Fresh-squeezed OJ in the morning! This Fix-It Guide on juicer repair tells how a juicer works, what often goes wrong, how to identify a juicer problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to disassemble a juicer or juice extractor and how to service a drive system. This Fix-It Guide also refers to electrical cord repair, motor repair, switch repair, and fuse repair.
How Does a Juicer Work?
A juicer is similar to a blender except it has additional power and specialized blades.
Juicers, or juice makers, are small appliances designed to process citrus fruits into juice. Juice extractors are small appliances that shred various fruits and vegetables and separate the juice from the pulp. Typically, juice extractors are more powerful–and more expensive–than juicers.
Juicers use a motor and gear assembly to drive a spring-loaded shaft and reamer. The reamer activates an internal switch that starts the motor. The rotating reamer rubs against the fruit, releasing juice into a container.
Juice extractors typically use centrifugal force to extract juice through a filter, though some models compress the fruit to force out the juice.
What Can Go Wrong with a Juicer?
Things that can go wrong with juicers and juice extractors are those common to other motorized small appliances. Electric cords, internal wiring, switches, brushes, and motors can fail. The spindle or reamer may be damaged and drive gears may be stripped. Fortunately, many of these things can be fixed.
Fix-It Tip
Make sure your juicer or juice extractor is clean before use. Not only is it more sanitary, it also will operate more easily, reducing the need to fix it.
How Can I Identify a Juicer Problem?
- If the juicer or extractor doesn’t work, first make sure power is on at the outlet. Check the electrical cord; look for broken wires or corroded connections; test the motor.
- If the juicer still doesn’t work, the brushes may need replacing. Either take the appliance to a repair center or replace it.
- If the motor stops or slows during use, an internal fuse may have burned out (extractors only); if the extractor has an internal fuse, press the reset button or let the motor cool for at least 10 minutes and start again; turn off the juicer and check for pulp buildup around the shaft (juicers only); if there is pulp around the shaft, remove the reamer and clear the pulp away with a moist sponge.
- If the motor runs but the reamer does not turn (juicers only), disassemble the juicer (see below) and inspect the spindle and coupling. Replace any broken or cracked parts if possible; if the reamer is cracked or the portion that fits over the spindle is worn, replace it. Also inspect the gears (see below) for worn or damaged teeth and replace them as a set if needed (see the Motor Fix-It Guide).
Fix-It Tip
Juice extractors use a special filter basket that can be damaged or bent. If it is damaged, replace it before reusing the appliance.
What Do I Need for Juicer Repair?
Replacement parts for a juicer or juice extractor are available from the manufacturer or aftermarket sources. To disassemble and fix these small appliances you’ll need these tools:
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches
- Sponge
- Paper towels
- Silicone lubricant
- Multimeter
What Are the Steps to Juicer Repair?
Disassemble a juicer or a juice extractor (standard models):
- Unplug the power cord.
- Remove any parts that come off without tools.
- Remove the base using screwdrivers or wrenches.
- Remove the electrical cord.
- Remove screws holding the motor and switch to the housing and carefully remove the motor from the housing.
- Remove the gears.
- Inspect, test with a multimeter, and replace worn or damaged parts as needed. Refer to the owner’s manual for part numbers and resources.
Service a juicer drive system:
- Disassemble, as above, to access the gear assembly.
- Remove the gears and spindle.
- Clean and inspect the gears (see the Motor Fix-It Guide), checking for worn teeth or other components.
- Replace parts as needed, referring to the owner’s manual.
- Reassemble the unit, applying silicon lubricant to the gear teeth.
Caution!
When applying lubricant, make sure you don’t get any on electrical components. Lubricants can conduct electricity and cause problems.
