Kitchenaid stand mixer help

CamilleP · ‎03-09-2010

I have a dilemma and am hoping one of you has experience that can help me. I recently tipped my 5qt. stand mixer on it's side so I could read the model number, in order to buy a flex edge beater. A bunch, at least a quarter of a cup, of dark brown oil leaked out of the head all over the counter. I set it back upright right away, but it dripped more oil over the next couple of days. I wrote an e-mail to Kitchenaid that evening, but they have not replied. I wrote them again today, but am reaching out and hoping someone else has information or experience they can share, if this happened to you, and what you did about it. I suspect my mixer is ruined and I have to throw it away and buy another one. It's over 20 years old, so I guess I've gotten my money's worth out of it, but I'd still rather not have to spend the money on a new one, even a Q TSV price, if I can avoid it. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer!

Nickname1 · ‎03-17-2010

It's been said that if the mixer isn't used alot to run it every so often because the grease inside the power head tends to separate and leak out, running it will stir it back up. Now with you tipping it, there may have been a pool of that separated grease that was then able to leak out. A quater cup does sound like a lot so you may want to have the grease replaced. There are websites that show how to regrease the power head or maybe you can find a place near you that can do it.

CamilleP · ‎03-09-2010

Thank you, MScotty, I guess more web browsing is in order. I did not know that the grease would separate, but after 20+ years it's not surprising.

Tigriss · ‎03-12-2010

Sounds like a great idea to me. Re-grease it and let it run. If you need the number again, tape it to the back of the mixer so you don't have this issue again.

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

I believe MScotty gave you good advice, but caution you to not give up just yet on hearing from KitchenAid. I was recently Emailing back 'n forth with them for a few months about an issue I had with a faulty accessory. While they were not the fastest communicators, they did resolve the issue to my full satisfaction.

Good luck, CamilleP!

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

Why don't you call them and talk to someone personally. I did this recently and the gal who helped me could not have been nicer.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

Hi Camille,

My husband worked in Silicon Valley as a "hardware" engineer and designer, so I threw your delima over to him. He loves these challenges.

His first take was that the seal has aged and is no longer doing its job, thereby allowing the grease to leak out.

Also, the grease is a white grease, which lubricates the planetary action in the head.

You can call Kitchen Aid Service at: 800-541-6390.

I'm leaving this for now, as my husband is sending me a link for you. Should be back in a few minutes.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

OK, Camille, here you go. Compliments of DH.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eKHVvNX5eY

This site includes an instructional video, and an entire series of

reader comments on leaking Kitchenaids.

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video How to Fix a KitchenAid Stand Mixer That Is Leaking Oil

How to Fix a KitchenAid Stand Mixer That Is Leaking Oil

******

Hope this helps - Rebecca

CamilleP · ‎03-09-2010

Thank you, everyone. I wanted to call Kitchenaid today, but literally never got a minute's peace in my lab to make a personal call. I will hope they answer my e-mail, it's easier to communicate that way, even if it results in a 12 hour delay. The problem isn't terrifically time critical, so a delay is okay if I just can't get a chance to phone. Tomorrow I have to take my dog to the vet school for her oncology appointment, to see if she can have chemo this week, so I may not get a chance to call tomorrow, either, since I don't want to tie up the phone if Molly's oncologist calls to talk to me. As much as I'd like to upgrade to a bowl lift mixer, my old tilt head still does the job just fine, and watching the video on how to re-grease the gears, it looks like my mixer will be as good as new afterwards, so no justifying the fancier model on this problem's account.

Eileen in Virginia · ‎08-25-2010

On 1/11/2015 sfnative said:
OK, Camille, here you go. Compliments of DH.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eKHVvNX5eY

This site includes an instructional video, and an entire series of

reader comments on leaking Kitchenaids.

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video How to Fix a KitchenAid Stand Mixer That Is Leaking Oil

How to Fix a KitchenAid Stand Mixer That Is Leaking Oil

******

Hope this helps - Rebecca

WOW - thanks for posting this link! The instructions are clear and the procedure seems easy enough that a DIY novice like myself should be able to do it. I'm not having any problems with my 20'ish KA mixer, but it's great to know this resource is available.