KUCC151LSS1 KitchenAid Trash Compactor - Instructions

This is the third time that I have had to repair the actuator on this unit. The first two times I did it, it was a really simple fix-two screws and done. And it was inexpensive. However, obviously this fix didn't last because the piece of spring metal kept breaking. Fortunately, Kitchen Aid redesigned the actuator to use a new pedal mechanism and a different type of switch. This new actuator seems much beefier and I expect it will last for the life of the unit. The bad news is it is a pretty complex fix. Disconnect power, slide unit out, remove the top, remove the front panel, remove the switch and the old actuator, drill two new holes in the front panel and install the actuator, reinstall the panels and the new kick plate, slide the unit back in, level the unit and attach it to other cabinets, reconnect power. It was about as hard to do this part install as it is to install a new compactor. If you can install a compactor, you can install this part.

I removed the unit from under the kitchen counter by first pulling the trash drawer all the way out and lifting it out of the track and setting it out on the floor. I then slowly pulled the compacting unit out and unplugged the cord from the electrical outlet. With the entire unit out in the floor I took a nut driver and removed the screws from the top plate and the screws from both sides at the bottom of the front housing. This allowed access to the directional switch. Two screws on the right side of the switch have to be removed to remove the switch along with two holding plates on the left side of the switch. The switch can then be accesses for removal. Several wires are attached to the switch and should be removed one at a time and installed to the identical identical location on the new switch. The new switch can then be installed by aligning the holes and reinstalling the holding plates. When this is done the front frame and top plate can be replaced with the nut screws. Plug back into the electrical outlet and see if it works. In this case it did exactly what it was doing before I started. So either I did not reinstall the directional switch properly or I am in the one percent rather than the 99 percent that should successfully solve the problem as suggested in the trouble shooting guide. I will now recheck the installation of the directional switch nd then check the bottom of the unit to see if the gears or chain drive are broken .

I had replaced the actuator lever several times before and was very happy to see that they finally fixed an obvious design flaw. The installation of the modification kit is fairly involved and does require removing the compactor and partially disassembling it. However, the instructions provided are very clear and the job was completed with no complications. The fix they have devised looks like it will permanantly fix the issue. I'm very happy not to have to deal with the broken actuator issue ever again.

All I really needed to do was to take the front facing off and put on the new container, but I took the opportunity to do a complete overhaul and cleaning. It now work like a new compactor.

I installed the new bracket, however not the new switch that came with the kit as the old switch was fine. The one key which threw me for several hours is, you must replace the switch, located in the compactor. The new switch is normally open when compressed, the old switch is closed when compressed.

Pull unit from under counter (Held in place with 2 screws) Use nut driver to remove top and front panel. (I didn't remove the control panel from the front panel which probably made access more difficult) Locate the directional switch near the top of the unit and remove two screws, being careful not to lose a small metal plate into which the screws thread (similar to a Tinneman nut). I moved the wires one at a time from the old switch to the new as I am color blind and have trouble with wire colors. Fit the new switch in place, being sure the switch lever is positioned against the metal tab that operates it. Screw the switch in place and then reassemble the compactor.

After removing the compactor from under the counter, and unplugging it, I did the disassembly. The replacement parts were easy to install. Two holes had to be drilled to mount the switch, but that was not difficult. Overall, the instructions were easy to follow and the parts all fit.

Went well but took time. Instructions adequate but not detailed.

This replacement kit did solve the problem but required replacement of a number of parts because the switch and actuator functionality had been redesigned. Fitting the kit of parts requires that you have to slide the compactor away and out of its location (might be a bit tricky if it's beautifully integrated into a designer kitchen)so as to remove the front cover. Some heavy leather gloves could be helpful here since there are several sharp edges on the pressed steel carcase of the unit. Once free the kit replacement is relatively easy (for the average handyman/woman), following the simple instructions provided. You will need to drill two new holes in the front plate (template provided) so an electric drill and a sharp drill bit (for metal) will be needed. Most important - the kit worked; and with a more reliable component than that replaced.

followed the instruction sheet. Instructions should be expanded to tell novice more about each step. Instructions should point out that the old switch is not easy to remove, and may break during removal. Instructions should point out importance of noting which of the two switch wires are connected to which temminal on the new switch. Instructions should warn installer that the metal console and compactor frame are very sharp and can cut hands and fingers-use gloves during switch removal and re-installation. Instructions should note that drill size should be larger. I used 7/64", and still needed to enlarge hole for screws to insert. Instructions need to emphasize that the new actuator pedal assembly screws supplied have a very small phillips head slot. If the hole drilled is not large enough, there is a possibility of stripping the screw slot.

First off....I was surprised at how inexpensive the drive gear kit was. As others commented, they fit perfectly and I believe will fit other manufacturer's models since there is a lot of cross branding. The Drive gear replacement itself would be easy as described by others so I won't repeat that. However replacing the plastic tubular "ram stops" on the screw drive was a challenge since there are no "helpful hints" in the blog. To do that you have to work from the top and sides. Needed to remove the two gear cams where the screw drives are seated on the bottom of the unit, then (working with the unit on it's side)you have to raise the whole (heavy) plunger that is attached to the drive screws high enough to remove the old tubular ram stops and bushing and replace. To raise the plunger assembly out from the top you have to remove the sheet metal top plate of the unit....and....importantly remove the control panel on the front where the switches are. There is a limiter switch that has a metal arm which engages a plate on the plunger to stop the unit when it reaches the top. You need to remove that switch to be able to raise the plunger assembly high enough to get the new parts on the screw drive. Put all that back together and then go on to the gear replacement as described by others which was straight forward. Very messy job with all the grease and garbage residue. I am pretty handy figuring these things out, and there may be an easier way, but next time I will call a pro or replace the whole compactor.

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.

The online repair states the repair could be done in 10-15 minutes and actually took over an hour. It would have taken 10 minutes if I could have just purchased the metal flange that broke.

Thanks to Parts Select and their detailed instructions it turn out great! Replacement Parts fit Great!

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.