How to Fix a Kitchenaid Mixer
It mixes, it kneads, and it blends--The KitchenAid mixer is one of the most popular and most versatile kitchen appliances. Yet, as a result of continued use, it will need repair. If your KitchenAid mixer is not covered under warranty, then there are some repairs that you can do. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- 2 Flat head screwdrivers
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Nail
- Cloth
- Towel
- Putty knife or butter knife
Instructions
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Taking the Mixer Apart
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1
Make sure the unit is unplugged. Take off any attachments. Use your hammer and a flathead screwdriver to carefully dislodge the drip cup. Pry it off from its top edge.
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2
Next, there is a pin that attaches the planetary gear unit to the gear shaft. Lay the KitchenAid mixer on its right side (when facing you). Gently use the nail and hammer to tap out the pin. The pin is just a small metal shaft. Place it to the side and do not lose it.
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3
Lay the KitchenAid upside down on its top, and use something to brace it. Take the two screwdrivers and carefully separate the gear housing from the gear shaft.
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4
Now, you have to remove the trim band--the silver band that wraps all the way around the unit. to remove this, take off the cover at the back, which is the end cover. This will expose two screws, one on each side.
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5
Next, with the unit upside down, remove the screws that you see around the planetary gear and that are connecting this upper and lower parts of the unit.
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6
Once the screws are removed, use your hand to tap the lower part, to separate it from the upper part. Now you will have access to the inside.
Cleaning the Gears
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7
Grease and debris may have accumulated on your gears, so use a butter knife or a putty knife to gently remove the excess.
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8
The planetary is the part that spins the attachments. Remove this part and check the C-clip and gear for damage. Replace them if they are damaged.
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9
Use your cloth to remove the grease. Then, use a degreaser, such as electrical contact cleaner, to remove the rest. Use the cloth to wipe away the residue.
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10
Check the gears for any damage. If the gears are damaged, then the unit will not work properly, so they need to be replaced.
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11
Once the gears are checked or replaced, lubricate the gears with the appropriate amount of grease. Some parts may require several ounces. This area requires six ounces.
Reassembling Your KitchenAid Mixer
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12
The pedestal is the base of the KitchenAid mixer that the mixing bowl rests on. Make sure this is locked into place.
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13
With the unit upside down, place the top of the unit upside down on your work surface. With the bottom part of the unit in an upside down position as well, tilt it towards the back of the unit, and place the back edge of the unit into the top unit. Lean the unit forward and line up the main shaft into its hole in the top half of the unit. Do not force.
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14
Line up all the screw holes and screw into place.
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15
Reattach the silver trim band with its two screws behind the end cover.
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16
Line up the planetary gear housing and tap into place.
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17
Replace the pin that attached the gear shaft and the planetary housing.
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18
Replace the drip cup.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If this does not solve the problem, have the unit serviced.
If your unit is within its warranty period, do not void your warranty by dissembling your mixer. You may be entitled to have it repaired for free.
Resources
- Photo Credit Cookware Vendors, Kitchen Critic
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Comments
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I thought I would use my KitchenAid until I laid down on my death bed, but now every time I turn it on it sounds like a family of irritated bats is in there. I guess this will be my next project.
