Recalibrating of brushes

If you run your KitchenAid mixer long enough it will need new brushes. Symtoms would be eradic running, runs slow (no additional noise) or a smell of sulfur when running.

If your unit has any of these symtoms you should change the brushes. Brushes are available at http://www.appliancepartspros.com/Appliance-Parts/Kitchen-Aid-Mixer-Parts/index.aspx . They cost $3.55 each and you will need two.

First remove the screws holding in the brushes and remove the brushes.
The brushes have one corner which is shaved off at a 45 degree angle. Make a note of which direction it is facing as this is how the new brushes must be orientated in order to seat properly.

The brushes are located on opposite sides of the main mixer body under a black cover plate with a slot. Remove the cover while holding onto it as it is spring loaded. Remove the brush. Do the other side also.

Remove two screws from the rear of the unit holding the cover between the two halves of the unit (top and bottom). You will need to remove all the screws on the underside of the unit. There should be four total.

Next you will have to remove the power beater driver located at the front of the unit.The shaft located vertically has a pin in it which needs to be driven out with a punch and hammer. Then a "C" clip must be removed from the shaft. Use a "C" clip plier available at any automotive parts store. Place the ends in the holes in the tips of the "C" clip and squeeze. This will release the pressure on the shaft and allow the clip to be removed.

Next pry the bezel off around the exterior of the plate which will expose about 6 screws which need to be taken out. When all the screws are removed you can remove the head assembly as well as the top of the unit exposing the motor armature. The armature will be the blackened, segmented part of the armature directly under the brushes.

At this point you should be able to see how burnt the armature is. Using crocus cloth (available at Lowes or Home Depot) clean the armature until it shines. Do not sand it any more than necessary or sand flat spots in it. A light contact is all that is needed.

Clean the armature with any good electronics parts cleaner, available at Lowes or Home Depot, to get rid of any filings. Clean up any filings or dirt in the unit.

Relubricate The gear box with light grease if necessary. Reassemble the unit and install the new brushes. The brushes will only go in one way and work. If inserted wrong, the unit will not run. The brushes must be seated on the armature.

During the assembly process remember to use Lock Tite on all screws to avoid future problems.

Thanks for using FixYa and for the great rating.

hardrocko