How to Troubleshoot KitchenAid Attachments
KitchenAid attachments add multiple uses to the KitchenAid stand mixers. The attachment hub at the front of the mixer is the connection point for all KitchenAid attachments, from juicer attachments to pasta makers. When they fail to work as expected, it is likely a general failure of the attachment hub itself, since a single gear mechanism located in the top portion of the mixer above the planetary that turns the beater may be worn out. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic baggie
- Rubber band
- Flat screwdriver, small
- Drift punch
- Flat screwdriver, medium
- Philips screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Rubber mallet
- Wheel bearing grease
- Nut driver
- Small hammer
Instructions
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Taking a KitchenAid Stand Mixer Apart
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1
Wrap the mixer's wall plug in a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band. This is a safety measure to ensure that no grease gets on the plug.
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2
Remove the drip cup. The drip cup is the silver ring that encircles the planetary housing. Use a small flat screwdriver on the top lip of the drip cup to loosen and remove it.
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3
Lay the mixer on its side. It is a good idea to put a towel or cloth underneath the mixer.
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4
Remove the groove pin that holds the planetary gear assembly to the center shaft. Use a 5/32-inch punch to do this. Removing the groove pin allows the planetary assembly cover to be removed.
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5
Pry the planetary gear cover down and off the shaft using two flat screwdrivers.
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6
Unscrew and remove the five screws on the perimeter of the gear assembly. These screws hold the internal gear assembly to the gear case.
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7
Unscrew and remove the four large screws that secure the base to the top portion of the mixer. Use a large Philips screwdriver.
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8
Remove the attachment hub bevel gear from the gear case and motor housing. This can be done by pulling it out of the attachment hub.
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9
Clean out the gear case. Remove all old grease from the gear case. Pack the gear case with 6 oz. of new grease before reassembling the mixer.
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10
Reattach the top and bottom mixer sections, being careful to line up the shaft in the upper gear housing. Do not force the pieces together; they should assemble easily.
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11
Return the internal gear by aligning notches with the holes in the gear case, and screwing in the five screws to secure it.
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12
Fill the teeth of the internal gear with new grease.
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13
Reattach the top and bottom mixer sections by using the four large Phillips screws.
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14
Reattach the planetary housing to the mixer by driving in the groove pin that secures it and replacing the drip cup on the gear case.
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15
Reattach the drip cup by lightly tapping it into position with a small hammer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
All attachment hub assemblies in KitchenAid stand mixers are the same.
Wheel bearing grease may cost as little as $4 per tub, and is far more economical than many food greases that are offered for re-greasing.
