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How To Repair a Hayward Navigator or Pool Vac Ultra Pool Cleaner

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If your automatic pool cleaner is not operating efficiently, it may be time to replace the parts that are designed to wear. If you see significant wear on your cleaners shoes, wings or flaps, replace these parts to improve performance, and to prevent damage to the more costly components.

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts



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Step 1

Turn your Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra pool cleaner over and look at the cleaner's shoes. The picture at left shows an example of badly worn shoes. When the shoe is pushed up against the end of the pod, the shoe should extend above the surface of the pod or the pod will start to rub against the pool floor. This shoe should have been replaced before the surface of the shoe had worn below the surface of the pod.

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts

Step 2

This picture shows a Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra with new shoes. Note how far the shoe extends above the pod surface.

Step 3

Next inspect the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra's wings for wear and cracks. There is a wear line on each of the wings. When you can no longer see this line, replace the wings. The picture at left shows an example of a badly worn and broken wing. At 1, the wing has worn through by the peg that holds it in. At 2, the hole in the wing has worn to the point of breaking. Not shown - the tip of the wing has worn beyond its replacement line.

Step 4

Now inspect the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra's flaps (rear and front) for wear and cracks. The picture at left shows an example of a worn rear flap that needs to be replaced.

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts

Step 5

When replacing Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra parts, consider purchasing a pool cleaner tune-up kit. If one set of parts requires replacement, it's probably a good time to replace all of these parts. This kit includes a set of 4 shoes, a set of 2 wings, a set of 2 flaps (front and rear) and a screwdriver and brush to install the parts. When you purchase this kit, check to make sure you purchase the kit with the correct shoes. Shoes for concrete or gunite pools are different than shoes for fiberglass of vinyl pools.

Step 6

For ease in replacing these parts, disconnect the pool cleaner from its hose. Pull the hose straight off to avoid breaking the internal gears.

Step 7

To replace the shoes, first turn the navigator on its back. Then insert a screwdriver between the shoe and the pod to pry the shoe off.

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts

Step 8

Next dip a new shoe in the water for lubrication and press it onto the holes in the pod. Note, the two plugs on the shoe fit into two different size holes, one bigger that the other. This ensures that the shoes are properly attached. Press until you feel it snap into place. Repeat for the other three shoes.

Step 9

To remore the wings, first remove the plug above the wing from the pod.

Step 10

Remove the old wing by bending it slightly and lifting it off their hooks on the pod. Note: If any of the wing hooks are broken, you will have to replace the pod. See other "How To Guides".

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts

Step 11

Place a new wing onto the pod hooks. There are markings for "R" or "L" on the wings and each pod. Make sure these match up.

Step 12

Replace the pod plug and tap then into place with the screwdriver handle. Repeat this process for the other wing.

Step 13

To replace the rear and front flaps, insert the screwdriver between the flap and the lower body, near the pivot point of the flaps. Gently pry the flap pivot point out or the hole in the body and slide the flap out. Repeat to remove the other flap.

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts

Step 14

Note that the new flaps are marked "Rear" and "Front". Make sure to install the proper flap in the front and real of the unit. The rear of the unit has the screen in it. When installing the front flap, be sure that the extended leg of the spring is inserted into the notch on the front of the lower body. Push the flap in place so that the pivot nibs engage the pivot holes in the body. Fold the flap in towards the bottom of the cleaner. There will be some resistance until the flap snap into place. Check that the spring is in place and that the spring action works freely.

Step 15

When installing the rear flap, make sure that the spring leg is placed on the cam on the rear flap adjuster. As the rear flap is pushed into place, it will snap into its normal operating position. Check that both flaps move freely and that they both spring up.

Step 16

Turn the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra right side up and look at the lower left side of the unit. Look for the blue rear flap adjuster, a round knob about the size of a pencil eraser with an arrow slot. You will see the Roman numerals I, II and II around the adjuster. With a screwdriver turn the slot so that its arrow points to the II. This is the normal operation level for the cleaner. I setting slows the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra down if it's climbing the walls or sticking in corners; III setting speeds the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra up if it can't climb the slopes.


Step 17

Use the long-handled brush from the kit to clean the screen at the rear of the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra. This screen allows water to flow into the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra's steering mechanism. If the water flow is obstructed, the Navigator/Pool Vac Ultra steering cannot function properly.

Click Here to View Hayward Navigator Replacement Parts

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(121 to 156 of 156)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/12/2012 

Tune-Up Kit - The part numbers for the Tune-Up kits for the Navigator or Pool Vac Cleaners are: for vinyl pool - AXW321; for concrete pool - AXW350.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 10/10/2012 

What is the part # for an Ultra Pool Cleaner repair kit that is used in the video?
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/31/2012 

Cleaners are made to keep a pool clean, not to clean a dirty pool.. before installing vacuum pool first. Excessive debris will block your cleaner, and possible damage will occur.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/28/2012 

cmpoolowner - The coiled hose could be a problem. Lay the hose sections out straight in the sun for 1-2 days and try again. Also look at our guide on servicing the inside of the cleaner.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/26/2012 

I have an ultra and have recently had the problem of it turning left only- pad are good and no other signs of major wear, ans the insides are clean.I did coil the hose up outside of the pool for 2 weeks or so prior to this happening- can this the the cause of left turning?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/25/2012 

Continuous circling - I would check that the pods are tight as suggested. Then check inside the Navigator for debris or worn parts. See our guide on How To Service the Inside of a Hayward Navigator Suction Cleaner.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/24/2012 

