Have a k5ss KA stand mixer. Trying to get motor housing off to replace grease. Already have removed planetary but can't lift motor housing. Any suggestions?

Get the mixer onto its side, use the correct size punch and a bigger hammer. The last thing you want to be doing is drilling the pin out. If you cannot get the pin out it will not render the machine useless, it just means that the job is beyond your capabilities and you need to get someone with experience to do it for you.

Hi ALLENJUJU. To replace the agitator shaft will require a significant amount of extra effort, but will be well worth it in terms of gratification and reward for being able to successfully do it yourself. First, I’ll assume your mixer is no longer under warranty. Second, I’ll assume you have your Repair Parts 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 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 shows you an exploded view of all the mechanical parts and assemblies for your mixer.
I highly recommend the following website that provides you step by step instructions with pictures (worth every bit of a 1000 words) to gain access to your planetary housing and agitator shaft. The mixer displayed is a different model (tilt-up) than yours, but the ‘insides’ are the same.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm

It would be helpful to have the following tools available as you begin to disassemble your mixer: a flat screw driver, a small Phillips screw driver or a punch drive, a pair of retaining clip/ring pliers, and a hammer.
You will need to remove the Planetary Drip Ring (Illus. No. 42) and Pin (Illus No. 25), which secures the Planetary Housing (Illus. No. 33) to the Center Vertical Shaft (Illus. No 19). (See pictures 6, 7 & 10, 11 from the link).
You’ll need the punch drive or small screw driver with a smaller diameter than the pin, a hammer, steady hands and plenty of patience. Rotate the planetary housing to expose the retaining pin with the vertical (center) shaft.
After removing the Planetary Housing, remove all the residual grease from the 18 tooth Agitator Shaft Pinion Gear (Illus. No. 47), which should expose a Retaining Clip (Illus. No. 61), which will need to be removed. With the Retaining clip removed, the pinion gear and Shim Washer (Illus No. 45) should easily slide off the top of the agitator shaft and you should be able to pull the agitator shaft down through the planetary housing bushing.
Take your new, replacement agitator shaft (be sure you’ve got the lower groove pin ordered, too, and insert through the bottom Planetary bushing. Replace the shim washer, 18 T Pinion Gear and Retaining Ring. Grease up the whole works with new grease, and reassemble the opposite of how you took it apart.
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.
I hope this helps - hslincoln, Burke, VA
If this solution has been helpful, please rate it, thanks! hslincoln

