How to Fix a KitchenAid Stand Mixer That Is Leaking Oil

[@jparkshud]

This was perfect! I am 63 years old and had no problems with fixing my KitchenAid. Thank you so much for posting this! You are a gem.

[@HEILST0RM]

I would recommend replacing the gasket. Since you already have it apart it would be very easy to swap out. Its just like on a valve cover, its better to replace than have to take everything apart again because grease or oil residue are still weeping out. Often when pulling the top assembly off the gasket will be damaged slightly during the process. Just my opinion :-) Great Video!

[@rileyscleaningservicesinc]

Extremely helpful! I was just given a Kitchen Aid from someone who hadn't used it in quite a while. I tested it and found the grease leaking just as described here. You did an excellent job of walking us through the repair. Thank you.

[@FIXTechGuides]

John Riley Glad I could help, John.

[@spinspinsugar369]

Although you posted this in 2010, THANK YOU for making this video and sharing it. My 18-yr old mixer just did this and now I know how to disassemble the unit properly to do maintenance on the mixer without costing a lot of money to do so.

[@bmcgowan89]

Excellent and very informative. I was able to use this to rescue our old Kitchen Aid. It had been leaking for some time--we even replaced it and I was already to the door of the dumpster with it when I thought I'd check You Tube. So glad I found this video and it explained everything so clearly that I was able to disassemble the unit, go on Amazon and order grease, and within a week I was able to provide this unit to my daughter. SHE is thrilled--she has a great $300+ mixer now for free! If I had seen this earlier I would have saved ourselves from buying a new mixer. Thanks for a great job.

[@cindyduim2493]

My daughter and I just replaced the lubricant in my OLD Kitchen Aid Mixer. We set everything up on the dining room table covered by newspapers. Our mixer is older than this one but we modified the instructions just a bit and all was well. Setting the head back on the base after cleaning and lubing turned out to be a bit challenging since the axle thingy had shifted a bit and we had to figure this out to get it to rotate and thus align correctly. Great instructions and now the mixer is in great shape. Oatmeal bread coming up!

[@marc7491]

As some other posters, my wife and I replace the old grease with new by watching the video. The step by step explanation made it easy. It's one of the best tutorial videos that I've seen! Thank you!

[@denisecaspell9955]

I just noticed my 15 year old mixer doing this, leaking oil. Unfortunately it hasn't been used much since last year we were moving at the holidays. Although watch this horrible site of grease, I will not hesitate to do this to ensure the longevity of my investment in this mixer!!!! Thanks for sharing, knew there would be an answer to why it was leaking

[@LauraDoubekKraft]

I have a 30-year-old Hobart Kitchen Aid mixer that has been well used and never leaks oil, but I found this very helpful for taking it apart and greasing it. Which is something that has not been done in 30 years. Thanks for sharing!

[@FIXTechGuides]

Thanks for all the great comments! Glad we were able to help! -Mark

[@Madridme3]

Excellent, informative video without loud music or other foolishness! Thank you.

[@Guille091305]

i just used this video to replace the grease, gasket and the O-ring and it worked. Mark did an outstanding job explaining each step. I will use their tutorials again if I ever have to!

[@kathleenkalb]

Just did this to my 15 years old machine that had been leaking oil. It was a messy job, but with rubber gloves and lots of paper towels, my machine is working wonderfully again. Thank you!

[@priscillaf3680]

I just replaced the grease in my mixer and I did it myself! What a great tutorial. Everything went just as you said. I had no difficulty getting it apart or putting it back together again. I went step by step, pausing as needed. I just hope I put the right amount of grease back into it. Thanks a lot. I thought I was going to have to buy a new mixer.

[@cherylkatten5871]

Great video, contains all necessary instructions to carry out a successful repair. One suggestion is to include a comment about not forgetting to put the washer in the planetary section back in place before reassembly.

