20 Most Recent KitchenAid KSM90 Ultra Power Series Stand Mixer - Page 9 Questions & Answers

Yes, it is very easy to fix. You will need a new coupler, which is part number 9704230. There is a set of instructions with video here: http://www.kaparts.co.uk/Howtoremoveablendercoupler/tabid/219/Default.aspx

Remove the shaft an cutter first and install the outside case of the shredder. Tighten thumb screw. You may have to lift up on a lever that runs in a groove in the shaft to remove the shaft.

Next install the shaft with cutter attached. Lube the shaft with tiny bit of mineral oil or food safe grease. Lift the lever mentioned above and rotate till the shaft seats and then drop the lever and make sure it is engaged.

Hi REDEN828, yes, you are correct. When you reinstalled them you either misaligned one or both brushes so they are not seated properly on the motor's armature. See the illustration below:

I'd suggest removing them again and making sure the concave contact face rests completely on the armature’s commutator. If you've turned it 90 degrees too much, the brush won’t seat properly and you get no power to the motor.
It would also be helpful to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website at: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM50P (Your KSM90P mixer falls within this manual), and select the last file KSM90PSWW0.pdf (354.08 KB) listed under Parts List (16) and then check to verify this matches your mixer model.
Turn to pages 6 & 7, titled “Motor And Control Parts”, which provides an exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer’s electrical components, along with all the parts. Locate Illus No 32, Brush holder assembly that includes #18, 21, 22, 23, & 31 which is the brush holder insert, and Illus. No. 19, brush & Spring assembly respectively. The illustration along with the picture above regarding the orientation of the brushes should get your mixer powered back up and operational. Good luck! I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has been helpful to you, please rate it, thanks! -hslincoln

It sounds like the bar that the head hinges on has come out. It is located on the base and should be flush with the side of the mixer on both sides. Just knock it back into position and then turn the mixer over to tighten the screw that holds the hinge pin in place. It might also be that you need to adjust the height of the head by turning the adjustment screw on the hinge. Lift the head and the adjustment screw should be visible.

I needed to replace the nylon worm drive in my mixer. When I put it back together, I found that my mixer made a kind of grinding noise. The noise was due to a vibration associated with the cover for the electrical wiring in the back of the mixer. I solved my noise simply by loosening the screw to this cover. The cover is located on the back of the mixer, and the screw is on the top.
Separately, to find instructions for opening your mixer, you can go to http://neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm.

I determined that the switch that controls whether the mixer is on or off is controlled by a copper bar with a contact. The contact got fused to the copper bar, possibly due to a short. Since the contact got fused to the copper bar, the circuit was always connected, so the mixer was always on. The solution was to 1) unplug the mixer, and 2) take a screw driver and gently pry the contact away from the copper bar. When the mixer is in the off position, the copper bar and contact are no longer in contact. When the mixer is on, the copper bar and contact make contact. My mixer now works just fine. Yea!

Hi GWILSON622, from the symptoms you describe I suspect that one or both of the brushes is (are) not seated properly. Did you remove the brushes to replace them or were you just inspecting them? The brushes need to be installed so that they both seat correctly on the armature's commutator. See the illustration below:

I'd suggest removing them again and making sure the concave contact face rests completely on the armature's commutator. If you've turned it 90 degrees too much, it wont' seat properly.
It would also be helpful to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website at: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case, KSM90P, and select the file, KSM90PSWH0.pdf (354.08 KB) listed under Parts List (16) (check to see it this matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 6 & 7, titled “Motor And Control Parts”, which provides an exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer’s electrical components, along with all the parts. Locate Illus No 32, Brush holder that includes #18, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 31 which is the brush holder and brush & Spring assembly respectively. This illustration along with my initial reply regarding the orientation of the brushes should allow you to reinstall your replacements with confidence.
While your mixer is apart it would be ideal to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your mixer yourself.
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer. Good luck! I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has been helpful to you, please rate it, thanks! -hslincoln

It sounds like the pin that holds the head on is not in the correct place. IT should not stick out on either side, if it is, knock it back so it is flush with the sides. Turn the mixer over and tighten the screw that holds the pin in place.

