For anyone who owns a Brother printer, it’s important to conduct regular maintenance in order to keep it in good working condition for clear and crisp printouts. One key component of a printer is the drum unit, which plays a crucial role in transferring toner to paper. While the toner cartridge stores the ink, the drum unit is responsible for applying that ink to the page in the proper manner. Over time, the drum unit can wear out, potentially affecting the quality of prints. In this post, we will cover some obvious signs that a Brother printer's drum unit needs replacing and offer helpful tips to ensure a printer continues to perform at its best.
Poor Print Quality: Streaks and Lines on Pages
One of the first signs that a Brother printer’s drum unit may need replacing is a noticeable decline in print quality. If prints are coming out with streaks, lines, or smudges across the pages, it could be a clear indication that the drum unit is worn out or damaged. The drum unit is responsible for transferring the toner from the cartridge to the paper, so any issues with the drum’s surface can result in uneven toner application, leading to unsightly marks on printouts. While toner cartridges can sometimes be the source of print quality issues, it’s more likely that the drum unit is the problem if there are consistent lines or streaks.
Faded or Uneven Printouts
Another telltale sign a printer's drum unit needs replacing is faded or uneven printouts. If the printed pages appear faded, even after replacing the toner cartridge, it may be a sign that the drum unit is no longer transferring the toner correctly. When the drum unit is worn out, it might not be able to apply toner evenly, causing parts of a document to appear lighter than others. This issue can be particularly noticeable on images, logos, or text, where there might be patches of lighter or faded areas. If the toner has already been replaced and the printer still has these issues, it’s likely time to replace the drum unit as well.
Frequent ‘Replace Drum’ or ‘Drum Error’ Messages
Some Brother printers will even display a ‘Replace Drum’ or ‘Drum Error’ message when the drum unit is nearing the end of its life. These messages appear on the printer’s display panel to alert that the drum is either worn out or damaged and needs replacing. These warnings are often more reliable than relying on print quality issues alone, as they are designed to notify users before problems like faded printouts or streaking become noticeable.
Toner Smears or Spills
If a printer is leaving toner smears or spills on the printed pages, the drum unit could be the culprit. This occurs when the drum becomes dirty or damaged and can no longer properly handle the toner. Instead of applying the toner to the paper evenly, the drum may spill it in excess, causing patches of smeared toner. This issue can also happen if the drum unit becomes overfilled with toner residue or dirt, which prevents it from applying toner in a controlled manner. Regular maintenance can help, but if the smears continue, replacing the drum unit will likely resolve the problem.
No Print Output or Paper Jams
If a printer stops printing altogether or frequently experiences paper jams, the drum unit might be the issue. A malfunctioning drum unit can lead to incorrect toner application, causing paper to get caught inside the printer or preventing the printer from printing properly. A faulty drum unit may not be able to rotate properly, which could lead to mechanical issues like paper jams. If the toner cartridge is fine and the printer continues to experience paper jams or fails to print, it’s worth inspecting the drum unit for signs of damage or wear.
Explore Drum Units at Toner One
The drum unit is a vital component of a Brother printer, and when it starts to fail, it can significantly affect print quality and performance. Keep an eye out for signs like streaks, faded printouts, error messages, and toner smears, as these can all indicate that the drum unit needs replacing. Regular maintenance and timely replacement will help ensure your printer continues to produce high-quality prints for years to come.
If you're ready to replace a printer’s drum unit, Toner One is here to help. We offer a wide range of Brother printer parts, including genuine Brother toner and drum units, to keep your printer working at its best. Contact us today for more information, as well as helpful tips and advice to help find the right replacement parts for your printer.