[@pattysprenger2797]

+Cheryll Katten . OMG girl you saved my bacon. I had taken apart the mixer a week earlier, then had to wait for a part. Today I put the whole thing back together, feeling pretty smug. In cleaning up, I found a WASHER on the table!!! It is a week later.I don't remembered removing it! I consulted the diagrams and could not find where this washer went. Thought to myself "just let it go. what difference could it make?", but I am a perfectionist. I read through all the comments and found yours. I watched the video again and could see the washer clearly in the planetary section, although it is NOT in the parts diaphragm.Thank you so much!

[@elamaier7067]

Mark, you make the grease replacing seem so easy ( I almost jumped on my stand mixer to do it myself, but I will leave it to my husband ) EXCELLENT WORK !!! LOVE IT MARK...THANK YOU !!!

[@pattysprenger2797]

Thanks so much for the informative video. I bought a used Kitchen Aid mixer at an estate sale and was disappointed to see it was leaking oil. Your video and another one on replacing the worm gear walked me right through it.

[@lizb7160]

Thank you so much for posting this video. While following this easy to understand video, I re-greased my 15 year old Kitchen Aid Classic with no issues. It runs like a dream now.

[@stacie1121]

Thank you!! This made the repair so easy. I bought a used mixer at a swap meet for $15. With this video and the cost of grease I have a perfectly working KSM90 300 for $30!!!

[@larryandkayhenney4306]

Awesome video! I am a 50+ woman and was able to be successful in fixing my mixer. Every step was spot on and easy to follow. I actually needed 1/2 pint of grease, which is 2 quarter pints, product code 4176597-QP (QP = quarter pint). Thank you for sharing this process!

[@FIXTechGuides]

Larry and Kay Henney Great work on your repair!

[@FIXTechGuides]

We're very happy that so many people have found this video useful. Thanks for all the feedback everyone!

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

Awesome video -- THANK YOU very much! My KitchenAid was leaking grease, and the lock mechanism never worked right. Using your video I was able to easily open my mixer (with confidence) and fix both issues. I had toyed with the idea of opening the top myself but I never would have done it right. This video was great -- very thorough and easy to follow instructions. Thanks for a job very well done!

[@karlytr]

You are a natural teacherI, and I LOVE your videos!! My 15-year old KA stand mixer has been leaking oil around the decorative/finishing band for quite some time now, and at least I now know why and how to remedy it when I'm up to it! And you are absolutely correct...my mixer has done more sitting that being used throughout the years. The fact that the oil that leaks is thin makes it pretty clear that the grease has separated. Thank you!!!!

[@alicetisthammer7177]

Used your video yesterday to clean and repack the grease in my Kitchen Aid mixer. LOVED your step-by-step approach. I watched and paused as I worked. WHAT A MESSY JOB, though! I was glad I wore gloves! Your video was a HUGE help! I also used a small, flat wooden stick (like a popsicle stick) to get the grease out of the areas that were too small for the putty knife. Worked great! Also had a little difficulty getting the hole for the pin (on the planetary gear) to come down, so used a pointed tool to work it down to where I could line it up.

[@jstacy1131]

The video was perfect. My wife and I just used your video to fix our mixer that was leaking old grease. Everything was explained perfectly. Thanks again!!

[@davidmendez4209]

Can't get any better than this...Simple to understand, Step by step, from the beginning to the end... 10 out of 10 Perfect "SCORE" from me!!! Keep up the Good Work!!!

[@alanwilkinson7684]

Thanks to your video I was able to repair my mixer with ease. Straight forward instructions, no surprises and simple tools made for a quick fix.

[@mikesullivan9276]

This video was really helpful, a perfect guide for grease replacement! HowTo fix a latch which doesn't catch: My latch wasn't catching, so the mixer would pop up even after trying to lock it. Put the lid in the up position, you'll see a set screw on the lid where it hinges to the base. Screw that in some more, put the lid down and re-test the lock. If it still won't catch, tighten a bit more and re-test.

[@TScottW99]

Thank you so much! Was able to fix my wife's mixer in no time and made her extremely happy! Great instructions!

[@jimftracy]

I just got done fixing our mixer while using your video as a guide. It made it simple and it only took me about an hour. Thanks for the help!!!

