How to Fix a Pasta Maker

Gourmet cooks specializing in Italian and noodle dishes love the addition of a pasta maker in their kitchen. But with the addition of another appliance, you also add potential repair problems. Here are some ways to fix a pasta maker without the time and expense of sending it back to the manufacturer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Soak your pasta maker in a strong but environmentally safe detergent and wash separate parts with a gentle cleanser to see if you have an easy fix. If this doesn't work, try soaking it in alcohol for a few minutes and then rinsing it. If the culprit is too much grease, this will help.

2. Turn your machine to the highest setting. Then take off the dial cap.

3. Look at your pasta maker and locate the nut and spring mechanism under the handle. It may be placed in a different location on your pasta machine, so look for it patiently.

4. Use a screwdriver to remove the cap. Then take off the nut underneath it and carefully remove the spring underneath the nut.

5. Remove the side panel and side panel screw with your screwdriver. Look for the bracing bar. Unscrew the bracing bar and you will see the gears underneath it. Check the gears to make sure they are still tight. If not, tighten them with a small wrench or screwdriver.

6. Lubricate the gears with petroleum jelly or oil. Wipe off the excess, wait a few minutes and then replace the bracing bar, nut, spring, side panel and other parts.

7. Test your pasta maker. Between the tightening and lubrication it should work. If not, you need to replace the gears or other mechanisms to fix your pasta maker. Consult the manufacturer for information on how to do this.