How to a replace KitchenAid blender drive coupler


Steven E / Wednesday May 7, 2025


Is your trusty KitchenAid blender not blending smoothly, or perhaps making strange noises? You might have a worn-out drive coupler on your hands—a common issue that can leave your kitchen creations in limbo. Fear not! Our step-by-step guide, complete with an easy-to-follow how-to video below, will equip you with the knowledge to fix it yourself. Let’s get your blender back to its former glory!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a Kitchenaid blender, the drive coupler WP9704230 is responsible for connecting the motor shaft to the blender pitcher, allowing your blender to blend ingredients smoothly. Over time, use and wear can cause the drive coupler to become damaged. Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include a loose or wobbly connection between the motor shaft and the blender pitcher, unusual noises during blending, or the blender not functioning at all. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your blender back in working order. So, let’s get started!

You can find a replacement blender drive coupler here. If you need other replacement parts for your Kitchenaid blender, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Drive Coupler WP9704230

Tools needed

  • Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
  • Hammer
  • Flathead screwdriver

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
  • Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
  • Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
  • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
  • Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
  • Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
  • Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
  • Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
  • Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Replacement steps

  1. Note that the drive coupler is attached with a left-handed thread, meaning it needs to be turned clockwise to loosen and remove it.
  2. Using the screwdriver and hammer, place the screwdriver on the coupler and give it a sharp hit with the hammer. This will break the threads free, so avoid using excessive force.
  3. If the coupler is severely damaged and cannot be removed with the screwdriver and hammer, you may need to pry it off. Insert the screwdriver beneath the coupler, lift it up, rotate it a quarter turn, and repeat until the coupler comes off the shaft.
  4. Once the old coupler is removed, clean any residue aluminum from the threads of the motor shaft to ensure a smooth fit for the new coupler.
  5. Place the new coupler onto the motor shaft, ensuring alignment of the threads. It is a left-handed thread, so turn it counterclockwise to tighten it down. Start by hand-tightening it.
  6. Use the screwdriver to further tighten the new coupler by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to overtighten, as it may damage the threads.
  7. Reattach the blender pitcher, ensuring proper alignment with the coupler. 
  8. Plug the blender back into the power source.
  9. Turn on the blender to tighten the coupler down.
  10. Confirm that the new coupler is securely attached by giving it a gentle tug to make sure it doesn’t come loose or wobble.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drive coupler in your Kitchenaid blender. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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