How to replace CT Mini top section

[SGreenberg]

I just purchased a new top section for my beat up CT Mini, but there are no instructions (included in the box or anywhere else I can find). Anyone done this recently?
It's the older Mini but the newer top section (off-white part plus hose garage) I see there are four screws but I'm not sure how to remove the hose, and don't know if there are other parts inside that will need attention.

Thanks.

 

[Kevin Johnson]

I have replaced the top on my 15 year old Midi and may be doing it again soon. They might be the same. To remove the top, I had to get a long Torx screwdriver. I don't remember what size it took, but I got a set from Harbor Freight. The ones I used have a T- handle.

The hose should require no tools. Just twist and pull it out.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[SGreenberg]

Thanks, the screws and hose came out easily enough, but the black section with the control board is still attached (and wires look like they need to be detached as well.) Why does Festool sell this replacement part without any instructions?

 

[SGreenberg]

OK this has quickly turned into my most frustrating experience with Festool ever. It's clear that this is very difficult to do (especially without the help of a manual or even a drawing. So I decided to put the old pieces back together but that's proving impossible as well. I had a cosmetically messed up vacuum that worked perfectly well. Now I have a pile of parts and no confidence that I can get them back together.
Note to Festool: selling parts without instructions is a very bad idea, and unfair to your customers.

 

[wpz]

Hi [member=3611]SGreenberg[/member]

Have a look here:
https://www.travaillerlebois.com/upgrade-aspirateur-festool-ctl-midi/

It's in French, but you can use google translate.
I remember when I replaced the top of my old midi it was quite finnicky and this guide came in really handy.

Hope this helps,
wpz

 

[SGreenberg]

Thanks! I even have a little French. Still, why isn't there a Festool video on how to do this?

 

[wpz]

In the Festool logic there is a difference between spare parts and accessories.
Accessories come with a manual and you can install yourself (except the bluetooth module on the CT extractors where in the manual it says that an electrician should do it)
Spare parts don't come with a manual and I think Festool (like every other manufacturer) would prefer you to send in your tool and have them replace the parts.

I'm just glad we can get spare parts at all.

wpz

 

[SGreenberg]

I would have brought this to my local Festool dealer; shipping would have been more trouble. But right now that's not possible in NYC. If Festool said I had to send it in, I would have. It wasn't an emergency, I would have waited had I known how difficult it would be. But if they're going to make the parts available they have a responsibility to tell you what you're getting into.

 

[wpz]

I'm afraid I respectfully have to disagree with you, here's why:
(I try not to be a complete *rse-h*le, so I'm offering to help at the end of the post)

I would have brought this to my local Festool dealer; shipping would have been more trouble. But right now that's not possible in NYC.

I agree, the various lockdown/stay at home rules are not very conveniant to say the least, but you can't really blame Festool for the current global pandemic. (if the SarsCov2 virus was made by festool, it would have had green spikes [tongue])

If Festool said I had to send it in, I would have.

Well, they do in the manuals that come with each tool.
Quote directly from the manual:

WARNING
Risk of injury, electric shock

• ►  Always pull the mains plug from the socket before performing any servicing and main­ tenance work.

• ►  All maintenance and repair work which re­quires the motor housing to be opened should always be carried out by an author­ised service workshop.

Customer service and repairs must only be carried out by the manufacturer or service workshops: Find the nearest address at: www.festool.com/service

Always use original Festool spare parts. Order no. at: www.festool.com/service

It wasn't an emergency, I would have waited had I known how difficult it would be.

How can festool know if you would find it difficult?
That would require them to know the individual skill level of every person that can order a spare part!
I can imagine some people found it really easy, someone who works as a vacuum repair man to give an example.

But if they're going to make the parts available they have a responsibility to tell you what you're getting into.

I totally disagree with you on this one I'm afraid and this is exactly why I react so strongly to your post.

Allow me to explain:
As I stated above, various people have different skill sets, so the only way a company can make sure the person who carries out the repair has the necessary skill set is to work with authorised dealers/repair services and only make spare parts available to them and not to the general public. This is how it used to be in the past and it was almost impossible to aquire the parts for a repair.
Nowadays you can get the parts much easier, but you have to make an assessment of your own skills and you carry out the repair at your own responsibility!

