KUCV151MSS0 KitchenAid Trash Compactor - Instructions

Laid appliance on side - removed top sheet metal cover and bottom sheet metal cover. Broken delrin ring gear was on bottom of bottom cover (housing). Gear had broken off of its hub, which also was the sprocket chain drive for both acme screws driving the compactor platten. Motor had to be loosened so that the chain could be removed from the old sprocket hub, and the new delrin ring gear - with new sprocket hub attached - could be mounted on its fixed spindle. With new delrin gear/chain sprocket mounted, the motor had to be spaced and tightened to allow 0.010 inch lash between the gears. The only instructions included with the new gear was how to do this - by placing a piece of paper in between the pinion gear on the motor, and the new ring gear, and then tightening the motor into place. This was done, the sheet metal covers were re-installed, and the compactor works just fine. There is a design flaw in the original (KitchenAid) engineering of the gear, however, and I expect that in the next four years this will probably happen again.

Many of you with the KitchenAid trash compactor now that there's a faulty Actuator part the continues to break, and most likely have replaced this several times. I was glad to see that KitchenAid finally redesigned a part hoping to solve this problem. Overall, installing the new part went well. The new part does require you to pull out your compactor from the cabinet so you have access. After removing the top and front panels, you'll replace the switch and then install the new pedal that activates the switch, needing to drill a couple holes to secure it. Other than that, it's very simple. Only advice is to read the instructions a couple times to get yourself familiar with what needs to be done...then you'll have a much easier time and feel more confident before you start.

Took out old gears replaced with new very easy with your dirictions.

Follow the included instructions carefully (read it all through first) and this was a quick and simple fix if you are reasonably handy with a screwdriver and drill. It took me about 45 mins. You have to pull the unit out from under the countertop and then remove a series of small screws in order to get behind the front panel. Putting in the new actuator switch was a little cumbersome simply because there are other wires you have to work around but it's still very straightforward. After you reinstall the front panel, you attach a new foot activated button that presses down on the new actuator switch. You have to drill 2 small holes in the front panel sheet metal to attach this new button but a perfectly sized paper template is provided and it worked great. Last easy step is to replace the rubber door sweep so that the new button can be accessed with your toe. In effect, the compactor is now operated by pressing your toe against the new button on the lower right side below the door. It is a nice improvement over the old method of lifting up on the lever that you normally step on to open the door. Easy to install.

To repair the o.e.m. actuator lever, Whirlpool supplies a redesigned actuator switch. It requires dis-assembly of the front panel which takes time since you must first remove the trash compactor from the cabinetry. Once the front panel is off and you've removed the old switch, installing the new switch requires drilling two holes. Do not use the recommended drill bit -use an oversize bit to match the core diameter of the new screws. The new switch works brilliantly if done right. It just takes time.

It was an updated revision part kit...and it went so smooth ....recommend that anyone looking to repair appliances utilize PartSelect....I know I will be ...Thank You

Same problem as described previously on this site. Pulled unit out and replaced the gear as described. Thanks for the info - would have been tough with out it.

replaced the large gear and put it back together.

I attempted to fix the problems many time because of what I thought was a high cost. Your online reviews convinced me that it was well worth the cost. The instructions were very good and anyone who can read, use a screw drive, should be able to accomplish this job. It could be intimidating, but you can do it. And you will be glad. Follow the directions and you will have no problems.

bought new gears, pulled it out and replaced the gears. wasn't very hard. I did expect a jenn-air to be better built (plastic gears really!) but for 30 bucks it is all better.

I took the hex screws out with a nut driver and then punched out the role pin in the pinion gear (the little gear) and replaced it along with the large gear, less than 15 minutes. I was surprised how fast (day and a half) the parts were here.

Took the bent one out, put the new one in. The repair was not the story, the story was that we ordered the part on Monday afternoon and it was delivered on Tuesday! And the shipping was less than $8.00. Fresno to Elk Creek in less than 24 hours for that price was amazing!