How To Fix Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers

KitchenAid mixers are a popular and useful kitchen appliance but sometimes, after years of use, owners find their mixer is not performing up to speed. When that time comes, it often becomes necessary to have the unit repaired or replaced. General options for underperforming units include having it serviced locally or sending it back to KitchenAid---or even buying a new one. But for those with a basic understanding of appliance motors and electrical components, and a general idea of what might be required, it's possible to repair their mixers themselves.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• KitchenAid mixer repair manual
• Drift punch
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat screwdriver
• Nut driver
• Wrench
• Needlenose pliers
• Hammer
• Mallet
• Watt meter
• V.O. meter
• Towel or soft cloth
• Strobograph
• Cradle (optional but recommended)

1. Remove any attachments and bowls, and unplug the unit. Carefully remove the drip cup--the silver band over where the attachments are connected--with a screwdriver. Take out the groove pin, which is the tiny pin near the post where attachments are connected, that holds the planetary gear to the center shaft with a small screwdriver or nail. Wedge out the planetary gear with a flat screwdriver or two. Unscrew the small screw on the top of the mixer to release the back cover. Then remove the two screws holding the silver trim band in place and take off the band.

2. Separate the pedestal and bottom cover, if desired. Loosen the screw set located within the neck (turn the unit over) and then drive the hinge pin out. The pedestal will now separate from the bottom. Take out the screws around planetary gear, which are the screws holding the housing in one piece. Tap to separate the housing. The gears are now in view. Note that the internal workings of the mixer are connected to the cover.

3. Referring to the manual, remove the control unit and armature. Inspect, clean and replace any worn, rusted or damaged items such as brush housings and holders, fan blades, bearings, brackets and springs. Test the coils for proper resistance. Test (or have tested) the armature with a growler for proper operation. Make sure enough thermal compound is applied if the phase control unit is removed or replaced. Do not try to take apart the governor. After the testing and inspection of internal motor components, reassemble the control unit and armature, being cautious to not over-tighten any screw or pins.

4. Carefully disassemble the planetary gear unit. Refer to the repair manual for detailed instructions. Inspect the workings to see if any waste or excessive lubricant has built up in the gears. Change any gears, shaft, bearings links and washers that show damage or appear to be worn. Dark gray and/or depression surfaces may indicate a need for replacement. Reinstall all gear components and grease as required with an approved lubrication product. Reassemble the unit.

5. Inspect the pedestal, cord and exterior for any damage, including the rubber feet and bowl cap. Replace the hinge pin in the neck of the unit with a mallet and tighten the screw set to secure. Using a speed tool, referred to as a strobograph, check the operating speed of the unit. Adjust the speed, if necessary, according to your unit's specifications. Inspect and repair any worn parts in the bowl lift unit if your mixer is so equipped. Test repaired unit for proper operation.

Tips & Warnings

• Find replacement parts at KitchenAid.com Also check for parts at a local service center Online retailers also offer KA parts
• Read the entire Service Manual before repairing your mixer Use caution when working any electrical appliance

References

• KitchenAid Service Manual
• New Fix-It-Yourself Manual: How to Repair, Clean, and Maintain Anything and Everything In and Around Your Home; Reader's Digest; 1996

Resources

• Growler Armature Testing