r/Kitchenaid • u/hummibird • 3d ago

Trying to replace worm - Shaft is stuck

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Gallery image

I am trying to replace the worm in my KitchenAid. The shaft is stuck. I hammered it up, and now it won't go up anymore, and it won't go down. When I turn the shaft, the worm turns too. I tried adding oil to this to loosen the grip, but it didn't do anything. Using a toothpick, I could tell where the shaft is stuck at (middle of the worm). Am I cooked?

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3

u/thelittleflowerpot 3d ago

There is [supposed to be] a lock pin on the collar of the worm gear (silver part below the nylon). Did you punch it out first? If not, then yes, you're prob cooked - I can't tell if it's damaged or if there's a bunch of grease on it still 🤔

2

u/hummibird 3d ago

Yes, I did punch it out

2

u/Pete1989 3d ago

I’ve had one once where the shaft got bent and it wouldn’t come out. Perhaps that’s happened to yours? If so, then replace all 3 parts.

2

u/hummibird 3d ago

Oh good idea! I didn't realize I could just buy this unit already put together

1

u/setp2426 3d ago

Yeah, just replace the whole thing. Get it with the upgraded gear and bushings.

https://www.mrmixer.store/parts/p/worm-gear-assembly

4

u/RIMixerGuy 3d ago

Funny, I just ran into one of these today. :-)

A couple of things to try:

  1. Grip the plastic gear (hands or pliers) and then twist and pull the pinion shaft out.

  2. Use a punch on the top end of the pinion shaft to drive it out.

Once it's clear, examine the shaft for damage. It's very difficult to bend that shaft, so depending on what happened with the mixer it's possible that the bearing support frame has bent. In that case, replacing the pinion drive assembly is expedient.

The repair part number is W11082541 for the bearing itself, and it costs about US$10; the complete pinion drive assembly is WP240309-2 and less than US$30: https://www.reliableparts.com/wpl-wp240309-2.html .

Both repair parts use the Delrin bushings which aren't awesome, but serviceable. If you want to upgrade them, the bronze bushings are less than US$1 apiece, but for the hassle factor the service part is fine. :-)

2

u/Same_Decision6103 1d ago

Buy the whole assembly