Continuous circling to the right.
My Navigator Pro is < 1 year old & still under warranty, however if it's a simple fix, I'd rather do it. A repairman told me over the phone to remove the plugs on each pod & check that the screws were tight. He said 1 might have come loose because of too much pressure. Does this sound right?
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/21/2012 

In circles- my navigator was going in circles like your turned out the bearing on one side of the turbine was falling apart.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/3/2012 

1bab bob - Unfortunately we do not sell the shoe springs separately. They come with the pod. As an option, if you have a pool store nearby, they may have some returned/broken cleaners - any of the Navigators. See if they can give you a spring or two out of the scrapped units.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/3/2012 

I need shoe springs... can't find on parts list. where can I get them? Everything else is fine with the lady bug but a spring broke and will not work.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/16/2012 

in circles - 11 years is old for a Navigator and you may end up spending more on parts than a new one but.. Your problem may be a clogged gear box. Look at our guide on "How To Service the Inside of a Hayward Navigator Suction Cleaner". The gear box (steps 8 and 11) controls left and right motion. Check to see that it is working.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/13/2012 

My 11-year old Navigator now only goes counter clockwise & doesn't cover the entire pool. Any fixes or time for a new one? New feet & side flaps installed already.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/10/2012 

It's hard to tell what the problem is from your description. If your navigation is barely moving, you may not have enough suction pressure - redirect water to your suction port. Or one the gears inside the navigator might be clogged. Look at our guides on clearing debris from a Navgator or servicing the inside of a Navigator. If these do not help, please give us a call.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 4/9/2012 

My navagator has a problem with one of it feet, while in the pool you can apply slight pressure to the left side foot and feel some resistence, on the right side the foot will stop with even the slightest pressure, whats up, maybe a bad vacume seal?


ume seal?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/9/2012 

new pool owner - I'd put a little sign by that valve.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/9/2012 

sundog49 - I would try drilling some of the material out with a small drill like 1/8" so that you don't enlarge the plastic hole. Also, be careful not to drill down more than 1/4". Once you have a hole you may be able to get a needle nose pliers or small screwdriver in to pull out the plug.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/8/2012 

thank you so much your information is GREAT !!! i wondered how to safeguard that so now i know i will leave the drains alittle open !!! wow thanks !!!
 Reply

 Posted: 4/8/2012 

While trying to remove the shoes on my Navigator,the plugs broke off in the holes.What's the easyest way to get them out without damaging the Navigator?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/2/2012 

new pool owner - I would leave the main drain at least partially open. The main drain filters debris suspended in the lower layer of the pool and also protects your motor if your water level drops below the skimmer opening.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/1/2012 

when i dont have the pool vac in the pool do i turn on the drains?? or just the skimmer ?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/31/2012 

new pool owner - Many people do keep them in all the time but the chlorine tends to bleach the cleaner faster. Also if you have young kids, you may want to pull it out while they are in the pool so they don't get tangled in the hose.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/31/2012 

do i leave the pool vac in the pool all the the time ?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/27/2012 

Pat - No. This suction cleaner does not climb walls. Only robotic cleaners are designed to climb walls.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/26/2012 

does this vac. go up the sides ?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/6/2012 

It sounds like you may have debris clogging the gear box assembly inside your Navigator. See our guide on "How To Service the Inside of a Hayward Navigator Suction Cleaner". Be careful to keep track of the pieces.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/5/2012 

I have a Hayward Ultra that appears to work fine while hoisted above the pool floor.Once the unit settles to the bottom ,it only wants to turn left in tight circles.The flaps,wings and feet ,have all been replaced.Is anyone else having this problem?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/20/2011 

Alice, All our How To Guides can be accessed on our website at no cost. Parts prices for the Hayward Navigator are also on our website under Pool Parts / Cleaners / Hayward / Navigator.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 12/19/2011 

What is he cost of your How To Fix Guide for the Hayward Navigator and how do I get it? Also does it include a price list plus S& H costs for parts?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/9/2011 

Yellow Jacket - We have a new How To Guide on Servicing the Inside of a Hayward Navigator coming out today or tomorrow. It should help you.
 Reply

 Posted: 11/7/2011 

I have a Navigator Ultra Pool Vac that will not move when it hits the bottom of pool. Everything works fine until it hits the pool bottom. Feet move well (new feet), and suction is good. Hayward tech support says when that happens, the turbine bearings likely need to be replace. Is this something owner can do. Pool dealer I use said they could find nothing wrong with it, so no help there. Any instructions anywhere? Suggestions? Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/21/2011 

You should be able to pry the shoes off with a screwdriver as shown in step 7. Hopefully the shoes were not glued on.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 10/20/2011 

ok bought the replacement cork shoes, but the pegs are stuck in the holes, managed to get one off, but the rest have them stuck in the holes any suggestion how to take out?
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/29/2011 

I have an AquaBug (serial # 1C315703). I can not get it to move around the pool (27' above ground). Replaced shoes and wings last year. It will clean an area about 12' x 12' but not move away from there. It is only turning to the right. It used to work fine. Can you recommend what to do to fix it.

Thank you
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 3/15/2011 

The Hayward Cleaners are the very best operating cleaners there are. I have owned the Baracuda / Zodiac G Series and it was constantly getting stuck. I was able to find the general wear items for my Hayward Navigator and your easy to understand kind made it easy to determine just what I needed. Less than $50.00 and my 6 yearold Navigator is running like new again ! Thank You INYO and Thank You Hayward for the Best Pool Cleaner in the World !!!
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 2/28/2011 

Thank-you so much! I'd much rather by the parts from dealers like you and do it myself!
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 10/2/2010 

Your how-to guide was very helpful;. Probably saved me $100 or more! Thanks!
 Reply