Fresh-squeezed OJ in the morning! It's a good way to wake up. A bad way is to hear the grinding of a motor and gears carelessly ripping that orange beyond edibility! Because juicers and juice extractors are simply motor-driven blade appliances, fixing them can be relatively easy. Hey, it's worth a try.
How Does It Work?
A juicer is similar to a blender except it has additional power and specialized blades.
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Juicers 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?
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 the 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 Parts, Materials, and Tools Do I Need?
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 Fixing It?
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 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.