Hi KCVAIL.
To answer your main question, yes, it is possible to disassemble your
mixer to do some deep cleaning and perform some TLC maintenance, which after 24
years, it could probably use.
The
inspection and troubleshooting of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly
if your mixer is out of warranty. You
just need to have the correct Part List manual around when you start to
disassemble your mixer. If you're
lacking one, you can download it from the KA website (http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home).
Click
on Customer Care>Locate Manuals&
Guides> then enter the visitor type “Consumer” and enter the 6
character model number, in this case K45SSW, and then select the file under Parts List (1) K45SSWH0.pdf (341.41 KB) (definitely check to see it this
matches your mixer).
Although
not providing step by step instructions, the exploded view of the various
component assemblies allow you to see how the mixer all fits together and the
manual is essential for the disassembly, troubleshooting, and reassembly of
your mixer, along with all the parts.
Once
apart you can check for unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. You may find parts that need replacement. You may also want to consider replacing all
the grease, particularly if there are gear particles suspended in it.
Besides
replacement grease, you might consider replacing the gasket, too. I recommend using a food-grade grease that you
can order online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your
call).
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. You should search for ‘food grade grease’. 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.
Here
are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/greasing
and reassembly of a KA Mixer.
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 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 and have
fun. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke,
VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it. hslincoln
413 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×