[@FIXTechGuides]

@steveho79 Most drills will leak oil for the same reason the mixer would--grease inside the gears separating. Fixing the problem in that situation with a drill is similar to this repair, accessing the gearbox and replacing the grease. If we have a good example of this repair come through the shop we'll be sure to film it and put it up. Great question and thanks for watching!

[@TheMotorman116]

Just wanted to say thanks again for a helpful video. I replaced the grease in mine about two years ago but I used high temp wheel bearing grease instead of the OEM grease. I actually posted a link to your video today for a forum member who needed help with his leaking mixer. Thanks!

[@FIXTechGuides]

Thank you for watching our video and leaving a comment! We are glad that our video has helped you so much! This strain relief that is on your mixer is shaped like a circle with cut off sides. Using a pair of blunt nosed pliers, turn the strain relief to the left. This should bring the retainer to the opening on the housing allowing you to pull it out. To reinstall just go in reverse.Thanks again for watching!

[@FIXTechGuides]

@mjgreenwood Thanks for bringing that to our attention. We'll get KitchenAid grease on your mixer's parts page. KitchenAid offers one kind of grease for all of its stand mixer models. The page for that grease at our site is listed in this video's description, since we can't post the link here. Like I said, that is the official grease offered by KitchenAid for all of their stand mixers.

[@sherylp2666]

You really saved me a lot of money. My 30 + year old mixer works great. Thank you.

[@mikee8817]

Nice, thorough job. Someone suggested listing all the tools needed up front - not a bad idea. I made a list while reviewing the video before starting. It didn't take 20 minutes start to finish. Thank you.

[@capnjanlastname3324]

Thanks for your reply - I am going to take apart my primary mixer as soon as I get the grease from you folks. Already replaced the brushes - much needed! It is a 30+ year old mixer and has been in almost daily use. You've saved 'her' life! (I may replace the cord as it is pretty yucky, now that I know how to get it out.)

[@gnilges]

Great video! Thanks for saving me a trip to the repair store. When I first saw the leak I was afraid it was going to be something big but I couldn't believe how easy this repair was.

[@meganis20]

Thanks for this. My mixer is nearly 50 years old and a treasured member of the family. Minor differences but mostly the same. After re-greasing I put 15# of pork shoulder through the grinder attachment and worked great. Before was heating up ... hot to the touch. This time a little warm but nothing to speak of. I did need to get some grease ASAP so am trying ultra 4X white lithium in a tube. Hopefully I won't need to redo soon. A guy at Lowe's said he used to fix mixers and says it works. Quality of video and explanations are first rate and appreciated.

[@stephengarfield4691]

I just followed your easy instructions and it worked like I was a pro. Thanks a bunch.

[@garyroberti5973]

Can't thank you enough for posting this how-to video. My mixer suffered from both issues, not enough use and when I do use it, I use it until it heats up a lot! Great job and very well done.

[@jockspice]

Thank you! Was worried this would cost a lot to fix, but all it cost me was some grease and a bit of time. Excellent walk through of the procedure.

[@FIXTechGuides]

@gpelite It is important here to use a punch that is just slightly smaller than the pin. Also if the pin is being stubborn try backing up the spindle with something solid like a vise. That way when you strike the pin all of the energy is transferred to the pin and not to the mixer. Good luck! -Mark

[@rodm5830]

Awesome video. Always love watching your stuff. Very clear and concise without a bunch of extra jibber jabber.

[@carldebbysellerssellers1352]

That was probably one of the best videos on a repair that I have seen! Good Job

[@tubilth]

Awesome video... My mechanical skills are below average and I was able to do this with the great step by step directions. Thanks, Mark!

[@imayhave]

what a wonderful video! I followed your simple, clear instructions and took my older model mixer apart. My speed lever was stuck, so i loosened the screw a little, changed the grease and cleaned it up. Looks like new. Thank you so much!

[@josephthompson6148]

As others have said, very clear and simple step-by-step directions. I was able to follow easily and complete the repair with no problems. Thanks!