Hi BHENDERSON_C, sorry to hear about your mixer’s malaise. The Planetary should not fall off! Something has failed inside the transmission housing to allow the planetary to drop from the head. It may not be evident from the planetary assembly, so you need to get ‘under the hood’ to find the point of failure.
It would be helpful to have the correct Parts List manual on hand when you start to disassemble your mixer. 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> and enter the 6 character model number, in your case, KP2671, and for starters, select the last file, KP2671XWH3.pdf (325.07 KB), of the 24 listed under Parts List (24) (NB: There are five different model versions of this manual, so check to see that it matches your mixer model. If it doesn’t try a different version).
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. The Parts list manual doesn’t provide that step by step assembly instructions that would be nice to have, but just a general idea of how all the parts fit together.
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled: “Case Gearing And Planetary Unit” which shows you an exploded view of all the mechanical parts and assemblies for your mixer. You will need to remove the Transmission Housing and remove all the grease from around the gears to clearly see the parts. Inspect the grease for debris. I expect you’ll find pieces of the retaining clip and retain pin that hold the planetary to the mixer head somewhere in the grease.
After you’ve determined which parts failed, you will want to order replacement 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.
Also, 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, troubleshoot, determine appropriate repair parts and reassemble your mixer to get it working again. Good luck. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi REDLACQUER. Sorry to hear about the metal shavings. This is probably not to best way to take iron in your diet... My first thought would be to ask if your mixer is still under warranty. If you’ve had the machine less than one year, then I’d let KA replace your mixer with a new one. However, I suspect like many who seek assistance from FIXYA.com, your mixer is out of warranty, so what can you do?
Have you been able to find exactly where the metal shavings are originating? From the symptoms you describe, it appears that the planetary/agitator shaft assembly may be rubbing against its housing and generating the metal shavings at higher speeds. Have you noticed any increased noise levels/squeaking/screeching when the planetary rotates? It’s also possible that the planetary is out of alignment and not rotating true. Could the agitator shaft been jarred or hit hard during set up or moving in or out of you storage cabinet? Or the shavings could be symptomatic of other internal gear problems, but that would be the least likely scenario as the mixers internal gears are pretty much self-contained.
The good news is that this can be troubleshot and fixed quite easily (OK, maybe with a little effort) by yourself if you are a DITY type person, and feel adventurous. However, before you start to disassemble your mixer, 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> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case, KP2671, and select the last file, KP2671XWH3.pdf (325.07 KB) listed under Parts List (24) (check to verify that it 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. I suspect your Planetary Assembly, Illus No. 15, is rubbing somewhere against its housing, Lower Gearcase, Illus. No. 24.
To gain access to these pieces you’ll need the following tools: a regular or Phillips screw driver, retaining clip pliers, and a small drift pin punch and a small hammer. You need to remove the Transmission Housing (Illus No. 7) and remove all the lubricating grease from the transmission housing and gears (when removing the grease be on the lookout for shavings in the grease which would indicate excessive gear wear). This will allow you to remove Illus No. 25, 21, 18 & 19, Retaining Clip, Bevel Gear, Retaining Pin and Worm Gear Follower, respectively.
Once you remove the Retaining Pin (Illus. No. 18) the Planetary Assembly can be tapped down through the Lower Gearcase Assembly (Illus. No 24). With the Planetary removed, you can inspect it and the inside of the Lower Gearcase to determine where the shavings originated. Be sure to look closely at the Planetary Gear in the lower gearcase as well as the Agitator Shaft Pinion Gear (Illus. No. 12). That will also identify what parts need to be replaced, which you can order online.
You’ll need to replace the grease you removed with new grease. You should use a food-grade grease that you can order online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your call). Do not try to reuse any original grease as it may have ‘debris’ in it.
Here are five potential 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’. 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.
I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi DAVE, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 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: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case: KP26M1, and select one of the first two files listed under Parts List (47) (The first file, KP26M1XAZ4.pdf (304.18 KB), is for a -4 series model and the second file, KP26M1XAZ5.pdf (724.41 KB) is for a -5 series with slightly different insides, so make sure you have the correct Parts List manual.) (For the purpose of this solution I will use the 5 Series Parts manual. Substitute accordingly if you have a 4 Series 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.
(1) Remove your KA Decorative Trim Band (Illus No. 3) by removing one (1) screw (Illus No. 22).
(2) Remove the four (4) head cover screws (Illus No 14) and lift of the mixer head cover (Gearcase Motor Housing top, Illus No. 1).
(3) Next, remove the two (2) screws (Illus. No. 14) securing your (Speed) Control Assembly (Ilus. No. 19) so you can move the Control Assembly out of the way. This will allow you better access to the Transmission Housing (Illus. No. 4).
(4) Remove the four (4) Transmission Housing screws (Illus. No. 14). Carefully lift the Transmission Housing off the base. The Transmission Cover Gasket (Illus. No. 6) may come off with the Hosuing or remain on the base. (Recommend reordering a new gasket if damaged)
(5) Remove all grease from inside the transmission cover and off all your gears. (This is the messy/fun part. While cleaning away the current grease, be sure to be keep and eye out for metal ‘filings’ that may be suspended in the grease.
(6) Remove the Worm Gear drive assembly (Illus. Nos. 16, 17, and 18) and set aside.
(7) Remove Retaining Clip (Illus. No. 7) from the Planetary shaft.
(8) Remove (lift up) the Bevel Gear (Illus. No. 8) from the Planetary shaft. This may require a little friendly persuasion, but it should eventually slide off the shaft exposing the Retaining Pin (Illus. No. 9).
(9) Remove the Retaining Pin. It should come out easily in either direction.
(10)You can remove the Worm Gear Follower (Illus. No. 10) but once the retaining pin is removed, you should be able to push the Planetary Assembly (Illus. No. 28) down through the Lower Center Bearing (Illus. No. 12). A few taps with a soft faced mallet may be required.
You now have access to the Planetary gear and Agitator Shaft Assembly (Illus. No. 34). Apply the same techniques to remove/replace any components from the Agitator shaft.
Assemble in reverse order above.
Continued in "Comments" - hslincoln

