Black spots on left side

[DawnMarie9]

Hi. I have banding spots on the left side of every print. I will attach a photo for reference. 

I’ve replaced every single toner cartridge in the printer as well as ran multiple cleaning pages. Please help. 

 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @DawnMarie9,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I looked closely at the photo you shared. The banding black spots appear as repeated triangular or smudged marks along the left margin of the page, spaced evenly down the sheet. This pattern usually points to a mechanical or drum-related issue, not the toner cartridges themselves (since you’ve already replaced all of them and run cleaning pages).

Likely Causes

1. Dirty or Damaged Drum/Imaging Unit
   • Toner printers use a drum to transfer toner to paper. If the drum has debris or scratches, it creates repeated marks at consistent intervals.
2. Fuser Roller Contamination
   • If the fuser roller has toner buildup or damage, it can leave repetitive spots.
3. Transfer Roller Issue
   • A dirty or worn transfer roller can also cause banding on one side.

Steps to Fix It

1. Inspect and Clean the Drum

• Remove the drum/imaging unit (often integrated with toner in some HP models).
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any toner buildup.
• Do not touch the green drum surface with your bare hands oils can damage it.
   

2. Check the Fuser

• Look for toner buildup or scratches on the fuser roller.
• If damaged, the fuser may need replacement.
   

3. Run Multiple Cleaning Pages

• From the printer menu, run Cleaning Page again.
• If the issue persists after 2–3 runs, the problem is likely hardware-related.
   

4. Replace the Drum or Imaging Kit

• If cleaning doesn’t help, the drum/imaging unit may need replacement.
• Check your printer model for the correct part number.

👉 Troubleshooting print-quality issues | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat