Vertical Smudge Line on HP LaserJet 3200 (Images included)

[Rhoniel]

Hello,

I started noticing a vertical line of ink smudges on the left side of paper few weeks ago.  I also noticed that there were mini wrinkles on the smudged area of the paper.  The edges of the wrinkles closely followed the edges of the ink smudges. I inspected the printer and I did not find any blockage or defective/misaligned roller. I thought that toner cartridge may be bad, so I replaced the toner cartridge. 

Over the past few weeks, I have changed three toner cartridges but I am still getting the left vertical smudge line on the paper. Changing the tone did not alter the location of the smudge line at all. I also remover the cover of the fuser assembly to check the teflon sleeve and the teflon sleeve was ok. I did not check the pressure roller of the fuser assembly as it required me to pull out the fuser assembly. 

I am attaching the images of the smudges. What could be wrong with the printer casing this issue?

Thanks. 

[Valsimot · Accepted solution]

Measure the distance between 2 repetitive smudges and compare it with table below to determine what part is causing the smudges. Look slike a fuser to me.

[Rhoniel]

Thanks for your reply which is very helpful.

I have measured the distance of the repetitive smudge pattern and it is 76 mm. I think I know that 'Toner cartridge photosensitive drum'  but where is 'Upper heating element film'  located? 

[Repairatrooper]

the upper heating element is a component in the fuser assembly that bonds the toner to the paper. Typically it consists of a heating element and teflon coated mylar film. There are 3rd party rebuild kits out there but you want to check the condition of the pressure rolller as well because over time it can become wrinkled and result in voids in bonding and you do not want to replace one component only to find that the other is bad as well.

[Rhoniel]

Thank you Valsimot, you were right. It was the Upper Heating Element which was causing the issue. The Teflon sleeve which covers the heating element was damaged / ripped.  I replaced the damages Teflon sleeve and printer is now printing again without those smudges on the edge.

I am including the picture of the damaged sleeve as well as the part of the sleeve which is not damaged.

Thanks again for posing the Repetitive Image Deft Ruler guide.