A backpack vacuum cleaner motor mounting assembly having a first housing, a suspension housing, a suction motor, and one or more springs. The first housing has an inlet, outlet and a suspension chamber in it. The suspension housing is at least partly in the suspension chamber, can move a predetermined distance along a suspension direction from a first position to a second position, and is restricted from moving perpendicular to the suspension direction. The suction motor is connected to and moves with the suspension housing. The springs are oriented to bias the suspension housing from the second position to the first position. A backpack vacuum cleaner having a suction motor in a movable suspension housing is also provided.