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Monochrome laser printer introduced in 2012. The printer is rated for 35 PPM and the first page comes out in 8 seconds. Depending on which model you own (a/n/dw/dn/dne), you will have different options and available features. Uses HP 80A/80X toner cartridges.

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What is causing the printer to squeak while printing? *With video*

I have an HP M401n here that I have had for ~3 years or so. As of today the printer began squeaking during a print job. I specifically hear this squeak a little bit while paper is being picked up (Tray 1 and Tray 2). This prominently happens during the fusing stage of the process, but is also present during paper pickup.

I have tried the following things:

  • 7 page test run with the original HP 80A (very low state) with squeaking issues.
  • 7 page test run with the same test document as the original HP 80A using a V4ink 80X toner. This toner also squeaked.
  • Used Tray 1 and Tray 2 for both the original HP 80A toner and the V4Ink 80X. Both trays squeak.

Since this issue is reproduced on both cartridges, it's likely a printer fault. When I got the V4ink toner the 2 pack wasn't much more with a lower cost per toner. Because of that, I ended up getting the 2 pack. I am willing to use the other V4Ink toner in the 2 back I bought for testing, but this isn't ideal since open HP toner is hard to store.

Update

Due to a small intermittent leak (along with the squeak), I changed the toner cartridge with my 2nd unit. The printer still squeaks.

I have now checked the MP tray gears to see if that had any obvious wear - it does not, nor do I see anything serious wrong.

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I'd say try manually turning each part until it squeaks. on the squeaking one add lubricant.

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The gears don't need to be lubricated. It seems to be caused by a worn out or loose gear. I just need to find it.

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M method appli s. Just replace the gear too

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It turns out the problem is also caused by 2 chewed up gears. The problem is no amount of lubrication can repair that.

It's also in the worst spot possible. In order to replace these gears I need to do a partial teardown.

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I mean, you still need to lubricate the replacements.

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