HP LJ P4015 Clicking from Tray 3 Pick up area.....

[OKTech]

I went out to replace the rear back stop on Tray 3 assembly on two machines. As they were broken from abuse. Lets start off by calling the machines: machine on left and one on right. Machine on Right, I replaced back stop, and 1 PPF roller in tray. Installed tray in machine and it started clicking loud from tray 3 paper lift gear/ motor area. Cant see exactly where. I pulled tray out and machine prints great from tray 2 and no noise. I pulled Tray 3 assembly covers off and inspected gears and Lift motor and spring. No cracks or issues found. Tray 3 is not lifting from what I can tell. After not finding anything on this machine, I moved over to machine on Left. I replaced Tray 3 back stop, 2 PPF rollers and installed tray. Same clicking noise when I powered machine up. Removed tray 3 and printed great from tray 2 and no noise. These machines were not having any clicking issue to my knowledge before I replaced back stop. The back stop kit is RM1-1088-STOP from Bradshaw Group. It is exactly the same as what was in the tray 3 that I removed. I am up against a wall. These machines are in a High Traffic area. Any one have or had the same issue that may can give me a little insight? My gut is telling me it is a gear but where? Machine drive side or Tray 3 Assembly side?

Thanks Kindly!!
Terry

[Big Al]

Can you undo the work you did on the trays?

Have you called the parts supplier to see if they have any input?

Al

[ridered74]

It is clicking because the lift motor is not able to lift the tray. Pull the tray out and push up on the gear mechanism on the tray where the lift motor meshes. It should go up and down smoothly. Compare it to the tray in tray 2.

It usually happens when the backstop is pushed too far forwards. The arrow should be about one click past letter, with the arrow being closer to the back of the printer than the front.

If the tray moves up and down smoothly and the backstop is in correct position and it still clicks, remove all but 1 or 2 sheets and see if the noise still happens.

[OKTech]

Ok Ridered74, I actually did do all that you mentioned. The tray gear lift mechanism is lifting freely. I have seen where Brother machines get a bad Tray lift gear on machine side so it may be similar. I will check the back stop to see if it is actually in place correctly and not too far forward. Thanks for the help guys. I will update when I find out what the issue was. May be a week or so when I can go back. :D