When the electric motor is running, a small copper-colored wheel turns, pushing the diaphragm in and out.

The same axle goes all the way through the motor to the fan on the other side. This fan keeps the motor cool.

Because they are connected, it means that if there is a problem with the fan, if it is broken or something has got stuck inside it, stopping it from turning, then the suction pump will not work.

To take off the fan, it is much easier if you first take the whole motor out of the device. You can take off the fan like this without opening up the pump further.

Now, let’s see how to take apart the motor assembly to check other internal parts.

This time, before taking off the fan, you would take out the two screws that hold the pump together.

And you will need to take off the diaphragm.

Then you can gently prise off the fan.

When it is open like this, you can make sure there is nothing caught or broken in the fan itself.

As it starts to come off, you can put another screwdriver horizontally to give you better leverage. The fan is likely to come off with a pop.

You can take the pump apart further like this.

Make sure that you can rotate the shaft smoothly. If you cannot, internal bearings may have been broken, in which case, the whole electric pump will need to be replaced.

Now you can put the two halves of the pump back together.

Next, you can put back the diaphragm.

Once again, make sure it turns okay.

Now put back the two final pieces. They should slot into place. And then put back the two screws and tighten them.

To put the fan back, you should simply push it hard. It should fit back into place.

You would now put the three screws back to secure the motor back into the housing.

Replace the terminals and test it.

If it is working, you can reassemble the device.