I have a KitchenAid mixer Model K5SS, Ser #W83808959. The motor stopped running and in checking the brushes, I found they are are both stuck in the brush holders. I suspect this is the reason the motor stopped working as the brushes have worn and being stuck, they are no longer contacting the armature. The spring has come off one of the brushes as I tried to remove the brush. Can you suggest a way to 'unstick' and remove the brushes from the holders so that I can replace the brushes with new ones? I know there may be other reasons the motor has stopped operating, but new brushes is good and inexpensive place to start troubleshooting. Thanks.

Remove the brush caps on the sides of the motor housing and check the carbon brushes. If they are worn out replace them. They are keyed and will only fit properly one way so be observant. If that's not the problem remove the back cover and check for broken wires on the black control plate. Make sure the switch on the bottom inside of the control plate is making contact. If still faulty check the cable for continuity to the control plate, cable connects to the black wire and the white wire on lower left of control plate. After that you need to check for continuity of the field coil windings. Only thing left after that would be the phase board pcb just above black speed control plate at the back.

Did you remove the brushes at any point? If you did it is possible that the brushes are installed correctly. The brushes have a tapered/dog eared side to them, this needs to be lined up within the mixer, if they are not lined up correctly the mixer will not turn on.

Was the speed control board cracked or was it the phase control board? If the bottom screw on the speed control plate is not adjusted correctly the mixer may not turn on as well.

If neither of those fixes the problem try the troubleshooting steps in the service manual. Here is a link to the service manual for the K5ss mixers. http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/mendingshed/kitchenaidservicemanual.pdf

Thank you,

Colleen
Customer Service
MendingShed.com
800-339-9297

first check the motor brush and replace them with a new pair. if you never do that check youtube and see a video how to do it.

I normally CAREFULLY drill a small hole thru the centre of the brush and get it out with a hooked probe. The brass square sleeve that the brush goes into can slide out with the brush. Make sure that doesn't happen because if it does you'll be splitting the cases to get the brush holder wire back where it belongs.

Hi DENAULTR, this is a repeat of my previous answer to your problem. It would also be helpful to have the Parts List manual on hand. If you're lacking one, you can download a PDF version Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM50P (Your K5SS mixer falls within this manual), and select the first file KSM50P.pdf (438.31 KB) listed under Parts List (4) 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 part names and numbers. Locate Illus No 47, Brush holder assembly that includes Illus. Nos. #28, 32, 33, 34, & 46, and Illus. No. 29, Brush & Spring assembly respectively. Make sure you orient each bruch correctly following the illustration here: The Parts List diagrams 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

Hi DENAULTR, I hate it when that happens. Those two “screws”’ are your mixer’s electric motor brushes. The slotted black threaded plastic parts are just the Brush Holder Caps and are the protective covers to the brush holder assemblies. They allow access to the brushes when they need to be replaced without having to take the whole mixer head apart.
From what you’ve described, I suspect that one or both of the brushes is (are) not seated properly when you reinstalled them. The brushes need to be installed so that they both seat correctly on the armature's commutator or you won’t get any ‘juice’ to the motor. 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 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 Click on Customer Care>Locate Manuals & Guides> Enter the 6 character model number, in your case use KSM50P (Your K5SS mixer falls within this manual), and select the first file KSM50P.pdf (438.31 KB) listed under Parts List (4) 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 part names and numbers. Locate Illus No 47, Brush holder assembly that includes Illus. Nos. #28, 32, 33, 34, & 46, and Illus. No. 29, Brush & Spring assembly respectively.
The Parts List 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

Motor brushes are fairly cheap to buy. It sounds like the first place to start: http://kitchenaidmixerspares.co.uk/Home/tabid/36/ProductID/88/Default.aspx

With the head of the mixer upside down. Back end toward you. The right side brush should be with bevel or narrow side up. The left brush should be with bevel or narrow side down.

I think this link will help you understand what is needed to fix your mixer.

You will need to purchase a gear. Here is link MarBeck should have it.

You may need to replace some grease. Make sure to use a non-toxic food grade grease.

I have the same mixer and I believe your problem is the governor that is on the back of the motor. You can figure it out by downloading the repair manual here:http://store.mendingshed.com/kitaidparts.html The manual has all the info you need; including a troubleshooting section. The governor is availible from the the same site here:http://store.mendingshed.com/kagovernor.html What tipped me off on my K5SS was looking at the governor as it ran and I could see it moving back and forth; not steady like it should. Good luck!