The second problem is that the head is too low. This can happen over time. There is a screw that can be accessed when you lift the head up. It is in the middle of the hinge. Adjusting this will lower and raise the head position when the head is lowered back into place.

Yes, the upper case is available as a seperate part. Any authorised KitchenAid repairer should be able to get hold of the part and make the repair.

Hi ILLOWA, Happy Newy Year! I believe the metal ring you are referring to is your mixer’s “Planetary Drip Ring”. The drip ring is a compression/friction fitted piece that should stay on during normal use. It should be on tightly enough that to remove it by gently tapping the edge of the ring with a straight screwdriver at several places around the ring.
If the drip ring is falling on its own, than you might try the reverse on trying to remove the ring and tap the bottom of the drip ring gently with a few taps of a soft faced mallet or hammer (use a piece of wood between the hammer face and the ring to protect the ring) around the ring to see it that seats it any better.
The ring may only fit tightly on the mixer in one orientation. Mark the outside of the ring with a small piece of tape so you can keep track of the orientations you have tried. As you attempt to seat the drip ring, if it will not stay on, then rotate the drip ring clockwise, just a bit, and repeat the process. Ideally you should find one position where the drip ring will fit securely and stay in place. Give the drip ring one final squeeze for good measure. Keep an eye on the drip ring the first few times you use the mixer to make sure it is not working loose again.
If it still comes off, then the ring opening has been expanded to the point that it won’t ‘grip’ the mixer head where it’s attached. You can either attempt to ‘crimp’ it with a pair of pliers at a few points around the ring so that it may grip better, or you may want to order a replacement drip ring for your mixer for which you’ll need the Parts List manual. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, and select the file KSM90PSWH0.pdf (354.08 KB) listed under Parts List (16) (check to see that it matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled “Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit”, which provides and exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. Nos. 26, Planetary Drip Ring, which is the part you want to order.
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
Also, while your mixer is apart it would be ideal to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your KA mixer yourself.
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble, repair, and reassemble your mixer.
Good luck. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi MPCMC, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! By the symptoms you describe, you may have had some internal movement of the gears when the mixer was dropped. You can be pretty sure that any fall hard enough to dent the mixer’s head will also jostle the internal components and possibly ‘redistribute’ the lubrication grease. I also don’t believe KA mixers were meant to be inverted; it’s just not the way they were meant to be used. J
It’s also possible that one (or more) of the gears could be failing, but the intermittent/inconsistent grinding would lead me to think it’s more of a gear alignment issue than a gear failure (if a gear were going bad, you’d get the grinding noise at all speed levels not just the first two speeds) so…the only way to truly find out what’s happening inside your mixer is to take it apart. The good news is that you can troubleshoot the mixer yourself quite easily (OK, maybe a little effort) if you are a DITY type person, feel adventurous, and your mixer is not under warranty.
(Allow me to digress just a bit. Your Prof 6 Qt mixer is noisier because KA constructed this transmission with all metal gears. Earlier KA models had a nylon ‘fail-safe’ gear designed to strip when the mixer was overloaded so the mixer would go up in smoke.)
Before you start to take apart your mixer, you want to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P (Your KSM90P mixer falls within this manual), and select the last file KSM90PSWW0.pdf (354.08 KB) listed under Parts List (16) and then check to verify this matches your mixer model.
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled: “Case, Gearing And Planetary Unit” for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. No. 36, Worm Gear Bracket & Gear, including Illus. No. 7, Worm Gear, and Illus. No. 13, Attachment Hub Bevel Gear. I would focus my attention on these components that may be causing the problems. After clearing all the grease away, you’ll probably find that a gear is out of alignment or been damaged.
You can order a replacement gear and install it yourself. While you’ve got your mixer this far apart you can check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the on the gears and other components. Besides a replacement gear, and grease you might consider replacing the gasket, and “O”-ring too (If you’ve noticed oil leaking). You should use a food-grade grease that you can order online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your call). Do not try to reuse any original grease as this may be filled with debris from a damaged gear.
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. You should search for ‘food grade grease’. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your mixer yourself.
Finally, here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer, should you decide to go that route.
If you feel this repair is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi,

