How to Replace the Brushes on a KitchenAid Stand Mixer

[johnsned]

On my kitchenaid stand mixer it sounds like it is grinding gravel in the low gears could this be due to brushes?

[eReplacementParts]

@johnsned That sounds more like a gear issue. Take a look at our video "How to fix a KitchenAid Mixer that Isn't Spinning".

I hope this helps,

-Mark

[trevashby]

When I removed the screws, the springs came out, but the brushes did not come out. Also, one of the springs was broken in half. I replaced the springs and the mixer started working again, but I would like to replace everything. How should I remove the brushes if they aren't attached to the springs?

[KissHope]

This saved me about 130.00 for a repair. My KA was only 199.00 so couldn't see spending that amount for a repair. The brushes were all it needed.

[sisterwmn53]

I bought a Kitchenmaid mixer, referbished, and it worked once and stopped working. I must have taken those big screws out and moved the brushes around, unbenounced to me. The next time I tried to use it, it wouldn't work.After watching this video, I looked at the brushes, and moved them around. Took a couple of times, but finally got them in right, and lo and behold, IT WORKS!!! Thank you!!

[seathurlow]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!! I was trying to take my mixer apart the other night because something was knocking in it when it was mixing dough and I took out the brushes thinking that would take the cover off. I put them back in and then my mixer wouldn't turn on! I was so upset! But this afternoon I watched your video and low and behold, I put the brushes in wrong! Now it works again! Thank you again!!!!

[GEORGEBFITZ]

IS THE SQUARED NOTCH ON THE UPPER LEFT SIDE ON BOTH SIDE OF THE MIXER? A DIAGRAM IN THE KITCHENAID MIXER REPAIR MANUAL SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THE CHAMFERED EDGES OF THE BRUSHES ARE ORIENTED DIFFERENTLY ON EITHER SIDE, I.E. CHAMFERED EDGE IS DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE AND UP ON THE RIGHT SIDE

[eReplacementParts]

@GEORGEBFITZ I'm not sure what the orientation of the notch is on all models. The easiest way to determine the correct way to insert the brush is to just shine a flashlight into the brush holder. You will be able to easily see the notch. Then just orient the chamfer on the brush the same way when you insert it.

I hope this helps,

-Mark

[universe5364]

I bought a broken Kitchenaid mixer that did not turn on at all, thought it would be fun to see how it worked and possibly repair it. I removed the brushes, checked them for wear (there is a little, about like the ones in your video), then put them back. Now the mixer does turn on but only at speed 8 - 10. What could be the possible issue with it?

[eReplacementParts]

@universe5364 Like you explained, it sounds like the brushes are making contact with your mixer's motor now. As far as the mixer speed running issue, it's most likely that your mixer's speed mechanism needs to adjusted. Like many of our comment posters below have expressed, adjusting a KA mixer's speed is something best done at a certified repair shop. If that doesn't do the trick, the brushes may also need to be replaced all together, regardless of their lack of heavy wear. Thanks for watching!

[mkeezy61]

Adjusting the speeds is definitely something that needs to be done in factory service. It needs to be done with a special grounded outlet and screwdriver. There is also a sensor that reads the speeds. The top 2 screws set speed 1 and the bottom screw sets speed 2. These to speeds being set also sets the rest of the speeds on the mixer. The usual adj. for the top 2 screws is for them to be even and about 1 inch out. make sure the nuts are tight as well. a 5/32 wrench is required.

[mkeezy61]

The best way to remove the brush is to use the punch and very gently tap on the carbon brush. Once you gently tap the brush, then go ahead with the needle nose pliers. You will need a new brush because one a brush sticks it is scrap. There is a loctite setting compound inside the motor and it sometimes makes its way on to the end of the brush, causing it to stick.

[tahomaish]

I got a worm drive for a kitchenaid mixer K45. When I ordered the part I also ordered brushes and a rear motor bearing plate(where the back end of the motor spindle resides, behind the speed control plate. after installing the worm drive I bench tested the unit , and the motor ran. Then, I opened the brushes, I figured that I would put the new ones in. There was no square , I tried to align the brush, now the motor wont run, any suggestions? Is it the speed control plate?How adjust to test

[tahomaish]

Thought I would replace the brushes after i replaced the worm gear...There was no little sqare box in the tube for the brushes so i made a guess about the orientation of the brush...the motor was actually turning before I opened up the brushes and the original brush was still pretty long so I obviously didn't need to change them anyway...the problem is that now the motor doesn't spin. I am able to turn the shaft that is on the output side by hand why won't the motor run though? Any suggestion?

