HP Color LaserJet MFP 178nwg Smearing/Duplicating

[Lxxrxns]

Hi everyone,

Since a couple of months I have been having an issue of smearing and duplicating prints.

It doesn't affect the entire paper, but mostly the left and right side of the prints. See photo below.

I have cleaned my machine inside out, checked the drum (looks fine), emptied the waste bin, and even cleaned the transfer belt very thoroughly with a microfibre cloth according to several videos I watched. 

I read in another topic that it is very unlikely that it's the toners, because all colors seem to be affected (see top right of the photo), so I am hesitant to buy new toners before checking other causes with you (the toners are all still >50% full).

In one topic, someone mentioned it has to be the fuser. Do you agree? And is that a part that I can replace? 

Any idea WHY this fuser would suddenly start doing this? 

I have checked: there is no paper stuck/wrapped around anything in my printer anywhere. 

Thanks for any help! 

[Lxxrxns · Accepted solution]

Found the problem... The waste/dust had built up in the drum/fuser. Opening it and cleaning the big green roller and the tiny black roller behind this (taking out the green roller was tricky) fixed the issue. It's a shame there is no manual for this on HP's page regarding MFP 178 smearing problems! 

Here are the two video's I used:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGyOzCSzGXA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6sycXWm5Ok