K45/K5 Clean and Re-grease Parts

Posted on Posted in Maintenance, Tech Tips
K45/K5 Clean and Re-grease Parts

This applies to all tilt-head machines (original K45, “Classic”, “Artisan”, “Ultra Power”) except the Accolade and Artisan Mini, as well as the older bowl-lift machines in the K5 series: K5A, K4SS, K5SS, KSM5, KSM50, KSMC50S, KSM450, KSM500 (and similar). Any full-sized mixer with a round rear cover secured with a small screw at the top center is applicable (note that this does not include the vintage 4C/3C/3B models).

If you are going to DIY this job, you will need the following items:

  • Gear housing gasket: part #WP4162324
  • Center shaft O-ring: part #WP67500-55 (see note below)
  • Grease (“food safe”, NSF H-1 rated, NLGI #2 viscosity, see below)

If you are repairing a failed worm follower gear, or if the mixer is an older machine and you are overhauling it for the first time:

  • Worm follower gear, part #WPW10112253 (see important note below)

The O-ring is a standard item which you can probably find in most hardware stores: 1/2in OD, 3/8in ID, 1/16in CS.

If the speed control lever is bent or missing its knob, you can replace it while the mixer is open. A repair kit which includes a replacement lever, gasket, and some other parts you won’t need is available as part number 4176230. The lever by itself with the black knob is part number WP9709276.

For grease I like the Super Lube 41160 (one 14oz can is enough for more than two mixers); you can buy it on Amazon. Valid alternatives are Mobil FM222, Phillips P66 Food Machinery Grease, and CRC SL35600.

Important note about the gear: do not buy the cheap aftermarket gears that you can get on Amazon. They are not built to factory specifications and will fail, sometimes immediately. Always use the genuine part.

Parts sources:

Updated: 3/8/2024