[@dorothybradhammettkosiba9036]

Great quality video, straight to the point directions. Our decades old machine is ready for another few decades. Thanks!

[@rogzo4633]

Great Video manual! With zero knowledge of a Aitchen Aid I was able to review my unit and change the grease after the machine stood in a corner unused for about 2 years. Some models may differ slightly regarding the wiring. I got an Artisan 90yrs edition - which has shorter cables on the inside and you have to disconnect 2 cables before you can remove the top half of the mixer. You thus might need a 2nd person to lend a hand, build yourself some kind of stand to plyce the top half or completely separate the foot from the body before starting disassembly. Removing the grease is really a mess, you may need more than one size of putty knife to reach all the crevices, and lots of paper towels to mop up the separated oil (which was the reason for disassembly). I also took off the small gearbox tower, so I could remove the grease more thoroughly. My solution for the "retaining pin issue": One frequently encountered problem (I read about this on several threads) seems to be when the retaining pin of the planetary shaft will not budge even after hammering it with the drift punch for a long time. Here's a solution that worked for me: apply a few drops of penetrating oil on both sides of the pin and at the center of the planetary shaft (where it penetrates the cover). Let it sit for a while (to allow the oil to do its job), maybe add some more and then pound the pin with just a few deliberate, slow but forceful strikes to see if it will budge at all - if it moves just for a hairs breadth and then no more - add some more penetrating oil, let it sit... and repeat the process. It does not matter from which side you remove the pin, it is symmetrical and straight. This way the disassembly of the pin may take some time, but this way you minimize the risk of damaging pin or coating by brute force hammering away.

[@hitobito1]

Thanks Mark for your exemplary demonstration on how to replace the grease when the light oil separates from the grease in the gears! Well done!

[@druhanich3852]

Excellent step by step video. I only had one problem. the planetary was very tight on the shaft. I had difficulty removing it. But quite a bit of difficulty replacing the planetary after I had replaced the grease. The shaft would move up into the motor head preventing the holes to completely align. I finally had the holes somewhat aligned. I used a finish nail to pry the shaft down. Also, my mixer is so old it didn't have a removable strain release so I had to remove the wires from the motor. Great tips of things to pay attention to.

[@NeilerFreak]

thanks so much for your very informative video. God bless youtube, and people like you. My mixer was dripping, what looked to be, hot chocolate into my mixing bowl. I followed your instructions, added new grease, cleaned it up, and is now purring like a kitten. I wonder how much I saved had I taken it back to Williams Sonoma? I wonder how many mixers have been thrown out over a 60 min $10. fix, thanks again its now running like new. Mere/Bob.

[@georges3314]

You have provided an excellent video. The explanation is clear and easy to understand. I plan to refer to it again as soon as I can get the replacement grease from Kitchenaid.

[@buddenbo]

Thank you very much for this very clear and easy-to-understand tutorial. I purchased a used mixer today and wanted to go through and totally refurbish it. You made my job very easy. It's much appreciated!

[@Nbfdammit]

Mine has been leaking for some time. Decided to google a repair tip and found your video. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@gillesmorin2727]

Many thanks Mark, Your instructions are excellent and so easy to follow. You saved me time and money.

[@dubreg61]

Excellent video brother... I had the issues myself and didn't know what was going to be involved in fixing it... BUT, you have answered my questions and I will now save about $350 by not buying a new mixer! Thanks!

[@MrMike1937]

You saved me a bunch, I'll tell you that! Following your video made this chore soooooo easy...Hard to believe. Thanks a million.

[@GilMichelini]

Thanks. I recently got a K5A Mixer. Based on the serial number, I am guessing it was built in the mid to late 50s. I followed your directions to take it apart and it appeared that the grease was original - YUCK! It is three hours later and the unit is back together and sounds great. Thank again!

[@1035godsgirl]

My mixer just started leaking right toward the end of my Christmas baking. I was worried I'd have the expense of having to ship it and then be without it for a while to get it repaired. Thanks SO much!!

[@danwing3309]

I guess I don't need a new mixer! Glad this issue is a "simple" fix!! Thanks very much!!

