Great video and presents a nice option for the eventual bushing noise fail we all seem to get.

Wow it probably cost more time to make that bushing assembly than a 6008 bearing.

Get a cheap caliber and measure the shaft in metric (mm size) and then look online for a bearing that fits perfect. They are easy to find and amazingly cheap... Just an idea for future issues...

Anyone find a replacement fan? Shop vac doesnt sell just the damn fan

What specific Threading Die did you use? I have a Little shop Vac that has a Similar Problem with the fan (Tension clip. It broke while I was re-assembling it.) and I’d like to try and do the same with replacing that clip with a nut and I may do the same with my current shop Vac as well.

Thanks for this walkthrough. I've kept my Ridgid vac alive for 20+ years by way of similar shenanigans, but it's never easy. On my vac, that brass fitting is not so easily replaced with such a standard bearing, as the housing is much larger and the shaft is 3/8" +. Fortunately I've was able to one that fits reasonably well at the hardware store. Also , that second bearing (the one that is a real sealed bearing from the manufacturer) is totally encased in molded plastic. There's no way to remove it that I can discern. Even with the entire motor/shaft removed and the bearing housing exposed on both ends, it is enveloped in plastic front and back. I suspect that it is finally going out, with nothing to be done about it. Any ideas? Hate to throw a good vac because of a three dollar bearing.

That bearing inner race was too loose on the shaft, did you put a dab of that bearing stick on the inner bearing race also? Loctite says it takes up 5/1000 inch of play so I think both your inner and outer races were in range. How’s it working out?