Stop The Grease! How To Repair A Leaking Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

If your beloved KitchenAid stand mixer has begun leaking oil, don’t panic! This common issue can be easily fixed with the right tools and a bit of patience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of diagnosing and repairing an oil leak in your KitchenAid stand mixer.

Identifying the Source of the Leak

Before you can fix the leak, you need to identify the source. The most common causes of oil leaks in KitchenAid stand mixers are:

• Damaged oil seal: The oil seal is a rubber gasket that prevents oil from leaking out of the motor housing. If the oil seal is damaged, it can cause oil to leak from the bottom of the mixer.
• Loose oil plug: The oil plug is located on the bottom of the motor housing. If the oil plug is loose, it can allow oil to leak out.
• Cracked motor housing: In rare cases, the motor housing itself can crack, causing oil to leak out.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To repair an oil leak in your KitchenAid stand mixer, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• New oil seal
• New oil plug (if necessary)
• Oil-resistant sealant
• Rags or paper towels

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

1. Unplug the Mixer and Remove the Motor Housing

Before you begin any repairs, unplug the mixer from the power outlet. Then, remove the motor housing by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.

2. Inspect the Oil Seal

Once you have removed the motor housing, inspect the oil seal for any damage. If the oil seal is torn or cracked, it will need to be replaced.

3. Remove the Old Oil Seal

If the oil seal is damaged, you’ll need to remove it. To do this, use a flathead screwdriver to pry the old oil seal out of the motor housing.

4. Install the New Oil Seal

Apply a small amount of oil-resistant sealant to the new oil seal. Then, press the new oil seal into the motor housing. Make sure that the oil seal is seated properly.

5. Inspect the Oil Plug

Inspect the oil plug for any damage. If the oil plug is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

6. Tighten the Oil Plug

If the oil plug is not damaged, tighten it using a socket wrench. Do not overtighten the oil plug.

7. Reinstall the Motor Housing

Once you have replaced the oil seal and tightened the oil plug, reinstall the motor housing. Make sure that the motor housing is seated properly.

8. Test the Mixer

Plug the mixer back into the power outlet and turn it on. Let the mixer run for a few minutes to check for any leaks. If the mixer is leaking oil, repeat the repair process.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having trouble fixing the oil leak in your KitchenAid stand mixer, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure that the oil seal is seated properly. If the oil seal is not seated properly, it will not be able to prevent oil from leaking out.
• Tighten the oil plug securely. If the oil plug is not tightened securely, it can allow oil to leak out.
• Inspect the motor housing for cracks. If the motor housing is cracked, it will need to be replaced.

Wrapping Up

Fixing an oil leak in a KitchenAid stand mixer is a relatively simple repair that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get your mixer back up and running in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my KitchenAid stand mixer leaking oil?

A: The most common causes of oil leaks in KitchenAid stand mixers are a damaged oil seal, a loose oil plug, or a cracked motor housing.

Q: Can I fix an oil leak in my KitchenAid stand mixer myself?

A: Yes, fixing an oil leak in a KitchenAid stand mixer is a relatively simple repair that can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Q: How much does it cost to fix an oil leak in a KitchenAid stand mixer?

A: The cost to fix an oil leak in a KitchenAid stand mixer will vary depending on the cause of the leak. However, the average cost of the repair is between $20 and $50.