Is your Hayward Floor Vacuum (or Ultra Vacuum) not performing like it used to? Is it spinning in circles or getting stuck in corners instead of going around the pool? There are an assortment of gears and moving parts inside the Navigator that need to be checked and replaced now and then. Sometime, it’s just debris interfering with the movement of the gears. This guide will get you inside the Navigator to check mechanisms that typically go wrong.
Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts
Rhonda Posted: 2/16/2019
My problem initially was the Hayward Navigator was not, turning at all, replaced the turbine and bearings, A frame and bearings, still did not turn, and finally gear box. Now it only turns left in circle after circle. Did not disassemble the rest of the housing to inspect medium turbine spindle gears. If I get the medium turbine spindle replacement kit should this solve my problems?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 2/18/2019
It's rare that the medium turbine spindle would need to be replaced. We would recommend taking the cleaner apart to inspect the medium turbine spindle and cone gear. There may be a piece of debris stuck in one of the gears. I would also wash out the gear box while you're at it.Reply
Rhonda Posted: 2/23/2019
Robert M Thanks for the reply. Ok we took it apart COMPLETELY. All the medium turbine and gears were in good shape no broken teeth, no dirt or other debris in there, no debris in the gear box (which is brand new). On the lift test it still only turns left, goes left in circles never stops. On the bottom of the pool it turns left only and frequently comes off the bottom with the feet moving (even when flat on bottom doesnt necessarily float down to bottom from wall). Before I break down and buy a new one, what else if left?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 2/27/2019
Have you used the suction gauge that came with the cleaner to see if the cleaner is receiving the correct amount of suction?Reply
Matthew Posted: 9/5/2018
Hello Geno - the pool hose may be the major problem here. Hose memory is a byproduct of being stored for long periods coiled up or from repeated use. The hose becomes rigid, less pliable, making it difficult for the cleaner to stay on its directed path. But you can "reset" the hose by laying the hose sections out straight in the sunlight for a day, letting the bake the curves out of the plastic.Reply
Geno Posted: 9/1/2018
We have an Aqua Bug for an above ground pool. The bug always goes to the far corner and all the hoses are twisted. What could be my problem?Reply
Ryan S Posted: 5/15/2016
Thanks so much for these excellent instructions. My problem was that the cleaner was not turning, so would get stuck against the wall or corner. It turned out that there was a tiny string stuck in the gear box. I just opened the gear box, then carefully removed the stack of gears, making sure I kept track of the order. After cleaning out the debris, I reversed the process. After I was done, I was able to blow into the gear box and hear the spinning sound, as described. I suspect that some people are replacing their gear box, when it really just needs to be cleaned out.Thanks again!
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Tom Hermens Posted: 5/9/2016
No-one has mentioned the screw (your picture 29) that tensions the flap. Not even U tube. Very good and thank you.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 11/22/2015
Gear box - I have not taken this gear box apart so I don't know the relative sizes of the gears inside. I do know that that because if the gearing, one end of the gear series is going to be harder to turn that the other. What you feel as very stiff may be natural. Or, depending on the age of your cleaner, one of these gears may be worn to where they are binding. Try blowing in the corner hole of the gear box. You should hear the gears spinning inside the box. If not, you might consider replacing this gear box with a new one. Here is our link to that part: Hayward / Arneson Cleaners Navigator/ Gear Box Assembly (axv408p).Reply
Anonymous Posted: 11/21/2015
Took gear box apart but when i try to replace gears They do not turn are very stiff . Is there a certain way they are replacedc. In box i know the bottom gear and top are differant . The rest look the sameReply
ivry321 Posted: 7/13/2015
Now that's what I am talking about. A site that has Authority.. Thank you. I had spent tons trying to fix this hayward pool gizmo and it was still getting stuck. People (repair) complain is too many parts compared to the newer ones, never the less at bottom of this page I believe you mention a turquise screw I adjusted it to one and everything is groovy.I know this sounds like a spam in the beginning, but I am also starting an Authority blog (different topic) and I hope my info will be as valid as yours.
please feel free to use this reccomendation any way you want..
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Great job!!