[@FIXTechGuides]

On your model you need to remove the four big screws to remove the head off of the stand. Once that is done you will see two more screws that hold the upper and lower housing together. A trick that we use in the shop, once the housings are apart, is to put the lower housing back on the stand and put in one of the big screws finger tight so that you perform the maintenance more easily. Thanks for watching!

[@snap159]

Thanks for the great video! Never would have tackled this without some instruction!!!

[@FIXTechGuides]

So glad you found the video useful!

[@whitemale4031]

Great tutorial, thanks a lot, I think you just saved my Kitchen Aid!! Very well explained, simple step by step, very calm: perfect!

[@henrymartinez7180]

great repair vid. followed your instructions and repaired my mixer that had been out of commission for 2-3 years! saved a bunch of money and mixer is back on line. not a huge deal but i agree that listing the tools required in your text box or in the beginning of the vid would be...the icing on the cake. (thaticannowmakethankstoyourvideo!)

[@terrywebster3598]

Thanks for the simplicity of a good machine and the repair. Great tutorial.

[@lynanea8530]

Thank you. Clear, concise and thorough instructions. Great tips! Just saved me a trip to the repair shop. Excellent video!!

[@ultimatestockfinder]

Great video, almost looked like fun watching Mark do all the work, now it is my turn. But at least I know exactly what to do! Thanks. Also, I told my wife about the "make more cookies" way to fix the leak.

[@Cadychan]

Thank you so much for this video! I inherited a mixer from my parents, and noticed it started leaking. I was so worried I'd have to get a new one...! :s I'll order some grease online and take an afternoon to do this. Thanks again for saving a much beloved $350+ mixer!

[@terrynelson7077]

Great video, I was wondering what I was going to do because I recently became aware that this was happening with our kitchenaide mixer and thought I was going to have to take it to a repair shop to fix it. This video makes it look "simple" and straight forward as to how to fix it and as soon as I can find a supply of appropriate grease I will take on this project myself.

[@maggieklingensmith2512]

Terry Nelson

[@Swindys]

Mark - Nice job on the video on how to replace the grease in the KitchenAid mixer. The only comment that I would have is to make certain that you are using food same grease - thus in case the grease leaks into the "cookie dough" you can still eat the food without getting sick.

[@FIXTechGuides]

Thank you for posting your video response! After watching your video it looks like the wire whip is hitting the bowl. The flat beater and the wire whip should not touch the bowl even on the highest speed. One of our other videos will help you solve your problem. The video is titled: How to Adjust the Beaters on a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. Thanks for watching!

[@ingerklekacz]

Thanks for this video! The only thing I would suggest is that you start the video by listing the tools you'll need for the project. I found myself scrambling for second screwdrivers, a punch, etc. And I ended up using a corkscrew to fish the shaft out from the center of the planetary unit. Off to make some cupcakes!

[@FIXTechGuides]

inger klekacz That is a great suggestion and I will pass it on!

[@susansobon]

i too had the same wish! it would have been nice to know what i needed before hand so i didnt have to scramble all over the house looking for stuff. not to mention i dont know that everyone has a punch

[@pegschnurr]

Very helpful, thank you so much. When this happened, yesterday, as I was about to begin my Christmas baking my first feeling was one of "panic" - thanks for helping.

[@ChristianSchwarz71]

I created my youtube / google account today, just to reply on your video to say HUGE THANKS !!! Best regards Christian Vienna/Austria

[@joshuajasinski7773]

Thank you. This was a very good video all around. Step by step without any nonsense.

[@donmelbouchard]

That was very helpful! Thank you! We have had our Kitchenaid over twenty-five years. It's been growling, and I think it needs grease.

[@smil3ygirl1]

Thank you! This was so easy thanks you your step-by-step procedure! Good as new and no grease dripping in my food!!

[@FIXTechGuides]

Thank you for your question! Most of the time, with the problem you're having, the gears or pins can be to blame. Be sure to check that you can turn the gears easily with the motor off. Be sure to double check the attachment gear, it can easily be over looked.

