Okay, the question was not too accurate. As I was using the vacuum, set up properly with filters and all, it sounded as though it was bogged down. It was really sucking strong though. I looked at the vacuum and it was smoking. When I looked inside it was red hot…almost like as if it were on fire. Anyhow, I disassembled the housing to the motor and noticed that a fan on top of the motor that spins with the armature had broken off….or perhaps melted off…not sure. Anyhow, the motor still spins fine…sounds a bit rough but obviously the brushes are still good since the motor still has a lot of kick to it…and it seems as though everything else is fine. Do you think it was overheating due to the little fan being off? Also, is there a way that I can check bearings…I have not got into the motor yet…but perhaps a small bearing or something is slightly seized up causing the motor to overheat? I can turn it just fine with my hand. Any thoughts?