New AKM Assistent (Electrolux DLX) Mixer Arm Won't Lock

I'm not sure what the malfunction is but until you get it figured out there may be some doughs you can make using the dough hook instead of the roller.

You might want to try placing another washer on the knob to see if that helps. Good luck.

Amy, it sounds like something is wrong.  I have the older model, the Magic Mill, but I would guess it works the same way.  On mine, if you hold the arm so that it is in the center of the bowl, and turn the knob until it locks ( about 2 full turns ) the arm stays in the middle.  As you unscrew the knob, the arm starts to fall back towards the outside of the bowl, a little further with each turn of the knob.  Does you knob tighten down so it won't turn any more?  If not, my guess is that the thread on the knob could be stripped.  I would call the place you bought it from and see what they suggest. 

Terry,  I have a friend who had a similar problem and it was a pretty easy fix.  First, we need to confirm exactly what is happening.  Lock the arm where you want it and put a piece of paper tape on the back of locking knob and draw an arrow on the tape pointing straight up, like it is pointing to 12:00 on a dial.  Then turn on the mixer,  does arrow you drew no longer point directly at 12:00 but start to rotate.  If so, the problem is that the  knob does not have enough friction.  It is supposed to have a compression spring that sits inside the knob, and that spring keeps the knob from rotating freely.  Take the knob off, and take it to a hardware store and try to find a compression spring that is the right diameter to fit into the knob.  The length is not all that critical, you just want something to keep pressure on the knob. Another possible fix is to use blue removable loctite - which will make the knob harder to turn.  I would try the spring first.   

Terry, there is no problem with calling Magic Mill, but since you bought it used, I doubt it is under warranty.  There is nothing special about the spring, it is a 1/4 diameter, by about 1/2 inch long.  I would suggest you go to a hardware store and see if they have any springs that are 1/4 wide  ( if it is wider, it won't fit in the knob ) and at least 1/2 inch long, though even longer would work fine.  The use of a spring in this fashion is a pretty common method to reduce movement of a knob under vibration, that is why I am sure you won't hurt anything by using a different spring than the one that originally came with the DLX.  The only potential problem with a replacement is that if you got one that was way too long, say 2 inches or so, it would prevent the knob from tightening all the way. If the only spring that they have is too long, see if a friendly store clerk  ( there are some of those around, at both the box stores, and more commonly at the locally owned stores ) will cut it down to about 1 inch.  Springs are pretty tough to cut with household tools, though a dremel or a wire cutter will work.  

Amy, it is true that the newer versions have a higher top speed than the old DLX, which is why you should not go to the fastest setting for kneading.  On the other hand, you have paid a lot of money for a machine that is excellent at kneading dough, and I would not accept an answer that involves you having to knead by hand, unless you prefer to knead by hand.  IMHO, the knob should not rotate, no matter what speed, but if you run it at 2/3 of the max speed, and it is still moving, then try the suggestions I made for Terry above.  Let us know how it goes,   I really do think the DLX is the best I have used at  kneading, it is a shame yours is not working for you. 

Amy,  I can't say how often the spring needs to be replaced, but the whole idea of the spring is to apply enough pressure that the knob does not spin on its own.  I have an old DLX and AFAIK, the spring has never been replaced, and it works fine.    Try a new spring and see if that helps.  There are  other solutions,  one is to put blue loctite on the bolt - that is a compound that is designed to make it hard for a nut to turn a bolt.  The problem is that it if you use just a little too much, it will make it pretty hard to turn the knob,   The goal is for the knob to turn easily when you want to adjust it, but to stay there when you stop turning it.  Hopefully, a new spring will work for you.  

I know PHG has a phone number of a company in New Jersey that does repairs on DLXs.  I suggest you call PHG and get the phone number from them.

 If you call and explain your problem to them they will more than likely tell you what is wrong and how to repair it yourself.

Janet

Amy, did you try putting in both springs?  All you are trying to do is put enough tension on the knob that it will not turn freely.