Top 10 KitchenAid KSM90 Ultra Power Series Stand Mixer Questions & Answers

I called KitchenAid about this issue with my mixer. The agent on the phone told me they are aware that it tends to happen to some mixers after they sit for some time. Basically, a "lifetime" of grease has been packed into the assembly and it is normal for it to release grease on occasion. I was told to run the mixer at 10 for at least 2 minutes to get it going and I should see a reduction in the oil leak. I had about a tablespoon worth of oil dripping down off the assembly. I was told that if over time it seemed to amount to about 1/4 cup then I should call to see about repairs due to a potentially bad seal. I was also told that the repair for that would most likely NOT cost the same as a new appliance.

Take it to a local repair shop and they should be able to fix it in no time.

hi have a nice day.
At the link below you can find illustrated instructions of how to repair a food mixer.
http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-repair-small-appliances4.htm
Does it help?

This may have a simple solution: This sounds like an issue of beater to bowl adjustment, which can come out of alignment naturally over time and with use of the machine.

If the flat beater is striking the bottom of your bowl, this may cause the locking mechanism to loosen and may cause the mixing head to "bounce" during use.

Your Use and Care Guide will cover the "beater to bowl adjustment," which you can do at home in a few minutes with a flathead screwdriver.

If the beater to bowl adjustment quickly comes out of alignment, you may need to seek service. You may find a Kitchenaid certified service location locally at the following website:

http://caservice.kitchenaid.com/

Hi NORMR123, it sounds like your Switch Lever has loosened up and you just need to get to the attaching screw to tighten everything up. (I trust you reinstalled the motor brushes correctly so your mixer will run. Many folks attempt repairs by removing the brushes thinking it will provide access to the inside, then reinstall them incorrectly and wonder why their mixer doesn’t work.)
Be sure you have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website at: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> then enter the visitor type “Consumer” and the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, in the Model Number box. Select one the files listed for your model that appears under Parts List (16): KSM90PSWH0.pdf (354.08 KB) and save that file to your PC (check to see if this matches your mixer model).
Although not providing step by step instructions, the Parts List manual provides an exploded view of the various component assemblies allowing you to see how the mixer all fits together. It is helpful for the disassembly, troubleshooting, and reassembly of your mixer.
Turn to pages 6 & 7, titled “Motor And Control Parts”, and locate Ill. Nos. 1, 2, 3, & 4. #1 is your Pivot Screw, which may have loosened over time. #3 is your Switch Lever and stud. Check the detent is present or rubbed down. If that’s the case, you may want to replace it.
As far as parts go, here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com (for grease). Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do some comparison shopping.
Finally, here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Hi JNJ2SOME. I believe the silver metal ring you are referring to is your mixers “Planetary Drip Ring”. Is it about 5” in diameter? The drip ring is a friction fitted piece that should stay on during normal use. It should be on tightly enough that to remove it by gently tapping the edge of the ring with a straight screwdriver at several places around the ring.
If the drip ring is falling on it’s own, than you might try the reverse on trying to remove the ring and tap the bottom of the drip ring gently with a few taps of a hammer (use a piece of wood between the hammer face and the ring to protect the ring) around the ring to see it that seats it any better. If it still comes off, then the ring opening has been expanded to the point that it won’t ‘grip’ the mixer head where it’s attached. You can either attempt to ‘crimp’ it with a pair of pliers at a few points around the ring so that it may grip better, or you may want to order a replacement drip ring for your mixer.
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty, which it is. Just be sure to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, and select one of the files listed under Parts List (check to see it this matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled “Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit”, which provides and exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. Nos. 26, Planetary Drip Ring, which is the part you want to order.
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
Also, while your mixer is apart it would be ideal to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your KA mixer yourself.
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Kitchen Aid is 100% correct. The cause of the problem is age and lack of regular use, the oils in the gearbox grease separate from the solids over time and the oil then leaks out at the planetary and sometimes where the 2 case halves join under the silver trim band.
If you are up for a small job knock the chrome trim ring around the planetary off and clean it out and wipe around the area it covers. It is called a drip ring for good reason, you may find it full of oil.
The grease Kitchen Aid used in their mixers is Food Grade and it's harmless.

In my case the lock was not engaging fully because the internal mechanism was bent too short. I'm not sure if this happened over time or if it is just a manufacturing defect. If your mixer still has some up-and-down play to it when the lock is engaged, then you might have the same problem as me


To fix it, search this site and others for instructions on how to remove the motor cover. I found this video useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeCiivPt7hk

With the cover removed you have access to the locking mechanism. In my case, the latch is connected to the locking lever via a bent S-hook. The hook was just slightly too short which kept the latch from engaging completely. If you remove the two screws holding the hook in place and that allows the lock to close completely, then you have the same problem as me. (You'll feel the difference immediately. When fully locked, there is practically no wobble in the mixer head.)

I lengthened the hook by placing it against a flat surface and hammering the bend out a bit.

Hi,
Please confirm the full model number and download the manual from the list on the link below.Click on selection to download.

shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/product_literature/search_results.jsp?searchTerm=KSM90&siteCd=KAD&userType=Consumer

Hope this helps.Thanks.

Hello Heather,

Either the grooves on the bowl lock plate are worn out, or the grooves on the actual bowl are worn out. I would start with replacing the bowl lock plate. Here is a link to the part: KitchenAid Mixer Bowl Lock Plate 4163032

This part is really easy to replace, it is held into place with three screws, remove those screws (make sure to hang onto those you will need them to re-install the new part). then you should be able to pop the old plate out. To install the new plate like up the screw holes, and press into place, sometimes you need to lightly tap it into place with a rubber mallet as it is suppose to be a very tight fit.

Once that has been replaced your bowl should lock into place tightly. However there is always a chance that the bowl has been worn down and may need to be replaced. Here is a link to the 4.5 Quart bowl: KitchenAid 4 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl

- Colleen @ Mending Shed.com

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