HP 5500 problem

[Andrew]

I have a HP 5500 that I just did a maintenance kit on about two months ago and it still has this loud noise everytime the paper tray is used. What can I do to fix this issue?

[cs_steve]

Might be a problem with the paper tray itself, or the lifter motor. If you have another 5500 series printer around, try swapping trays to see if the noise is quieter with another tray installed. If it is, replace that tray. (We have them at PrinterTechs, 866-352-7108)

[Andrew]

I will see if I have another tray and try that out and let you know what happens.

[Andrew]

Sorry for the delay in writing back. I found another tray and installed it in the printer but the noise continues to happen. What should I do now?

Thanks cs_steve for all your help.

[cs_steve]

Sorry for the delay in writing back. I found another tray and installed it in the printer but the noise continues to happen. What should I do now?

Thanks cs_steve for all your help.

I'm wondering what kind of noise you're hearing -- low-pitched, growling/rubbing kind of noise, or higher-pitched, squealing/squeaking kind of noise?

There is a bypass feature, where you can fold down the front door on the printer and use it as a bypass tray. I would try feeding paper through that bypass and see if it is any quieter using that paper path instead of the main tray.

Also, I was assuming the noise is coming from the general area of the paper tray, but there are many pieces throughout the printer that can be loud. You might have to put your ear right up to the printer to narrow down the general area of the noise, i.e. top front, bottom front, bottom right side, etc.

Assuming the bypass is no quieter: Since you have another of these printers around, I would just start swapping parts. I would swap over the transfer belt and test for quietness, then the fuser and test, then toners and test, etc.

If you can elaborate on the type of noise and the general location that would really help identify.

[Big Al]

We have had some refilled color toner cartridges that had a pretty loud squeel when printing.
I know, don't use refilled color cartridges, but we have no control over that here in this shop.
A

[Andrew]

After listening to the noise more closely it does not sound like it is coming from the paper tray as I had thought. The loud squealing/squeaking noise is coming from the front around where the bypass tray is instead. I took out the paper tray and feed paper through the bypass tray and that is what is making the noise I am hearing. What can cause this problem and how do you fix it?

[cs_steve]

Normally a noise like that is bad toner cartridges. Try putting printer in Diagnostics mode --> Go to Diagnostics menu on printer, choose "Disable cartridge check". Next remove one toner , print again with that toner removed and listen for the noise; if noise is still there, pull another toner out, print again and listen for the noise, etc. See if the noise goes away with one of the toners missing.

If not I'd be suspicious of that black belt assembly on the front of the machine, it's called the ITB or transfer belt assembly. That belt assembly generally gets replaced around 100,000 pages or so; don't know if yours is near that mark or not.

[Andrew]

:confused:How do you remove a transfer belt assembly on this type of printer? Where is the best place to purchase one from?

Thanks to everyone for all the help.

[cs_steve]

:confused:How do you remove a transfer belt assembly on this type of printer? Where is the best place to purchase one from?

Thanks to everyone for all the help.

Transfer belt assembly comes off in one piece. You fold the door down with the belt at an angle, look on each side near the bottom of the assembly for small blue lever clips. You pinch and hold each clip to release, and lift the assembly up and away. Install the other one by simply inserting it into the retainers and pressing down to lock. If you have another transfer belt assembly around that you can swap from another printer, I would try that first before buying one. It's rare to see noise, but possible. We sell replacement ITB's at PrinterTechs (866-352-7108).

BTW You didn't mention -- did you try the toner test we recommended? Like I said (and BigAl mentioned he'd seen it too), your problem description sounds more like faulty toners than anything else.

[Andrew]

I will try the toner test today before I purchase a transfer belt assembly.

[Andrew]

Hi everyone I wanted to let you know that I tried the toner test, but I continue to have the same noise coming from the bypass tray. Today I will contact PrinterTechs for a price on a new ITB's and then see what the customer wants to do.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this issue.