Printer Problem?

[Keebler Elf]

I have an old printer (probably about 7-8 years) that is printing with a faded left-hand margin. I have replaced the toner cartridge and that doesn't fix the problem. I have also used the sliding mechanism on the drum to clean the roller but that doesn't help.

Does this sound like a drum replacement is needed? I don't want to buy a new drum if that's not going to fix it.

 

[misterdaty]

the sliding mechanism does not clean the roller... it cleans the corona wire ... if you have done this a few times, and it still is the same, take out the toner cartridge and shake it side to side.... if that doesn't help, then yes, you need a new drum unit....

what is the printer?
how many prints on this drum?
how many prints on machine?

hope this helps

 

[Gentle Ben]

also should tip the toner cartridge from side to side to level out the toner , but if it's printing the same as previous toner cartridge it's probably the drum or even transfer belt perhaps
you should be able to print a page that shows the life of consumables.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Printers are so cheap these days that it is just better to buy a new one. After 7-8 years the plastic parts just wear out. Any fix you put on it today will not last. I have seen inkjet printer go for as cheap as $29. They make their money on the toner cartridges.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Yeah, tried the shaking from side to side and it didn't help so guess it's time for a new drum.

 

[Anynym]

It's reasonable to think that the drum has passed the end of its useful life, but there are no guarantees that replacing the drum unit will fix the printer. Or that other parts of the printer won't wear out soon.

For a printer that's 7 or 8 years old, the drum unit is going to be a low-stock item (read: higher margin, higher price). You may be better off buying a new printer which comes with a new drum and more popular (for today) - thus more cost-effective - toner cartridges, etc. As in most things, do your research.

 

[Mr Bret]

In the time it took to write up this thread, you could have contacted the manufacturer's hotline and had an answer that's specific to your device.
Although, like C Cat said, home printers have almost become disposable these days given the price point.

 

[oldjones]

In the time it took to write up this thread, you could have contacted the manufacturer's hotline and had an answer that's specific to your device.
Although, like C Cat said, home printers have almost become disposable these days given the price point.

Almost? I did work for a guy who sold printers to national accounts. For him it was a sure thing. In fact he claimed that if printers weren't sold with undersized cartridges, then it would be a better deal to buy a new one when they ran out of ink. That way you'd always have a current warranty. But ink prices aside, he was firm, 'don't pay for service (or extra warranty coverage) get a new one.

 

[Mr Bret]

Almost? I did work for a guy who sold printers to national accounts. For him it was a sure thing. In fact he claimed that if printers weren't sold with undersized cartridges, then it would be a better deal to buy a new one when they ran out of ink. That way you'd always have a current warranty. But ink prices aside, he was firm, 'don't pay for service (or extra warranty coverage) get a new one.

There are still some models that are very robust and perform well for a long time. These normally cost a bit more and it's worth it to just replace cartridges on them.

 

[Keebler Elf]

In the time it took to write up this thread, you could have contacted the manufacturer's hotline and had an answer that's specific to your device.

On a Saturday?

Or I could have just posted on TERB and gotten immediate help.

Don't be such an asshat.

 

[Mr Bret]

On a Saturday?

Or I could have just posted on TERB and gotten immediate help.

Don't be such an asshat.

Yup, on a Saturday. At least with a good manufacturer.

 

[grimdog]

I work for HP, and we offer tech support on Saturdays, albeit reduced hours. I do not have a lot of training on Laser printers, but it does sound like drum issue. Call the manufacturer and get a quote on a drum.