordering. Thanks !

Robert - 03/06/20

I would like to view how to open the housing & replace the pump on the Rug Doctor model DC 1.

Ben Lavadia - 11/06/20

My X3 model rug doctor continuously sprays Until it runs out of water doesn't matter if the red button is pressed or not when you turn on the machine, it starts sprain. Any thoughts?

Mike - 08/10/20

Hi Mike,

Does it full-on spray, or just leak? It could be that the red button is broken. Look through this guide. You may be able to disconnect the spray button wires through the black cutout. If the Rug Doctor still sprays with the button disconnected, then the problem is elsewhere.

Arthur Shi - 12/10/20

We replaced our pump but still does spray. We have the doctor deep carpet cleaner model with single pump.

Do you know which way for sure the pump nozzles should be facing on our model? Maybe they’re in wrong though we are hundred percent sure it’s in how old one came out.

Jerri Estep - 18/10/20

Hi Jerri,

I unfortunately don’t. When you press the spray button, does it sound like the pump revs up? If not, it may be a switch problem.

Arthur Shi - 20/10/20

what the pump # to order

SCOTT - 10/01/21

Hello. mightily pro X3. I pushed red button but very little water comes out…. I am assuming I need to replace the pump? please advise. tank is full of water.

Dede

Dede Antonelli - 06/02/21

Hi Dede,

I would check the nozzles to make sure they are not clogged first. If possible, take the device apart and check the hoses to make sure they’re not clogged.

Arthur Shi - 08/02/21

Hello. my small track rug doctor machine when filled up with water , when I push the red button keeps cutting out ant tripping out switch on circuit board also can someone tell me why it is doing this ???????? PLEASE

Richie

Richard B - 07/02/21

Do you have any tips on how to open up, split apart or remove the hard plastic piece on the waste water tank for the Rug Doctor Deep Cleaner? It's the top piece where the tools plug into. There is so much gunk underneath there that you cannot get to it by regular cleaning.

Elizabeth Bush -

My rug doctor x3 is putting out water really fast and refill every 3 minutes. Single pump I took the pump apart to the clean and flush dog hair and dirt from previous owner. Just gave to me. Would cut it on and nothing and nothing I could see water in hose. But now its all just going fast can't find any things on the pump if I used it right

Kenneth Kelly -

Some of these comments, I am hoping English is their second language. Some of them, it is obvious English is their primary language, and the review is equally as difficult to understand. Maybe they are bots and the comments are auto generated. I hope it’s that….lol

Anyways… you’re a legend for doing this tear- down. Thank you. One of the best most straightforward tear-downs I’ve ever read… and I fix a lot of stuff. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to help others. You probably saved me an entire day. I thought the pump was in a different section of the vacuum.

My god is this thing gross on the inside. The repair only took 20mins. I spend another 3 hours removing that brush and soaking it, and chiseling off solid hockey puck sized clumps of hair. The smell is almost unbearable. I debated just tossing it. I will never let someone borrow my rug doctor again. lol.

Seriously tho… thank you. Quality work speaks for itself.

CHARLES KEYZ -

new wires on pump not consistent with wires in machine/ ended up with white wire having same plug end / same with black wires. added fuse to black wire . went to attach to black wire in machine both ends female, white wires both male. ?

dps1951 -

old unit need and update

FERMIN -