It sounds like the Planetary Gear assy. has gear lubricant leaking into it from the gear case above it. This may not be that unusual so there may be 2 possibilities or a combination of both. The Gear Case is directly above the Planetary Gear assy. It is filled (sort of) with a food grade (assuming...I hope) grease that is necessary to keep things lubed. There are fiber washers and possibly an o-ring in the shaft assembly which should keep the grease from migrating toward your food. The Planetary Gear assy. is the part that rotates around on the business end of the mixer. It has a bronze bearing that is intended to run without lubrication. However it is a wear point and if worn sufficiently, could allow escape lubricant from the gear case above to drip into your mix. The Kitchen Aid Service Manual is a good source of info. You can get it as well as complete diagrams of the internal parts at:
http://www.goodmans.net/get_item_ka-4162075_kitchenaid-mixer-4162075-planetary.htm

You can also get parts and the KitchenAid Service Manual.pdf at:
http://www.mendingshed.com/kitaidparts.html

I know if it was my mixer, I'd give it a look. They're good tools and worth the effort!

Good luck.

DZII

Hi CERILEY, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Sorry to hear about your mixer’s leaking grease (oil) from your planetary/agitator shaft (‘moving mixing part’). It can be a distressing sight, but there’s no need to panic.
If the amount of oil found leaking is small and if your mixer otherwise works normally with the missing oil you really don’t need to take your mixer apart to ‘fix’ it. The good news, though, is that you can take the mixer apart and 'fix' it, if you feel it is necessary.
The internal gears are factory packed with enough grease to last a 'lifetime', whatever that means? Depending on the age of your mixer, where it’s been stored and how heavily it’s been used; these factors all will eventually cause the grease’s base oil to separate from its hardening additives, with the resultant oil seeping from openings beyond the gasket and “O”-ring and generally follow the path of least resistance down to the lowest point, i.e., the agitator shaft. Gravity can be very insidious.
What should you do? For starts just clean your agitator shaft and pedestal with a sponge and hot, soapy water (DO NOT immerse your mixer in a sink of hot soapy water, though!).
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty, which it is. Just be sure to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, and select one of the files KSM90PSWH0.pdf (354.08 KB)listed under Parts List (16) (check to see it this matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled “Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit”, which provides and exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. Nos. 18 and 32. For starters you may want to order these replacement parts: Transmission Case Gasket (Part # 4162324) and “O”-Ring (Part # 67500-00), along with gear grease. Look for a ‘food-grade’ grease (Lithium grease is white, although the original grease is vanilla extract colored).
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
Also, while your mixer is apart it would be ideal to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your KA mixer yourself.
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble, repair, re-grease and reassemble your mixer.
Finally, if you feel this is beyond your capabilities and will be too difficult to do by yourself you can take your mixer to a local small appliance repair shop and have them troubleshoot and fix your mixer. KA Customer Care can provide you with the name and phone # of the closest authorized KA repair shop in your area or you can do a Online web search, but be sure to get at least three estimates before deciding to commit to one repair shop.
Good luck. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Merry Christmas WESTHOFFL! Unfortunately from the symptoms you describe, your mixer has experienced a total transmission failure. You don’t mention how old your KA mixer is or how hard it’s been used, but for your particular model, KA has a plastic gear designed to fail instead of the whole mixer ‘going up in smoke’. And what it sounds like is that this fail-safe gear finally ‘failed’ (stripped) so that the power from your electric motor is not getting to your planetary and the agitator shaft. What can you do?
The good news is that this can be fixed quite easily (OK, maybe a little effort) by yourself, if you are a DITY type person, feel adventurous, and your mixer is not under warranty. You can troubleshoot it yourself. Be sure you have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM50P (Your KSM90P mixer falls within this maual), and select the last file KSM90PSWW0.pdf (354.08 KB) listed under Parts List (16) and then check to verify this matches your mixer model.
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled: Case, Gearing And Planetary Unit for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. No. 36, Worm Gear Bracket & Gear, including Illus. No. 7, Worm Gear. I suspect this is the weak link in your mixers transmission and causing the problems. After clearing all the grease away, you’ll probably find that is has been stripped.
You can order a replacement gear and install it yourself. While you’ve got your mixer this far apart you can check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the on the gears and other components. Besides a replacement gear, and grease you might consider replacing the gasket, and “O”-ring too (If you’ve noticed oil leaking). You should use a food-grade grease that you can order online (although I’ve seen automotive bearing grease used too – your call). Do not try to reuse any original grease as this should be filled with debris from the stripped gear.
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. You should search for ‘food grade grease’. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your mixer yourself.
Finally, here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer, should you decide to go that route.
If you feel this repair is beyond your capability, then I would seek out a local small appliance repair shop in your area. KA Customer Care can give you names of local KA authorized repair shops in your area, but you can also do an online search to supplement what KA may provide you. Call to explain your circumstances and find out their hourly rate and get an estimate of what they think it would cost to repair your mixer. Also, always obtain three or more estimates – do some comparison shopping. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi AQUA_1WELL, you want grease not oil.
Your KA mixer came supplied with a ‘lifetime’ supply of grease for lubricating your mixers transmission gears. However, over time that grease breaks down and it should be replaced as part of a regular maintenance regimen for your mixer.
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty. Just be sure to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, and select one of the files listed under Parts List (check to see it this matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled “Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit”, which provides and exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. This gearing is what you want to re-grease; as you disassemble the mixer head, you’ll see where what gears need grease and how much is used.
Ideally you want to replace the grease in your mixer with a ‘food grade’ grease (although I’ve see people use automotive bearing grease, too – your call.) Unfortunately you can’t just buy a ‘little’ grease, so the best option is to purchase a ‘cartridge’ and you’ll have enough to last you a lifetime of KA mixers. Try this link: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/greases/ecatalog/N-9iv/Ntt-food+grade+grease?op=search&sst=All to get an idea of the grease available. You don’t necessarily need to purchase from Grainger, but when I fixed my wife’s mixer and needed to replace the grease in her mixer, the grease came from Grainger.
Here are five potential online vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your mixer yourself.
Finally, here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer. The mixers displayed in the links are different KA models, but the principles are the same.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble and reassemble your mixer. Good luck and have fun. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution was helpful, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

