There ate two ways to fix this problem, but first there is the matter of understanding what is leaking. The oil you see leaking is actually a food safe vegetable based gear grease. The grease separates during heavy use (years of service) or when the mixer has not been used for an extended period of time. (months or years) The recommended way to fix the problem is to do a full tear down then clean then add new grease and a new gasket, cost (By Kitchenaid at a KA service center) around $140.00 US + or -, It involves shipping and around ten days in time. The second way is kinda simple and does not cost anything. Get a towel, thick and soft to protect your finish, get your wife or husband, get an extension cord, spread the towel out on an open counter top, plug the extension cord into the outlet, turn the mixer upside down on the towel, have your significant other hold the mixer by the base while you plug the mixer cord into the extension cord, turn on the mixer no more than 2 or the second click on the speed control switch / lever, hold the mixer upside down like this while the mixer is running and keep it running for at least three (3) minutes, turn the mixer off and turn it right side up and turn on again for two minutes, then do it again two or three more times, upside down for a couple minutes then back right side up and so on and so on, after about 15 minutes stop. put everything away, you are done. What you have effectively done is re-mix the grease and it should be good for another couple of years. When it starts to leak again re-mix again. Or send it to KA for the rare and unique opportunity to spend a hundred bucks that you don't' want. hope this helps. By the way if you get some drops in your mix it will not hurt anybody. But you do not want to eat a great deal of it or you will require the use of a laxative afterwards.
SOURCE: Kitchen Aid Classic Mixer
I have this problem too -it is rather common if you search the web. There was a suggestion posted on this site about what to do. See http://www.fixya.com/support/t125253-mixer_leaking_oil I have also read about other people taking it to a Kitchen Aid repair place where they repacked the grease for about $45. I took mine apart and there is gobs of grease around the gears. Right now I am still trying to figure out what to do. I am going to have my father look at it to see what he thinks since he is good with motors. The Kitchen Aid web site says that the grease is FDA approved, so at least it's not going to kill you if a little gets in your food. Their suggestion is to take it out and run it for about 5 minutes at least once a week. They say it leaks if it is not used often enough. That logic doesn't make much sense to me, but you could try it. Mine seems to leak more when I run it because the grease heats up and liquifies more. I hope that helps. I'll let you know what happens with mine, once it's fixed. Lisa
SOURCE: oil leak from Kitchenaid ultra power mixer
Ah, I found the solution.
http://www.fixya.com/support/t125253-mixer_leaking_oil
SOURCE: K45SS leaks lubricant
From what I see, the "O" ring on the vertical center shaft that could be the problem and/or the transmission case gasket. I will let you know what i find when I venture into my mixer. Also, if you decide to try and repair your mixer, plan on replacing the nylon worm gear while you have it apart. Aparently they are known to strip or break. The cost should be minumal for all parts depending on your model, worm gear is between $14.00 to $25.00, the "O" ring maybe $1.00 at your local hardware store and the transmission gasket should be about $5.00. Mixer grease is $17.00 but I think I can find a sutible substitute locally. Check out http://www.goodmans.net/get_list_10.htm for more information and parts.
-DM
SOURCE: KitchenAid 250 Watts; Classic: Leaking Oil
Found this,may be helpful.
Why do I see oil leaking from the beater shaft of my stand mixer?
Some KitchenAid® stand mixers that are not used very often or have been tipped may experience slight oil leakage from the shaft or hub attachment. To avoid the oil leakage, KitchenAid suggests that you run the mixer weekly for short periods of time. Generally, the mixer may lose approximately X cup of oil before repair is necessary. The oil used is FDA approved and is not harmful to consume, should any get into the food that you are preparing.
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SOURCE: leaking oil where beaters connect
Hi Maureen. Your K45SS needs to be serviced. The old grease and the oil that has separated from the grease must be removed and the unit cleaned. If you, or someone you know, are up to the task, go to mendingshed.com and download the Kitchenaid Service Manual. This very thorough manual will assist you with the task at hand and with future repairs.
The replacement grease I recommend is Chevron FM ALC EP-2. This is a "Food Grade" grease which is non-toxic should some drip into your mixer bowl at a later date. The planetary gearing should also be removed, cleaned and regreased.
Go to kitchenaid.com, click on Customer Care and click on the Manuals button. In the search window, enter your model number thusly, k45sswh and download the parts drawings for your mixer. These drawings will give you an "exploded view" of your mixer and will come in handy if you need to order parts. Mending Shed also sells replacement parts.
Once your mixer is back in service, run the unit for a couple of minutes every week, this will help keep the oil suspended in the grease and extend the life of the grease.
If this solution has assisted you, please rate it. Good luck! ricardok45
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