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HI PANNABECKERS, sorry to hear about your mixer’s malaise. It is very disconcerting to purchase an expensive brand name kitchen appliance with a solid reputation and find the reality falls far short of your expectation, but I digress on KA quality. You don’t say how old your mixer is, but I’ll assume it’s no longer under warranty (you’ve had it over a year).
By the description of your mixer’s symptoms, I concur with your assessment and say that your mixer is headed for some type of mechanical /transmission breakdown, if it hasn’t failed completely, yet. What can you do?
The good news is that this can be fixed quite easily (OK, maybe with a little effort) by yourself, if you are a DITY type person, feel adventurous, and your mixer is not under warranty you can troubleshoot it yourself. 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: 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 KSM50P (Your K5SS mixer falls within this manual), and select the first file KSM50P.pdf (438.31 KB) listed under Parts List (4) and then check to verify 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 part names and numbers.
To disassemble your mixer you will need a regular and Phillips screwdriver, snap-ring pliers, a small drift pin punch and a small hammer. By using the exploded views in the Part List manual, you should be able to disassemble, inspect, identify and replace broken/worn parts, and reassemble your mixer.
After clearing all the grease away, check to see if the gears are just loose, excessively worn or broken. If it’s worn or broken you can order replacement parts and install them yourself.
Besides a replacement gear, and grease you might consider replacing the gasket, too. You should use a food-grade grease that you can order online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your call). It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your KA mixer yourself.
If you do need repair parts, here are five potential online vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com (for grease). You should search for ‘food grade grease’ online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your call). Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do some comparison shopping.
Finally, here are links to three excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer. The mixers displayed in the links are different KA models, but the principles are the same.

• 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

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer, should you decide to go that route.
If you feel this repair is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi JBKRIEGER, Happy New Year! Yes you can download both your Owners Instruction Manual and Parts List Manual from the KA website at: (http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home).
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals& Guides> and enter the 6 character model number and then select the appropriate files under Owners Manual for your Instruction and Recipe manual and the file under Parts List for your parts list manual.
The Parts List manual provides an exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the part names and numbers. (Definitely check to see it this matches your mixer). You may not need it now, but if your mixer is out of warranty and you want to attempt to troubleshoot and fix your mixer yourself if something goes wrong with your mixer, you’ll definitely need that parts list manual.
Good luck with your KA mixer, Howard, Burke, VA.
If this solution was helpful though, please rate it. hslincoln

Hi DENISE, by the symptoms you describe it appears that it’s time to adjust your mixer’s Beater to Bowl Clearance adjustment screw, or head locking mechanism (or a component) of it is worn or loosened due to normal wear and tear and needs to be readjusted (or repaired) to keep your mixer head stationery and level.
The instructions for adjusting your beater to bowl clearance are located in your Owners Manual. If you don’t have the original manual you can easily download a PDF version of your Owners Manual from the KA website: (http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home).
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals& Guides> and enter the 6 character model number, in your case KSM150 and select the file listed for your model that appears under Owners Manuals (66) KSM150PSER1.pdf (732.33 KB) and save that file to your PC. Turn to Page 14 and you will find the instructions for adjusting the mixer head height.
But to save you some time, I have extracted the instructions below:
Beater to Bowl Clearance
Your mixer is adjusted at the factory so that the flat beater just clears the bottom of the bowl. If for any reason, the flat beater hits the bottom of the bowl or is too far away from the bowl, clearance
Tilt-Head models
• Unplug mixer.
• Lift motor head.

• Turn screw (A) SLIGHTLY counter clockwise (left) to raise flat beater or clockwise (right) to lower flat beater.
• Make adjustment with flat beater, so it just clears surface of bowl.
If you over adjust the screw, the bowl lock lever may not lock into place.
If the above doesn’t correct your problem, then you need to look at the Link & Lever Latch assembly. If you don’t have your parts list manual, select the file KSM150PSWH0.pdf (773.44 KB) listed under the Parts List Manual (61).
The manual provides an exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the part names and numbers. Turn to page5, titled: Base and Pedestal Unit. You’ll want to focus on Illus. #11, Link & Lever Latch assembly, and the related components, which locks the mixer head to the pedestal when you run the mixer. Check to see if something is just loose, exceedingly worn or broken. If something has broken, you can order replacement parts and install yourself.
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.
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

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble, repair, and reassemble your mixer.
Finally, if you feel this is beyond your capabilities and will be too difficult to do by yourself you can take your mixer to a local small appliance repair shop and have them troubleshoot and fix your mixer. KA Customer Care can provide you with the name and phone # of the closest authorized KA repair shop in your area or you can do a Online web search, but be sure to get at least three estimates before deciding to commit to one repair shop.
Good luck. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi APOWER. You don’t provide your specific model number, but you do say it’s an Artisan, so I will assume you’re speaking about the KSM150PS series KA mixer. The grinding/catching sound does not bode well for your internal transmission gears, and now is the time to perform some TLC maintenance on your mixer.
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty. 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 at: 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 KSM150P, and select the first file, KSM150PSAC0.pdf 773.44 KB) listed under Parts List (61). Be sure to check to see it this matches your mixer model.
Turn to pages 6 & 7, 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. 27, Worm Gear Bracket and Worm Gear, or Illus. No. 11, Bevel Pinion Center Gear. If your gears are planning to fail, these two locations are where I would look first for any signs of wear, stripping or cracking. Yes you will have to remove all the grease to obtain a clean component, but while cleaning away the current grease, be sure to be on the lookout for any debris, metal or plastic ‘filings’ that may be suspended in the grease.
Once apart you can check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc.
If you really feel the need to re-grease your transmission, you should use a food-grade grease that you can order online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your call).
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. You should be search for ‘food grade grease’. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your 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