check the brushs from sitting around they may be stuck in the journals.

Hi JNJ2SOME. I believe the silver metal ring you are referring to is your mixers “Planetary Drip Ring”. Is it about 5” in diameter? The drip ring is a friction fitted piece that should stay on during normal use. It should be on tightly enough that to remove it by gently tapping the edge of the ring with a straight screwdriver at several places around the ring.
If the drip ring is falling on it’s own, than you might try the reverse on trying to remove the ring and tap the bottom of the drip ring gently with a few taps of a hammer (use a piece of wood between the hammer face and the ring to protect the ring) around the ring to see it that seats it any better. If it still comes off, then the ring opening has been expanded to the point that it won’t ‘grip’ the mixer head where it’s attached. You can either attempt to ‘crimp’ it with a pair of pliers at a few points around the ring so that it may grip better, or you may want to order a replacement drip ring for your mixer.
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty, which it is. Just be sure to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, and select one of the files listed under Parts List (check to see it this matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled “Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit”, which provides and exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. Nos. 26, Planetary Drip Ring, which is the part you want to order.
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
Also, while your mixer is apart it would be ideal to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your KA mixer yourself.
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble, repair, and reassemble your mixer.
Finally, if you feel this is beyond your capabilities and will be too difficult to do by yourself you can take your mixer to a local small appliance repair shop and have them troubleshoot and fix your mixer. KA Customer Care can provide you with the name and phone # of the closest authorized KA repair shop in your area or you can do a Online web search, but be sure to get at least three estimates before deciding to commit to one repair shop.
Good luck. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

