How do I Fix a KitchenAid Residential Mixer?

The larger size KitchenAid residential mixers employ a bowl lift mechanism.

KitchenAid residential stand mixers run the gamut from the 4.5-quart hinged top half models to the six-quart Professional Series bowl lift mixers. Repair, whether do-it-yourself or done by a repair facility, centers entirely around the top half of the KitchenAid mixer. The single exception is the bowl lift mechanism of the bowl lift models, which is serviced from the stand portion of the mixer. The motor, electronics, springs and gears are all contained in the top section. It's always a good idea to have the KitchenAid Service manual at hand, so that pictures can guide you for any repair.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Rubber band
• Flat screwdriver, small
• Drift punches
• Flat screwdriver, medium
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Rubber mallet
• Wheel bearing grease
• Small hammer

Instructions

1. Wrap a small plastic bag around the wall plug. Secure it with a rubber band to make sure grease doesn't accidentally get on the plug.

2. Remove the drip cup. This is the silver ring that goes around the gear mechanism, also known as the planetary housing. Pry the top lip of the drip cup off using a small flat screwdriver to loosen it.

3. Lay the KitchenAid mixer on its side. Place a towel underneath the mixer to protect it.

4. Remove the groove pin using a small punch. This pin secures the planetary gear assembly to the center shaft. Removing the groove pin frees the planetary assembly cover for removal.

5. Pry the planetary gear cover down and off the shaft using two flat screwdrivers.

6. Remove the five screws that encircle the gear assembly. This frees the internal gear assembly for removal.

7. Remove the four large screws that hold the base to the top portion of the mixer. Use a large Phillips screwdriver.

8. Unscrew the two screws in the bottom of the top section to release the top half of the top section.

9. Remove the attachment hub bevel gear. This is located in the front of gear case and motor housing. The bevel gear can be pulled out, but it's covered in grease.

10. Clean out the gear case of old grease. Pack the gear case with six ounces of new grease.

11. Remove three Phillips head screws from the worm gear assembly to release it from the top housing. Lift the worm gear assembly out.

12. Check the worm gear, shaft and pinion for wear. The shaft and pinion has 11 teeth on model K45SS; all other models have 10 teeth.

13. Drive out the groove pin with a punch. This frees the gears for replacement.

14. Reassemble the worm gear assembly. Take care to replace the fiber washers in their original locations.

15. Place the worm gear assembly and bearing bracket on the gear case bottom cover, fitting the two dowels into their places on the base. Firmly tighten the three screws that secure the bearing bracket.

16. Clean the gasket cover of old grease. Reinstall the gasket cover by placing it over the dowel and pressing it down.

17. Reattach the top half mixer sections. Line up the shaft carefully in the upper gear housing; do not force pieces together.

18. Reattach the internal gear by aligning its notches with the holes in the gear case. Screw in the five screws to secure it.

19. Pack the teeth of the internal gear with new grease. Then, reattach the top to the mixer stand by screwing in the four large Phillips machine screws.

20. Lightly grease the shaft and all gears, then reassemble the planetary gear housing. Reattach the planetary housing by driving in the groove pin that secures it, and push the drip cup back on the gear case.

References

• Neil Crockett: KitchenAid Mixer Repair with Pictures
• Mendingshed: Free Download of KitchenAid Service Manual