Ok so I know I should put up the disclaimer that as long as your mixer is still under warranty there is no way you should be taking it apart and poking at it, because that would be dumb and void your warranty.

That having been said, if you are past warranty and want to try and fix your big 'ole baby, here is a post I found from Food on the Food blog. This brilliant lady managed to fix her 8 year old KA for less than $20! I hope it helps someone out!

http://www.foodonthefood.com/food_on_the_food/2009/04/how-to-repair-a-kitchenaid-mixer-yourself.html

Great link, thanks!!

Thanks, I have two mixers that I've burned out, so maybe the links on that article will help me with them.

Thank You for the Link.

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately for me I invested over $100. in parts and a gob of my husband's time trying to fix mine. It works, but it still sounds like it could die at any time.

I read on another forum that the Kitchenaid mixers are not the same as they used to be because Hobart sold that line to another company. The really old Kitchenaids are supposedly much better made than the newer ones (like mine)