How To Fix A Kitchenaid Stand Mixer That Is Leaking Oil – All Possible Solutions
KitchenAid Stand Mixer is one of the indispensable kitchen companions. From kneeling dough to mixing batters, it can perform countless tasks perfectly.
However, all your culinary adventures can be impeded when it starts leaking oil. That’s why we have a detailed guide on fixing this problem.
Before heading towards it, we will answer some questions that arise in your mind after facing this situation. These questions are:
- Does a Kitchen Aid mixer have oil in it?
- Why is my KitchenAid stand mixer leaking oil?
Does A Kitchen Aid Mixer Have Oil In It?
In general, oil is not present in the KitchenAid mixer. However, food-grade grease is used to keep its parts lubricant.
This grease is usually made from edible oils. Over time, some oil separates from the fat and deposits in different parts of the mixer.
Why Is Oil Leaking From My Kitchenaid Mixer?
Oil leaking from your stand mixer isn’t a regular thing. It is due to specific reasons. The primary reasons behind the oil-leaking issue are:
Reason#1: Keeping Mixer In A Warm Place
If you keep your mixer in a place where the temperature is high, the oil separates from the grease.
This oil then starts seeping out from different parts of your mixers, especially the head. It often happens when you are living in a hot climate.
Reason#2: Not Using Mixer
Oil settles in different parts when you don’t use your KitchenAid stand mixer for a long time. With time, this oil starts leaking.
Reason#3: Excessive Usage
When you use your mixer without intervals, the machine overheats. As a result, the grease melts, and oil separates from it. This oil then starts dripping from the head and around the speed controllers.
Reason#4: Keeping Your Mixer In The Wrong Posture
Laying the KitchenAid stand mixer on its side can lead to oil leakage. In this case, the lock lever and speed controllers are the main leakage points.
Fixing The Oil Leaking Problem of Your KitchenAid Stand Mixer – All Solutions
After finding the answer to “Why is my mixer leaking?” you are all set to delve into the possible solutions.
Keep Your Mixer Straight
If the oil is seeping out from the lock lever, keeping the mixer upright is the best possible solution. Avoid laying by the side or tilting it to avoid leakage of oil.
Warming Up
Warm up your KitchenAid stand mixer to fix oil leakage. No special drills are required for this. Turn on your mixer while keeping the bowl empty.
Let it run at maximum speed for at least 2 minutes. After that, wipe away the splattering oil and check whether the matter is resolved or not.
Using the Mixer After Regular Intervals
If oil is leaking due to infrequent usage, activating the mixer after regular intervals can fix it.
After every 3 to 4 days, turn the mixer on even without the ingredients so that the machine will stay active.
Keep Mixer at a Moderate Temperature
If the mixer is leaking oil because grease is melting at high temperatures, then keeping it in a cooler environment can resolve the matter.
A 30 to 35 °C temperature range is suitable for storing the stand mixer. When the temperature exceeds 40°C, the grease starts liquifying.
Replacing Grease
When the oil starts to leak after separating from the grease, the solution is to replace the grease entirely.
You can get help from experts in this regard. However, it costs around $200 or even more.
The GOOD NEWS is you can save this amount by replacing the grease by yourself. Doing this is quite simple, especially when we are here to guide you.
How to Replace KitchenAid Stand Mixer’s Grease – A Stepwise Guide
Step#1: Unplug the Mixer
Start the process by cutting the power supply to the mixer. It ensures that you don’t get an electric shock when fixing it.
Step#2: Remove Rear Housing
After unplugging, remove the rear housing. Detach it by unbolting the flat-head screws. They attach the rear housing to the mixer. Remove power cord strain relief as well.
Step#3: Remove Planetary Drip Ring
This ring is often called a beauty ring as it decorates the mixer and seals the gearbox.
Remove the planetary pin from its hole. Now tap the ring gently with a screwdriver to reduce surface tension and remove the ring.
Step#4: Remove the Motor Housing
Removing the motor housing is required to locate the grease and replace it. Pursue the following steps to remove it.
- First of all, remove the planetary from the mixer. Here you will see five gearbox screws. Unscrew them.
- Four rare housing screws are present that join the mixer and motor housing. Undo these screws as well.
- After that, the motor housing will be free from the lower half of the mixer. Pull the housing straight up and away from the motor.
Step#5: Remove Grease
Once the motor housing is off, you will see the grease. It will be dark colored and have some signs of separation. Remove it by using a putty knife. Make sure to dispose of the grease properly.
Step#6: Pile the New Grease
The work is almost done. Pile the new grease on all gears properly. Make sure to buy food-grade grease that is appropriate for the KitchenAid mixer. You can use Impresa Products Food Grade Grease for Stand Mixers as it is universally compatible.
Step#7: Reattach the Mixer’s Parts
Now, it is time to assemble the mixer. Reattaching the motor housing. Then, seat the other parts. After that, turn on the mixer for 2 minutes and bring it back in use.
Conclusion
As promised, we have delivered a detailed guide on fixing a KitchenAid stand mixer leaking oil. The key reason behind this problem is the separation of oil from the grease due to overheating or infrequent use.
You can fix it by warming the mixer or using it after regular intervals. The leading solution is to replace the grease. Make sure to follow every single step when doing so.
This guide will help you fix the oil-leaking problem of your mixer. Now, you can get your KitchenAid stand mixer back in form and elevate your culinary creations for years.