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer, should you decide to go that route.
If you feel troubleshooting and repairing is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping.
Good luck and have fun. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA

Hi BERRIESNW. From the symptoms you describe, it’s likely the Speed Control Assembly Lever has become jammed internally. You should be able to inspect this yourself and determine if that’s happened with just a little effort.
Be sure to have your Parts List Manual on hand, too. If you don’t have the original you can easily 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 KSM50P (Your K5SS mixer falls within this manual), and select the first file KSM50P.pdf (438.31 KB) listed under Parts List (4) and then check to verify this matches your mixer model.
Turn to pages 6 & 7, titled ‘Motor And Control Part’. Locate Illus. Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4, Pivot screw, Spring washer, Speed control assembly lever, and Control plate spring, respectively. Carefully inspect these parts to see if they have not come loose, particularly the pivot screw and spring washer. Or quite possibly Illus. No. 5, Speed Link & Cam is jamming against some other mixer component and ‘locking’ your speed control lever. I would concentrate my attention in this area.
If a part has broken and needs to be replaced, here are five potential online 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.
It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your mixer yourself.
Finally, here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer. The mixers displayed in the links are different KA models, but the principles are the same.

• 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

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer, should you decide to go that route.
If you feel this repair is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping.
If you feel troubleshooting and repairing is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping.
Good luck and have fun. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hello again LESZCZ2. Sorry for not replying sooner to your clarification. You don’t need to send me photos. I think I now understand what you are describing. Your mixer head ‘locking’ mechanism is not working correctly. Is that correct?
I hope you’ve been able to download your mixer’s Parts List manual. If you haven’t, I suggest downloading a PDF version from the KA website: (http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home).
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals& Guides> and enter the 6 character model number, KSM150 and select one the files listed for your model that appears under Parts List (61): KSM150PSWH0.pdf (773.44 KB) and save that file to your PC.
Turn to pages 5, titled ‘Base and Pedestal Unit’. Locate Illus. Nos. 11, Link & Lever Latch, which includes Illus. Nos. 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
You will need to disassemble your mixer head top to inspect this assembly and carefully inspect the latch parts. It is possible that the link (Illus. No. 16) has broken or become unattached from either the latch (Illus. No. 10 or the lever (Illus. No. 17); or possibly the assembly has just become loose and needs to be tightened. A visual inspection will determine what you need to do.
If you find you need to order repair parts, here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. You should be search for ‘food grade grease’. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping. I don’t know if you’ll be able to find any vendors that carry KA parts in Poland, but you could try online.
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

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer, should you decide to go that route.
If you feel troubleshooting and repairing is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping. Again, it may be difficult to find an appliance repair shop that handles KA where you live in Poland.
I hope this is more helpful than my first solution. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi LEEMOSHER. You don’t indicate your specific KA mixer model, which limits possible solutions options, but I’ll give it the old college try!
When you say ‘switch gears’ I assume what you really are referring to is changing the speed setting. There is only one set of gears, but 10 speed settings, which make the beater turn faster. From your description of the symptoms, I suspect your mixer’s speed control board is having issues and should probably be replaced. Since I don’t know you model number, I can only provide you general instructions.
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty. 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 at: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number and select a file listed under Parts List. Some models will have multiple files. Download one and check to ensure it matches your mixer model. If it doesn’t match, continue to look at other manuals until you find the correct manual that does match.
Depending on your model, locate the Governor Assembly and Control Plate Assembly on the pages titled: Motor Control Parts, or Control Assembly on pages titled: Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit. The illustrations provide an exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer’s components, along with all the parts.
First inspect around the controller assembly to ensure all the wire connections are OK. It's possible a connection has come loose. Unfortunately the whole controller assembly is fabricated on a little PC board which was not meant to be 'home fixed', and my 'expertise' ends there. A local small appliance repair shop should be able to determine if the controller assembly is functioning properly or not, or you can just order replacement parts without the testing.
As far as parts go, here are four potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com. Prices for the same part can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
Without a clearer description of your clicking noise; i.e., when it occurs, where is the sound coming from, I’m at a loss to explain. However while your mixer is apart would be an ideal opportunity to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc., and you might discover something out of place that is causing the clicking. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your 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

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer.
If you feel troubleshooting and repairing is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping.
Good luck and have fun. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA

Your question does not explicitly state what you are needing help with, but Kitchenaid Customer Service offers all of their Use and Care guides at no cost to their consumers.

You may call Kitchenaid Customer Service at their toll-free telephone number: 1-800-541-6390.

All Kitchenaid manuals are available online at www.kitchenaid.com.

On the main page, click Customer Care in the upper-right hand corner. Then click Locate Manuals and Guides.

You will want to enter your model number exactly as it appears on the bottom of the unit. You will need to tilt the mixer gently onto its side and locate a white sticker to see this.

When entered on the website, this will pull up the Use and Care Guide (manual) and even exploded parts views if those are needed.