At higher speeds, my KitchenAid mixer has an erratic pulse that can affect mixing of thicker materials. Could this be a sign that the carbon brushes need to be replaced? There appears to be around a quarter inch left on each carbon brush, and I do see some sparking around each one when it is running. Is that normal? Should they be replaced? All of the gearing looks and feels fine to me.

This unit has seen some miles, but is in very good shape. I have already replaced the worm gear and one of the drive shaft pins that sheared off once.

Sparking and uneven power are indications that the brushes need replacing.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JllpbvVqFD8

+1 to replacing the brushes.

Is this a Pro model w/ all metal gearing, or one of the consumer jobs with the plastic internals?

If the latter, it would be an excellent excuse to upgrade, IMO.

-Rob

I would imagine the policy is the same, but about ten years ago my kitchen aid mixer was leaking oil. I took it into Bed Bath and Beyond (not whee I bought it but an authorized distributor). They listened to what was wrong and told me to go pick one off the shelf. Ten minutes later I was headed home with a brand new one.
They said that the kitchen aid has a lifetime warranty. They honored it.

Might give that a try.

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
+1 to replacing the brushes.

Is this a Pro model w/ all metal gearing, or one of the consumer jobs with the plastic internals?

If the latter, it would be an excellent excuse to upgrade, IMO.

-Rob

Mix of plastic/metal gears; it's an Artisan model, but I do like the way you think about an upgrade....

Maybe I'll give beancooker's idea a shot. I'd pay the difference in an upgrade.