Hi BAKLAENE. Sorry to hear about your mixer’s leaking grease (oil) from your planetary/agitator shaft (‘metal finger’). It can be a distressing sight, but there’s no need to panic.
If the amount of oil found leaking is small and if your mixer otherwise works normally with the missing oil you really don’t need to take your mixer apart to ‘fix’ it. The good news, though, is that you can take the mixer apart and 'fix' it, if you feel it is necessary.
The internal gears are factory packed with enough grease to last a 'lifetime', whatever that means? Depending on the age of your mixer – 6 years, where it’s been stored and how heavily it’s been used; these factors all will eventually cause the grease’s base oil to separate from its hardening additives, with the resultant oil seeping from openings beyond the gasket and “O”-ring and generally follow the path of least resistance down to the lowest point, i.e., the agitator shaft. Gravity can be very insidious.
What should you do? For starts just clean your agitator shaft and pedestal with a sponge and hot, soapy water (DO NOT immerse your mixer in a sink of hot soapy water, though!).
The inspection and troubleshooting of the inside of your mixer is a DITY capability, particularly if your mixer is out of warranty, which it is. Just be sure to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version from the KA website: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home.
Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM90P, and select one of the files listed under Parts List (check to see it this matches your mixer model).
Turn to pages 4 & 5, titled “Case, Gearing and Planetary Unit”, which provides and exploded view for the disassembly and reassembly of your mixer, along with all the parts. Locate Illus. Nos. 18 and 32. For starters you may want to order these replacement parts: Transmission Case Gasket (Part # 4162324) and “O”-Ring (Part # 67500-00), along with gear grease. Look for a ‘food-grade’ grease (Lithium grease is white, although the original grease is vanilla extract colored - a very good description, BTW).
Here are five potential vendors in no particular order: RepairClinic.com; mendingshed.com; searspartsdirect.com; partstore.com; and Grainger.com. Prices can vary widely between vendors, so do your comparison shopping.
Also, while your mixer is apart it would be ideal to check for any other unseemly wear and tear on the gears, etc. It can be messy but quite gratifying to diagnose and repair your KA mixer yourself.
Here are some links to several excellent websites that detail the disassembling/reassembly of a KA Mixer.

• http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discussions/kitchen-aid.htm
• http://www.neilcrockett.com/mixer.htm
• http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Between these three websites and their excellent pictures and descriptions and your Parts List manual, you should now be able to completely disassemble, repair, re-grease and reassemble your mixer.
Finally, if you feel this is beyond your capabilities and will be too difficult to do by yourself you can take your mixer to a local small appliance repair shop and have them troubleshoot and fix your mixer. KA Customer Care can provide you with the name and phone # of the closest authorized KA repair shop in your area or you can do a Online web search, but be sure to get at least three estimates before deciding to commit to one repair shop.
Good luck. I hope this helps. Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has helped you, please rate it, thanks! – hslincoln

It sparked, too? It's dead.

Hi FVBAKER1. Sorry to hear that your having problems with your new KA mixer. As frustrating as your experience is if it still under warranty (brand new and used once sounds like it to me), then I would contact them immediately and tell them about your problem.
The KA website is at: http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home. Click on Customer Care>Contact Us> and the toll free phone number is listed to speak with someone. You can also look under the Warranty & Service Plans to see what KA will do for you. I've extracted parts of it here:
Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty
We’re so confident the quality of our products meets the exacting standards of KitchenAid that, if your mixer should fail within the first year of ownership, KitchenAid will arrange to deliver an identical or comparable replacement to your door free of charge and arrange to have your “failed” mixer returned to us.
Your replacement unit will also be covered by our one year full warranty. Please follow these instructions to receive this quality service.
If you reside in the United States and your KitchenAid® mixer should fail within the first year of ownership, simply call our toll-free Customer Satisfaction Center at 1-800-541-6390, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Eastern Time. Give the consultant your complete shipping address. (No P.O. Box Numbers, please.)
When you receive your replacement mixer, use the carton and packing materials to pack-up your “failed” mixer. In the carton, include your name and address on a sheet of paper along with a copy of the proof of purchase (register receipt, credit card charge slip, etc.).
I hope this helps. Good Luck with KA! - Howard, Burke, VA
If this solution has been helpful, please rate it, thanks! - hslincol