[squirt3655]

My kitchenaid mixer was not powering on I replace the brushes but put them in wrong and they burnt smoke came out of the motor and the brushes melted. I removed the brass brush holders and cleaned them remove all the debris I ordered new brushes but I am not sure how the holders are to be positioned are both the squares inside the holders positioned in the top left hand corner. Please help

[TheVincent68]

I removed my brushes to inspect them and found that they have a lot of material left. When I re-insertered them the motor wouldn't work. I inspected the opening and realized that there wasn't a square in the corner as you said. My question is what is the orientation of the dog eared corner in relation to the mixer for each side?

[tweeties3]

How do I fix a frozen speed control on my KSM90 Kitchenaide mixer.

I can't get the sliding speed control knob to move. Thanks

[HowBuds]

I would like to find replacement for not only the thumbscrew cap but the the speed and lock head fixtures as the color of them is turning from gray to yellowish. Whatever color if I can match all three together. I meant to mention that the thumbscrew plastic head is completing missing. Thanks for your time and thanks for the great vids!

PS Model Number: KSM90PSWW

Serial Number: WB4432590

Unable to locate the KSM 90 on your website

Just purchased used a week ago; 26 April 2011

Thanks Mark

[eReplacementParts]

@HowBuds Thanks for bringing that to our attention. We are working on it and hopefully we will have the KSM90 series mixers on our site soon.

Thanks!

-Mark

[HowBuds]

Hi Mark,

What year is this KichenAid mixer you're using? Mine cosmetically likes just like this one; i.e. color of brush caps, motor speed cap, light in color, if you will, for the KichenAid logo. My serial number begins with WB which I have learned is manufactured in 1992...anyway, I looked on your website for a new thumbscrew for the attachment cap and accessories with no luck...NOTE; Continued below

[eReplacementParts]

@Frazzzx The carbon brushes are only very slightly worn in the video. They did not necessarily need to be replaced for this demonstration. Thanks for the good question.

[528Circle]

Somehow we blew out only "1st gear". If the brushes were the problem, it wouldn't work at any speed, would it? Any ideas?

[eReplacementParts]

@528Circle You are right, if the brushes where the problem the motor would not operate at all. In the case of your mixer I would suspect the speed control board to be the problem. I would suggest that you take your mixer to a KitchenAid repair shop as the speed control board will need to be tuned in order for the mixer to rotate at the proper speed. There is a special gauge needed to properly set the speed.

Thanks for watching!

-Mark

[pmtollner]

I put the brushes in backwards somehow and now the carbon is stuck inside. Is there anyway to get it out of there?

[eReplacementParts]

@pmtollner I would try using a pair of needle nose pliers and pull on the wire attached to the brush. You will damage the brush and will need to replace it. If the brush still won't come out or the wire breaks or separates from the carbon, you will need to take the motor apart and use a punch to tap the brush out of the holder.

Good luck with your repair!

-Mark

[palmelo]

Mark How do I know if the brushes are bad. I have replaced the worm gear already but still no spinning. 

[eReplacementParts]

@palmelo The brushes will need replacement when the carbon is worn down almost to the metal spring. If the motor on your mixer is working but the mixer is not spinning I would guess that it still has a gear issue. I would start by inspecting each gear in the gearbox for damage or wear.

Good luck!

-Mark

[ramirez87tx]

What if sparks came out and now the mixer won't start. Is it trashed or can it be fixed.

[eReplacementParts]

@ramirez87tx Sparks coming from the motor is usually a sign of a damaged motor, specifically the motor's armature. KitchenAid offers complete replacement motors for some machines and individual motor components for others. Watch for a KitchenAid motor repair video from us in the future.

Thanks for watching!

-Mark

[AccountForEvery1]

Do you happen to have a video on how to adjust the plate inside for each speed?

[eReplacementParts]

@AccountForEvery1 Adjusting the speeds is something that you will likely need to take your mixer to a shop to have done. There is a special wheel that is mounted to the mixer that indicates how fast the mixer is spinning in each speed setting. Without the special tool adjusting the speeds is just a guess.

Thanks!

-Mark