The mixing blades in my KitchenAid mixer sit too low, which makes the head bump around a lot. How do I fix this? I've tightened all the screws I can see.

It is more than likely in the planetary or the fuse gear inside the gear box. Try it once you have the planetary off before you go looking inside the gear box. Easiest is planetary problem but far far more likely is the fuse gear.

If you have also tightened up the screw that you can see from the front in the middle where the hinge pivots when head us up then that's where your problem is. That is the head height adjustment and is to set the flat paddle to just clear the bowl when the head is down.

Till the top back and look into hinge area. You will see a large set screw that controls how far the head drops. Try turning the screw counter clockwise 1/8 of a turn.

I had the same problem.. not the top plate, but the whole head was wobbly. I fixed it by removing the top plate, then locating the three screws that hold the top to the base. These screws are under the motor. I had to remove the motor, but this also required taking the transmission cover off. Sounds harder than it really is. Once I tightened those three screws, the play went away.

Hi, W/D here.

If you raise the head of your mixer, and look under the raised part, you'll see a silver screw head with a slot for a standard bladed screwdriver. Tighten that screw, and that should do it.

Best regards, --W/D--
please feel free to rate this solution!

If you're still having this problem, here's what I did a few minutes ago that fixed it. Lift the head, then turn the screw that connects the head to the base to the left. You're basically unscrewing it. That screw regulates how high or low the beater is. Unscrew it a little at a time, and lower the head and try to lock after each turn. The head will gradually get in a more locked position. Keep turning the screw till the head finally locks in all the way. Read the "beater to bowl clearance" section in the manual.

Referring to the diagram on:

http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/assets/pdfs/literature/Repair%20Part%20List%20-%20W10157992.pdf

Remove the screw, item 22, to remove the trim band around the mixer. This will reveal 4 screws which hold the top cover on. Remove the screws and lift the top off. Find all the screws which hold the gearhead in place and tighten them all. If you want to make the fix a permanent one put some thread-loc compound on each screw and tighten it.

JOE:You don’t say if you have a ‘tilt-head’or a ‘bowl-lift' mixer, but 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, use KSM90P)and select the last file listed that appear under Owners Manuals:KSM90PSWW0.pdf (2930.74 KB)and save that file to your PC.You’ll need to have Adobe Reader to be able to open it. Turn to Page 11 and you will find the instructions for adjusting the mixer head height.I have extracted the instructions below:
Beater to Bowl Clearance
Your mixer is adjusted at the factory so that the flat beaterjust clears the bottom of the bowl. If for any reason, the flat beater hits thebottom 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.


Bowl-Lift models
• Unplug mixer.
• Place bowl lift handle in down position.

• Turn screw (B) SLIGHTLY counter clockwise (left) to raise flat beater and clockwise (right) to lower flat beater.
•Make adjustments with flat beater, so it just clears surface of bowl.

I hope this helps! –Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks!.hslincoln

I think from your description that the the head connecting to the base shaft needs tightening. Put the mixer on it's side. Look up inside the base and you'll see a small set screw.
With a flat blade screw driver tighten that screw and it should stop moving. If it doesn't you probably need another shaft because it's worn.

Do not store or transport the mixer on its side ever. Always upright. The grease in the gearbox should even out eventually. Try sitting on it when it wobbles. At least yours works.