The hub gear kit in your KitchenAid stand mixer transfers power from the motor to the attachments, allowing your mixer to knead, mix, grind, and more. Over time, wear and tear can cause the hub gear to become damaged, leading to unusual noises, slipping attachments, loss of power, or uneven mixing.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to replace your entire mixer! With the right tools and a little patience, you can replace the hub gear yourself and restore your KitchenAid mixer to full working order.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these tools and materials:
- Replacement hub gear kit (Make sure it’s compatible with your mixer model)
- Flathead screwdrivers (large and small)
- Phillips screwdrivers (large and small)
- Phillips driver ratchet (large)
- Hammer
- Punch
- Rubber mallet
- Towels (to protect your work surface and parts)
- Planetary grease (WP4176597) (for lubrication)
Safety Precautions
Before starting, safety first! Follow these precautions to avoid injury or damage to your appliance:
- Always turn off and unplug your mixer before starting any repair work.
- If the mixer was recently used, allow it to cool before handling.
- Take your time to prevent accidents. Rushing can lead to mistakes.
- Have a bright, clutter-free area to work in.
- This prevents distractions and potential hazards.
- Never work on electrical parts with wet hands.
- Look for any model-specific instructions.
- Avoid excessive force when removing or handling parts.
- Protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Avoid touching exposed wires. Use non-conductive tools or insulating gloves.
- Before disconnecting any wiring or components, take pictures to make reassembly easier.
How to Replace the Hub Gear Kit in a KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Follow these steps to remove the old hub gear and install a new one, restoring the functionality of your KitchenAid stand mixer.
Preparation
- Unplug the mixer from the power outlet.
- Remove all attachments from the mixer.
- Lift the beater up, turn it clockwise, and lift it out of the mixer.
- Lift the bowl straight up and off the base and set both aside.
Disassembling the Planetary Section
- Use a flathead screwdriver and a hammer to carefully tap the trim ring off the planetary section.
- Place a punch on the groove pin and tap it out gently with a hammer.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver under the planetary to pry it loose.
- Work around it and gently pull it down off the center shaft.
Removing the Rear Cover and Power Cord
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding the rear cover.
- Lift the rear cover off its mounting.
- Disconnect the white and black wires using a small flathead screwdriver.
- Remove the ground wire’s screw with a Phillips screwdriver.
- Lift the strain relief and remove the cord.
Positioning the Mixer for Disassembly
- Place the mixer onto a U-shaped holder or cushion with towels for support if available.
- Tip the mixer over onto the support.
Separating the Housing
- If the mixer has a tilt-head, drive out the hinge pin with a punch.
- If the mixer is a bowl-lift model, remove the four large Phillips screws with a ratchet.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws from the housing.
- Gently separate the two halves of the mixer housing.
Replacing the Hub Gear
- Remove the old hub gear.
- Clean off the excess grease.
- Apply new grease to the new gear, especially on the shaft and teeth.
- Align the center shaft and mounting pins of the gear housing.
Reassembling the Housing
- Carefully place the upper housing over the lower one.
- Secure the housing with the screws.
- Align and place the base, then secure it with the screws.
- Use a ratchet to tighten the screws securely.
Reconnecting the Power Cord and Rear Cover
- Attach the power cord wires and make sure they are snug.
- Place the rear cover back on and secure it with the screw.
Reassembling the Planetary Section
- Align the mixer’s planetary with the center shaft.
- Adjust as needed and reinsert the groove pin.
- Attach the trim ring with a rubber mallet to make sure it fits evenly.
Final Assembly and Testing
- Place the bowl by aligning it with the pinholes, then lock it into place.
- Attach the beater by aligning it with the shaft and locking pin.
- Plug the mixer back in.
- Turn on the mixer and make sure it works correctly.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Hub Gear Life
Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your mixer’s gears and prevent early wear. Keep these tips in mind:
- Keep Gears Properly Lubricated: Use high-quality planetary grease (WP4176597) to reduce friction and wear.
- Avoid Overloading: Mixing excessive amounts of thick dough or batter can strain the gears.
- Use the Right Speed Settings: Running the mixer at the wrong speed for heavy mixtures can cause unnecessary stress.
- Inspect for Leaks: Check for grease leaks periodically, as they can indicate worn seals or deteriorating gears.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down your mixer after each use and remove buildup near moving parts.
- Listen for Changes: Pay attention to new sounds or performance issues and address them early to prevent further damage.
Following these steps can help you get the most out of your mixer and reduce the frequency of gear replacements.
Read More: 5 Simple Steps to Clean a Stand Mixer for a Streak-Free Shine
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Replacing the hub gear kit might seem straightforward, but mistakes can lead to further damage or ineffective repairs. Avoid these common errors:
- Skipping the Lubrication Step – Running the mixer without fresh grease can cause parts to wear out faster.
- Using Excessive Force – Forcing parts apart can break plastic or metal components.
- Not Taking Photos Before Disassembly – Forgetting where wires and screws go can make reassembly difficult.
- Ignoring Other Worn Parts – If other gears show damage, replace them along with the hub gear.
- Using the Wrong Tools – The wrong screwdriver or punch can strip screws or damage components.
- Not Checking Compatibility – Installing an incompatible gear kit can lead to improper function.
- Leaving the Mixer Unplugged for Too Short a Time – Even when unplugged, capacitors may hold a charge, so waiting a few minutes before working on internal parts is a good safety measure.
Summing Up
KitchenAid mixers don’t last forever, but worn-out hub gear doesn’t mean it’s time to replace the whole thing. A simple gear swap can get it running smoothly again. With basic tools, fresh grease, and a bit of patience, you can fix it yourself. No need to struggle with a weak or noisy mixer, take charge of the repair and get back to making your favorite recipes. It’s a quick job that saves money and keeps your trusty mixer going strong.