Part
Worm Follower Gear
Product Rating
Customer
Mark from MN
Problem
Kitchen Aid 6-Qt (550HD or 600 Pro) mixer began to 'skip' and make noise.
Tools
Phillips screwdriver, small snap ring pliers, nitrile gloves, paper towels, H1 Food Grade grease.
Repair & Advice
My wife uses her mixer more than average. She told me the beater would "skip every once in a while", especially with a heavier batter or dough. I have a laboratory and mechanical background, so I said I would take a look. I HIGHLY Recommend this YouTube video
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ6Hla7BcDQ"
The author of that video replaced more than just the obviously worn 'worm follower' gear, but our mixer showed no wear on any part except that gear, so I replaced only the grease and that gear. The gear is made of Bronze instead of steel, so all the wear is concentrated on it. I did NOT use the Kitchen Aid grease - instead search for 'Super Lube H1 grease' - this is a food grade grease, thickened with PTFE instead of bentonite clay. The clay is an old style thickening agent that is more abrasive, and the PTFE (TeflonTM) should be much better. Super Lube can be purchased online or locally (my hardware store had it).
Estimate 2 Hours total work if this is your first time to Disassemble, Clean ALL the grease out, and Reassemble. My time was split over two days - disassembly, order part, receive part (3 days), reassemble. Total cost for part, shipping, grease in the $25-$40 range, but I have lifetime supply of grease. Way better for pocket and environment than a new mixer !
Story submitted on February 4, 2020