I have a Kitchenaid 6000HD mixer and it was making really bad sounding noises when turned on. I opened it and found this fan-looking thing on the back of the motor (mounted on the back end of the shaft). It was cracked and half was flying around inside the housing, making noise. Took it off and it sounds fine.
My question is: Is there any risk in using the mixer (indefinitely) without it? I couldn't figure out what it does- it looks like a fan but the blades are really small, and there's also no vent on the housing anywhere for this fan to get air out or in. Any risk in just using the mixer without it? Anyone know what this price does?