KitchenAid Decoupled Rotor from Impeller Plate

Garbage disposal motor runs but the grinding plate does not move; water and food do not circulate.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Sheared drive connection inside motor, Broken coupling between rotor and plate, Internal mechanical failure

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Turn OFF power immediately. Do not continue to run a disposal with a free-spinning motor and stationary plate.

Step-by-step:

  • 1. Confirm symptom: Look into the KitchenAid disposal while it is briefly turned on (use caution). If you hear the motor but see no movement, the drive is compromised.
  • 2. Manual test: With power OFF, rotate the plate using the bottom hex socket. If it spins freely but does not engage the motor, the coupling is broken.
  • 3. Do not disassemble motor: Internal couplings are not user-serviceable.
  • 4. Remove food: Clear as much food as possible from the chamber to prevent odor while awaiting replacement.
  • 5. Plan replacement: Select a compatible KitchenAid disposal and schedule installation.

When to call a technician: Internal mechanical failures require full unit replacement.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Impeller Drive Coupling
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