[@FIXTechGuides]

Thanks for your question! The first thing is to make sure that the pin is out then try prying the planetary off with two flat head screwdrivers as shown in the video. If you still can't get it to budge you can use a large bearing puller. If all else fails take it to a local service center and they will be able to help you. Thanks for watching!

[@Gertieanne]

Thank you. I changed the grease put it back together and it works just fine.

[@teresateague1]

Great video! My husband and I did this and everything went smoothly. Thank you!

[@perlaviva]

I just fixed my kitchen aid! Thanks a lot for your very good video. regards from switzerland

[@UndieWhere]

Awesoooome video!!! Omg, just what I've been looking for! Someone needs to give you a TV show!

[@justsaygrr]

Excellent video! Took me less than an hour (most of that time is cleanup of the old grease/oil). The only part that was tough, at least for me, was the reinsertion of the planetary gear assembly onto the driveshaft...it was a tight fit and getting it mounted while keeping the holes aligned to reinsert the fastener pin wasn't as smooth as it looked on this video. Other than that it was dead simple - take the opportunity while it's open to inspect the gears for wear.

[@FIXTechGuides]

When watching the video you will come to the time index of 8:04. Here you will see how to line up the holes. The trick can be getting enough room to use a screw driver to get into the hole on the shaft. As long as you can get to part of that hole you can use the screw driver, or any other pointed object, and with a hammer gently tap inward to force the holes to align.

[@alanlyle1346]

Wow really great video. Easy to understand and follow the step by step instructions. Thanks again and God Bless.

[@huber0105]

Thank you so much for posting this. You've saved me hours of frustration.

[@smjames007]

thank you for this video my wife's mixer was stored in her mothers garage on its side and when i picked it up there was a puddle of oil under it i think with this video i should be able to get it working correctly again

[@sdoddsma]

Great video. Detailed with good explanation. Just finished and it took me about 1.5 hours. Most difficult for me was getting the retaining pin out, determining how clean I needed to get everything before applying new grease (lots of gear teeth to clean), and lining up retaining pin holes (I ended up using an ice pick). Thanks!

[@alanw9617]

thanks for the great video! I couldn't have even started without your knowledge..one thing that I did also was to lay the unit upside down for a 1/2 hour or so and let the old oil that sits in the bottom grooves drain out.that way the grooves are empty and can catch future separation..thanks again for the great video

[@FIXTechGuides]

***** Glad we could help!

[@Eduardomd54]

I JUST ASK IN YOUR OTHER VIDEO, ABOUT DRIPPING GREASE. I SAW THIS VIDEO, AND MY QUESTION IS ANSWERED THANK YOU AGAIN. BASICALLY IS THE SAME VIDEO, SOLVING TWO DIFFERENT PROBLEMS. NO SPINNING AND DRIPPING GREASE. NOW I AM SURE I CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM. GRACIAS , Eduardo Ramirez, de México.

[@StephenFullerton]

Very handy info. Saved me lots of time hunting and figuring this out on my own.

[@rebeccaoprish7518]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! For less than $20, I have my mixer back! And just in time for Christmas Eve cookie baking!

[@ediemfields]

thank you for answering my question on the color of the grease, I will be happy to do my mixer now instead of being fearful because it's a different color than in the video.

[@FIXTechGuides]

@christinewlf It is possible that lack of grease could cause a clicking noise. I would also suspect a bad gear. To diagnose the problem you will need to open up the mixer as shown in the video and inspect the gears. Our video titled "How to Fix a KitchenAid Mixer That Isn't Spinning" will give more insight into a mixer with gear problems. I hope this helps! -Mark

[@tiffanybpratt1]

Thank you! I have needed to do this for quite a while. This was a pain and a dirt job as he stated, but at least my mixer isn't leaking any longer.

[@SantaJim1984]

Simple as can be, if I can follow the instructions. Thanks, great video.

[@capnjanlastname3324]

Thanks so much! I didn't want to get it all chewed up to no avail, but I'll give that a try. I've ordered some brushes to replace the old ones, and a tub of grease - from your company. Fair Winds!