Ink prints down right hand side of page

[TriL1]

Every time a document prints, blue ink is smeared down the right hand side of the page.  This has occurred since changing the toner.

[Max3Aj]

@TriL1, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

The issue you're experiencing, blue ink smearing down the right-hand side of the page after changing the toner can usually be traced to a few specific causes. Here's what you can do to troubleshoot and potentially fix it:

Check the Toner Cartridge

• Ensure it's genuine: Non-HP or refilled cartridges can sometimes cause smearing.
• Inspect for damage: Look for any visible toner leaks or damage to the drum (if it's a combined toner-drum unit).
• Reinstall the cartridge: Remove and reseat it to ensure it's properly aligned.

Print a Cleaning Page

• Most HP printers have a built-in cleaning function:
  • Go to the printer’s Setup menu.
  • Navigate to Service > Cleaning Page.
  • Follow the prompts to print a cleaning page.

Inspect the Drum Unit

• If your printer uses a separate drum unit, check it for toner buildup or scratches.
• A damaged drum can cause consistent smearing in the same location on every page.

Check the Fuser and Rollers

• Smearing on one side often indicates a problem with the fuser or transfer roller.
• If the smears are evenly spaced, it could be a roller issue. The spacing can help identify which roller is at fault.

Clean the Printer Internals

• Use a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean accessible rollers and paths.
• Avoid touching the drum surface directly.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[TriL1]

Thank you for the reply.  It is an original HP cartridge and there is visible ink leaking on that side of the cartridge.  I cleaned the visible ink off and ran a cleaning page and it was almost all removed.  Then I ran another cleaning page and the ink was back on the paper again.  

[Max3Aj]

@TriL1, Thank you for your response. 

Since you're using a genuine HP cartridge and you've already cleaned the visible ink and run cleaning pages, the fact that the ink reappears strongly suggests that the cartridge itself is defective or leaking internally.

Here’s what you can do next:

Stop Using the Cartridge
Continuing to use it might damage internal components like the drum or fuser.

Replace the Cartridge
Replacing the cyan cartridge is the most reliable fix.
 

Inspect the Printer Internals Again
After removing the faulty cartridge:

• Check for any residual toner inside the printer
• Gently clean the area with a dry, lint-free cloth

We suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[TriL1]

Since the cartridge is leaking will HP replace it under an implied warranty?

[Max3Aj]

@TriL1, Thank you for your response. 
Yes, it will be replaced if the cartridges are under warranty. 

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I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support