Dave
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Imyopools Posted: 6/30/2015
Cw - Sometimes air gets caught in the top of the cleaner when you put it in the water. Try swishing it back and forth under water before you drop it to the floor. Also your cleaner's hose may have developed a curl in it that's putting side pressure on the cleaner. Try stretching the hose out straight on the pool patio and leaving it in the sun for an afternoon to get the twist out. If neither of these suggestions work, call Hayward at 866-722-2100. They should have other suggestions.Reply
Cw Posted: 6/29/2015
I have Hayward pool vac -- guessing. Purchased 2003 when pool built... Not positive. Problem, the canister will not stay on floor of pool and turns on it side almost immediately. ThanksReply
Sahara Fox Posted: 3/19/2015
I had an epiphany on how to fix Hayward pool vav / cleaner getting stuck in corners as follows: Go to Grainger get a tube of White Lithium Grease Part # 6ZKW1. Take a part the gear box and use this lube to lubricate the two metal shaft all the way to the bottom. YOU MUST COMPLETELY REMOVE THE LAST GEAR WITH THE PROPELAR AND LUBRICATE THE METAL SHAFT TO THE BOTTOM. This action instantly fixed my getting stuck in the corners problem. My cleaner now turns almost instantly. You can use this same lube to lubricate everything in the cleaner, plastic gear teeth, ball bearings, parts rubbing or rotating against each othe. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT LUBRICATION IS THE TWO METAL POST IN THE GEAR BOX ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 2/14/2015
duckscanswim - This cleaner works off of water pressure not electric power, so there is no on/off switch.Reply
duçkscanswim Posted: 2/13/2015
So where is the. On. Off switch.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 1/25/2015
Mark - The part numbers in this diagram will match your Navigator unit -"Hayward Navigator - Parts". I believe you are looking for KEY 11.- p# 3259-0001Reply
Mark Posted: 1/24/2015
My (old) Hayward Navigator is sticking against steps and sides. The gearbox does not spin easily. It seems odd that those gears would deteriorate but I'm guessing that's the problem. Where do I find a part number so that I match the right gearbox with the old unit I have? Or are all the gearboxes the same?Thanks
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jerslon Posted: 9/30/2014
The best Instruction Manual or Guide I've ever seen! Professional Instruction or Owner's Manuals could learn something from this person. Even in the Automotive Industry. The little tips are incredibly helpful, example; the unexpected hint provided in STEP 8 about the "Red Spinner and the White Washer that's behind it: "that it doesn't matter which way the Red Spinner faces doesn't matter. That was the first thing I wonder when I disassembled it and the Red Spinner actually popped out and fell on the floor. I had no idea! About the only comment I would have added because I am even more anal, "Your little RED Spinner might have faded to ORANGE because of expose to the chlorinated water. Thank for going the "extra mile" when writing these instructions! Jerry SlonskyReply
Mrfred20 Posted: 8/23/2014
Just found out that if your spindle gear breaks or your intermediate gear is missing a tooth, don't buy them. There is a new replacement piece that is a larger spindle gear. It eliminates the intermediate gear completely and makes the navigator run more smoothly.Reply
bazerko Posted: 4/18/2014
If your navigator is only going straight, or is only turning in circles, there may be something in the steering gearbox preventing the gears from turning. Before dismantling the whole cleaner and opening the gear box, you may want to try this:Disconnect the suction hose from the top of the cleaner. Using a garden hose or the return line in the pool, run water down through the top. Use a strong enough flow to turn the gears backwards and dislodge the debris. Reconnect the suction hose to the top of the cleaner, put it back in the pool, and turn on the pump. This may be enough to get the steering working again without disassembling the cleaner. It worked for me!
To the moderator/webmaster: Does this deserve a Guide of its own?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 2/21/2014
rram - You might look at the following guides for additional instructions: "How To Replace a Pod on a Hayward Navigator or Pool Vac Ultra"; "How To Replace the Navigator Pool Cleaner Main Turbine Bearings"; and "How To Replace the Navigator Pool Cleaner Gear Box Assembly".Reply
rram Posted: 2/20/2014
I have one these models. It was working fine till last month. It only works/crawls counterclock wise and pretty much in a set radius. I have checked the insides to see if there was anything stuck in it. Both side legs move well, but just keep going in circles in a spot. The pads looks good. What else should I look at. There is a blue spacer (cyclinder) where the legs go into the main body. One seems to be in place and the other side is loose. Could that be the issue?Reply
Anonymous Posted: 9/14/2013
Excellent Step-by-Step directions! Worked through the steps, found Palm Tree seeds in my gear box - clean them out, checked everything else out, put it back together and she is running like a top! Thank you so much - I will add the this to my favorites and tell my friends!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/22/2013
pmh - I think you are asking about the alternate cover assembly which is V340, not V341 which is the screw. According to the parts vendor, for a fiberglass pool, you should use this alternate cover assembly instead of V141 which is used for concrete. I do not know what the functional difference is. Use this parts list if you order: "Hayward / Arneson Cleaners Pool Vac (Classic)". Some of the numbers have changed since we issued the guide.Reply
pmh Posted: 7/21/2013
Thankyou for a great site. I have just installed a 2nd hand Navigator in my fibreglass pool. It was set up for plastic previously (I am told) with plastic shoes, but was supplied with new spare cork feet and a spare alternative design of part No 29 with a reference V341. Which type of 29 should I use? What is the function of the different types of 29Reply
Jules Posted: 7/14/2013
I am a "do it yourselfer" and you just made my life much easier! Thanks for taking the time to do the "step by step" and list the parts!Reply
Mike Posted: 6/14/2013
Excellent tutorial and great pictures! Thank you!Reply
Ken Posted: 3/22/2013
Best tutorial I've seen on the Hayward. I have learned most of this the hard way, but this article more information and explanations than anything I've seen so far...Reply
Anonymous Posted: 2/6/2013
Thank you so much for this!! Very helpful, couldn't have replaced the gear box without this tutorialReply
Anonymous Posted: 7/19/2012
Had a problem with my pool vac ultra-suction was good-would not turn at the walls-called hayward told them the problem said I needed a new gear box-got one(14.99)-installed it-works godd as NEW- thanks HAYWARDReply