If you have a grey and lime green Dyson DC04 (called a “silver lime”), it was originally fitted with what is known as an Ametek motor. Most other Dyson DC04 vacuum cleaners were fitted with what was known as the “YDK” motor. While broadly similar, the two motors are different. And the problem for Silver […]
If you are looking for a cheap replacement motor for your Dyson vacuum cleaner, you may well head over to eBay or Amazon or a similar site and buy the cheapest one you can find. You can sometimes get a cheap Chinese copy one for about twenty pounds. After all, a motor is just a motor […]
If you need to replace the motor on your Dyson DC04, there are two different types. You need to know which one yours is to be sure you buy the correct one. They are not directly interchangeable without a minor modification.
If your machine is a clutchless lime green and grey model, it *should* have an Ametek motor fitted to it as standard.
Most other models have a clutch. If your machine is fitted with a clutch, it *should* have a YDK motor fitted to it as standard.
If you are confused about the differences between Dyson DC04 models, there is a guide here: Dyson DC04 Model Index
That said, if the machine has ever been stripped down and rebuilt in the past, it is possible that someone else fitted the other type, depending on what they had handy at the time. Therefore, it is always better to strip your machine down to ascertain which motor is fitted to your Dyson DC04.
Remember, these motors are not directly interchangeable, so if buying a motor only, be sure you get the correct one.
However, as more machines with YDK motors were made, it is easier — and usually cheaper — to source a new YDK motor than it is an Ametek. There is an easy way around fitting a YDK motor to your machine where previously there was an Ametek fitted. Look again at the pictures above. You see there are motor rubbers and a plastic retaining ring there? Although they look pretty similar, they actually differ.
If your machine had an Ametek motor fitted, you can fit a YDK type motor with ease. Just be sure that you get the YDK rubbers and the plastic retaining ring to go with it and you are good to go. No other modifications are required. You simply fit the YDK motor together with the fan-case seal, top rubber and plastic retaining ring when you reassemble.
We do not recommend taking the budget route and buying a used DC04 motor from somewhere like eBay. Although you may think you are getting good value at first, this is where a lot of unscrupulous sellers unload a lot of their reject or tired rubbish. For sure, you will get a cheap one there, but after the crucifying fees the seller must pay in eBay and Paypal charges, the net price they receive after postage will be very small. This does not incentivise them to send you a quality item. Additionally, used DC04 motors usually have a very short service life left as they do wear out comparatively faster than some other Dyson models. Buying a used one is a false economy. We recommend you buy a new one.
If you need a new motor for your Dyson DC04, source it from a Dyson specialist. This will ensure you get a quality item from a trusted source at a great price. Below is a link to who we recommend. You can order a YDK motor for £35 including UK delivery. If your machine had an Ametek fitted, they will even throw you the extra seal and ring in for free!
Click the topic title to go to the full article to see our recommendation.
If you are seeking to replace the motor on your Dyson DC01, be aware there are two types. One is called a “YDK” motor and will have the code “YV940” on the side. The alternative is slightly larger, and is made by an Italian company called Ametek. Predictably, this has “Ametek” on the side of it.
The DC01 motors are quite sturdy units. They were used in the Dyson DC01’s back when Dysons were still made in England in the late 1990’s. However, fifteen years or so later, the odd one is starting to fail now.
They are still available new, but are quite expensive compared to the value of your Dyson DC01 machine now. Many of the ones available are cheap Chinese knock-offs that will last nothing like the period of time your old one did.
As the originals were so well built, consider buying a quality used one. Not only is it green as you are recycling, but life expectancy should be just fine as long as the one you buy is properly tested and not sparking near the armature when in use.
The picture below shows you the two different types. Make sure you know which one your machine uses. The one on the left is a YDK YV-940, the one on the right is an Ametek.
