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KitchenAid Mixer Grinding or Stiff? Worm Gear Rear Bearing WPW10170081 – Fix Gear Wear Fast
If your KitchenAid stand mixer is making a grinding noise, running rough, or the head feels stiff under load, the worm gear rear bearing is the most likely culprit. In most KitchenAid bowl-lift and tilt-head stand mixers, this is caused by a failed or worn worm gear rear bearing. When it fails, the worm gear loses its rear support, causing metal-on-metal contact, increased friction, accelerated gear wear, and eventually a seized or damaged gearbox. ⚡ Common wear item in KitchenAid-built mixers after heavy use or years of service. Part WPW10170081 is the genuine OEM replacement that restores smooth, quiet gear operation and protects the worm gear from further damage.
❓ Is This the Right Part?
This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:
- ✔ Your mixer powers on and the motor runs — but operation is rough, noisy, or stiff
- ✔ Other attachments and speed settings function correctly
- ✔ No visible damage to the worm gear itself — bearing is the worn component
- ✔ ONLY problem is grinding noise, rough rotation, or excessive play in the gear assembly
Not sure? Send us your model number — we'll confirm before you order.
🔧 Common Symptoms
- Grinding or growling noise during mixing, especially under load
- Mixer head feels stiff or resistant when moving through dough or thick batter
- Increased vibration or wobble from the mixer head
- Worm gear showing accelerated wear or metal shavings in the grease
✔ If these symptoms match, this is the most likely failed component in the system.
✔ In most cases, replacing this worm gear rear bearing restores smooth, quiet operation immediately.
📦 Part Details
- Part Number: WPW10170081
- Type: Stand Mixer Worm Gear Rear Bearing
- Replaces: W10170081, 9703570
- Brands: KitchenAid, Whirlpool (international KitchenAid models)
⚠️ Recommended While Repairing:
While the gearbox is open, inspect the worm gear itself and the front bearing. If the grease is dark, contaminated with metal particles, or dried out, replace all three components together — the worm gear, front bearing, and rear bearing. Doing a full gearbox service in one pass prevents a repeat teardown within months and protects your mixer's most expensive internal components.
While the gearbox is open, inspect the worm gear itself and the front bearing. If the grease is dark, contaminated with metal particles, or dried out, replace all three components together — the worm gear, front bearing, and rear bearing. Doing a full gearbox service in one pass prevents a repeat teardown within months and protects your mixer's most expensive internal components.
⚙️ Installation
Skill Level: Moderate — 45–60 minutes. Disconnect power before servicing. Remove the mixer head cover and motor housing to access the gearbox. Extract the worm gear assembly, press out the old rear bearing, press in the new WPW10170081 bearing, repack with food-safe grease, and reassemble in reverse order. Ensure the bearing seats fully and squarely — a cocked bearing will cause immediate re-failure.
✓ Compatible Models
Confirmed compatible with KP26M1XER5, KP26M1XWH5, KV25G0XER5, KV25G0XWH5, KG25H0XER5, KG25H0XWH5, KF26M2XER5, KF26M2XWH5, KB26G1XER5, KB26G1XWW5, 4KB25G1XER5, 4KP26M1XER5, 5KP2670, 8KP2670 plus additional KitchenAid Pro 600, Commercial, and international models. Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.
💡 Pro Tip
Regrease the Entire Gearbox While You're In There:
KitchenAid gearboxes are factory-packed with grease that breaks down over years of use. If you're replacing the rear bearing, the gearbox is already open — spend an extra 10 minutes cleaning out the old grease and repacking with fresh food-safe lubricant. This single step can add years of life to the mixer and is the most overlooked part of any KitchenAid gearbox repair.
KitchenAid gearboxes are factory-packed with grease that breaks down over years of use. If you're replacing the rear bearing, the gearbox is already open — spend an extra 10 minutes cleaning out the old grease and repacking with fresh food-safe lubricant. This single step can add years of life to the mixer and is the most overlooked part of any KitchenAid gearbox repair.
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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Kitchener, Ontario N2E 1W8
Kitchener, Ontario N2E 1W8
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