Whirlpool WPW10112253 Stand Mixer Worm Gear OEM Part

This was a problem that I'd had previously with this mixer. The worm gear, which is designed to fail (so that more serious damage does not occur to the motor), did fail while I was mixing some multi-grain bread dough. After the previous failure (pre-youtube days), I took the machine in for repair. The repair-shop cost came to about $150 in labor. Parts were extra. This time, I decided to do the repair myself, since I figured that I knew what was wrong. I found the appliancepartspros (APPros) youtube video on how to do the worm gear repair. It seemed to be the most comprehensive one out there and was the one that I decided to follow. The prices that APPros offered on the repair parts were also at least as good (and often better) than I found elsewhere. When I used their on-line help line with some questions, I was impressed with the support that I got. The only letdown was that there was a small part, an alignment pin, that I wanted, that APPros did not have unless it was included with another major part. I don't know if I'd lost the pin or if it had been lost previously in the repair shop, but the APPros video had not highlighted the importance of these easily-lost steel dowel alignment pins. I later found the part separately at a small local repair shop for $5. Including the $5 alignment pin, the total repair cost me less than $20 in parts. The APPros video was instrumental in my undertaking the repair, and the APPros on-line support was outstanding. Next time, this repair won't take me nearly so long. If I wish to repair another appliance, APPros will be my first on-line source for parts and "how-to" videos.

The main mission of the project was to simply replace the speed control lever.  Doing plenty of internet research I learned lever replacement requires opening of the cavity that contains grease for all of the gears. Additionally, that grease can congeal over time and fail to adequately protect internal gears. Until this job to replace the speed control lever, I never thought of needing to inspect the grease or internals of my 14-year-old mixer.  Based on this neglect, I prepared for a full grease replacement and the potential discovery of damaged parts. In addition to Appliance Part Pros videos, I strongly recommend watching Mr. Mixer 3 part series on YouTube for re-greasing Kitchenaid artisan mixers before planning the job. I learned many details on tools, supplies, and other tips/tricks to plan well for the work and minimize the downtime of my mixer. Parts I ordered from AppliancePartsPros.com prior to starting included:  Gasket, and Speed Control Lever. I ordered from another vendor 14.1 oz (probably enough for 2 grease replacements) of Super Lube Synthetic Multipurpose Grease that was NLGI Grade 2 (analogous to the viscosity of peanut butter) and that had an NSF Rating of H1 Food Grade with documentation available online. While working the job, I played/paused the Mr. Mixer YouTube videos as I progressed. During the inspection, I discovered the grease was congealed and the plastic worm gear was starting to wear down. I used nitrile gloves and a plastic drywall knife, and lots of paper towels to remove the spent grease,  a messy job but satisfying once complete.  I ordered two new plastic worm gears (the extra one for contingency next time I regrease) from AppliancePartsPros.com which arrived in a few days. After replacing the broken parts, re-grease, and reassembly, the mixer runs smoothly.

After 25 years of service the Kitchenaid stopped working. Found a video online that said when you have these symptoms it's almost always the worm gear - I figured for the cost of a $5 part what do I have to loose! The video had step by step instructions. Fairly simple repair - works great now. Looking forward to another 25 years.

Took mixer apart and replaced worm gear and worm gear bracket and bearing. Replaced planetary grease to make sure broken teeth didn't cause further damage.

Pulled the top of the mixer a part and removed the gear cluster and replaced the gear