Hi DELUNAY. The only way to tell if your speed control assembly is bad it to remove it and test it a local repair shop, but I think from the symptoms you describe, you’ve already answered your own question and your speed control assembly is shot. The fact that your motor is not making any noise indicates to me that it’s not getting power. That can only be caused by two things; a bad speed control board or a burned out electric motor. When you shredded your nylon worm gear, did the motor exude a ‘bad/burnt’ smell (other than possibly ozone)? If not, then I would look at replacing your speed control board/assembly.
Since you know you’ve got to replace the worm gear, you might as well replace the speed control assembly. The inspection and troubleshooting of the mixer transmission is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty. Just be sure 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> and enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM50P and then select the first files under Parts List (definitely check to see if it matches your mixer. If it doesn’t, continue to look at other manuals until you find the correct manual that does match.)
Turn to pages titled ‘Case, Gearing & Planetary Unit, for the disassembly, troubleshooting, and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. This is where you’ll find your
Besides your shredded worm gear, you can check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the other gears, etc. You may find more parts that need replacement than just a bad gear. You should also consider replacing the grease, particularly if there are gear particles suspended in it.
Besides needing a replacement gear and 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. Oh and don’t forget to replace the speed control board and associated components, tool
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/greasing and 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.
Good luck and have fun. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it. hslincoln

jack440 - When was the last time you used your mixer? To answer your question, yes, you KA mixer has internal transmission and planetary gears which convert the electric motor's rotation into the mixer's rotation. The internal gears are factory packed with enough grease to last a 'lifetime' (whatever that means). Depending on the age of your mixer, where it was stored (high temp possibly?) and how long it's been idle; these conditions may have let some of less viscous grease seep beyond the gasket, down the agitator shaft into your mixing bowl. What can you do? First clean your bowl and agitator shaft with detergent and hot water. If 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 it from the KA website. Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number (in your case, try K45SSW select Parts List (1) and then check to see it this matches your mixer model). You can check on page 4 & 5 for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. It can be messy but gratifyingl. You might want to reorder the gasket for starters. Once apart you can check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. Good hunting... I hope this helps - Howard, Burke, VA

Beth, First you should have the parts manual (Pt No. 8212278 Rev D) in your possession. You can download a PDF file from Kitchenaid, if you don't have it. Once you've have the manual, turn to page 4 - Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit.
I'm also assuming you're able to disassemble the mixer and access Illus. No. 4 - Transmission Housing. You want to remove the cover and place to the side. (Be careful of all the grease inside the cover and on the gears) Next wipe the gears and shaft clear of the grease. You want to get to Illus. No 10, so first you must remove Illus. No. 7 - Retaining Clip using a pair of external clip ring pliers. Next, lift Illus No. 8 - Bevel Gear off the shaft. Next, remove Illus. No 9 - Retaining Pin. That will finally allow you to lift Illus. No 10 - Worm Gear Follower of the shat.
I hope this helps.

It quick terms, first remove the head. Take off the band, this is where the two halves join. Undo any screws holding the halves together. Remove the pin holding the planetary in place. Remove the trim disc. The planetary assembly lifts out but you may need to work around it carefully lifting it a little at a time.

Remove the philips screw at the back of the head, and remove the name band. This exposes the 4 screws underneath. Unplug mixer. Remove the 4 screws and lift the top off of the head. Switch and motor are right there. Gently remove the 4 wire plugs, after marking them. Unscrew the 2 screws holding the switch down and lift out the switch.