I really like the fact that I have the option of repairing things myself although every manufacturer strongly advises against it in their manuals.

Of course, you always run the risk of lacking certain skills or speciality tools (such as Apple with their darn pentalobe screwdriver bits).
I personally consider myself quite technically able (I work as a technician), but my knowledge is limited to certain specific fields, I know very little to nothing about car mechanics for instance. So let's say I ordered a new crank-shaft for my car (is that even a car part? I'm just guessing here).
Do you think it comes with instructions and all the necessary tools to carry out that repair?
Or should I not be allowed to even order that spare part?
Or should I make an assessment of my own skills and the tools I own in order to determine if I can carry out the repair myself or that I need help and/or a professional service?
In case of the car I would take it to my garage/car repair shop, in case of my CTL midi vac I chose to do it myself after I looked up how to do it on the internet and (this is important) before I ordered the parts or took apart my midi!

So I can understand the fact that you are frustrated at the moment, but let's be honest, maybe you have yourself to blaim just a tiny little bit? [unsure]

Anyway, as I said before, it's finnicky but I'm sure you can do it, after all it's not rocket science.
PM me if you want me to translate the steps in the guide or if you want me to take apart my midi and take pictures of how specific componants are wired. I'll gladly be of any assistance as I'm an avid believer in giving the power (and the right) to repair things to the people (oh no, I'm starting to sound like a hippy [scared])
Keep in mind that a reply will not be instant as I'm in a European time zone.

Best of luck and sorry about all the ranting
(I'm experiencing a bit of cabin fever at the moment I guess)

wpz

 

[SGreenberg]

I'm not going to get into an argument with you, there are more important things going on now.

But thanks for the French link; luckily I had the right star drive bits and a circuit tester and was able to do the swap without too much trouble.

 

[Brewstermmc]

I'm not going to get into an argument with you, there are more important things going on now.

But thanks for the French link; luckily I had the right star drive bits and a circuit tester and was able to do the swap without too much trouble.

Did you ever find out what size torx drive is needed?

 

[morts10n]

I replaced my CT Midi top section with a T- Loc version and it was no trouble at all

 

[Ron B]

Did you ever find out what size torx drive is needed?

Curiosity got the best of me.  I have a newer Midi with BT and had to check.  It seems a T25 works.  I was going to take the screw out to make sure it was a 25 and not a 27 but  almost got my rare earth magnetic stuck down that hole getting the screw out so I quit.  If you have a regular style T25 screwdriver, it will be long enough. 

 

[AlexThePalex]

Did you ever find out what size torx drive is needed?

T25,  a very long one.

 

[roquestrongo]

The reason why the festool spareparts dont come with a instruction (at least here in Europe) is that opening and repairing an electronic device requires e-testing after youre done. Considering Festool as tools for professional or contractor use you might run into problems with your professional association or your insurance if an accident happens wich unveils the tool was not e-tested after repair. Possibly less a problem for an individual. Also you can have a look at the sketch in the Festool online spare parts list to get an idea how to replace the top cover.

But to the OPs question:

I recently changed my top cover on the midi due to the black plastic parts got brittle (Festool was kind enough to send me a free replacement even though my vacuum is 11 years old already).

1. Unplug the vaccum, and loosen the dark grey frontpanel (with the switch and outlet) by unscrewing the two torx screws.

2. Remove the dust bin , and place the motor unit upside down so that you can see the filter.

3. There is a strain relief for the powercord that needs to be removed. Remove the torx screw 90 degree to the corner where the power cord exits, an pull out the retainer plastic piece with some nose pliers.

4. There are 4 Torx screws seated left and right that hold together the complete motor unit and topcover, unscrew them.

5. you should hold the motor unit together and turn it in the correct orientation before removing the topcover otherwise the motor and insulation will fall out.

6. Change the top cover and reinstall in reverse direction.

One note, my spare part was the updated top lid with t-loc connector make that should come with new screws that are longer than the old ones (used with the classic style topcover).

Greetz

roque