Color LaserJet Pro rhythmic thumping noise

[lunadesign16]

I've got an HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw (W1A80A) that I bought new about 17 months ago. It doesn't get used very often (the printer's page count is currently at 1831).

A few months ago, this printer developed a rhythmic thumping noise (approx once per second) that happens during printing and continues for about 5 seconds after the last page comes out. It also happens during printer calibration. It seems to be coming from the back of the unit. At times the noise turns into an extended squeak, almost like some moving part desperately needs to be greased.

Print quality is still normal.

This printer is still using the original cartridges. All are currently at the "low" or "very low" level but I'm hesitant to spend on cartridges if this thumping noise is not easily fixable. However, I have seen some mentions that cartridges can cause noises so I'm curious if there's a way to test the printer with one or more of the cartridges removed?

Any ideas how to troubleshoot / solve this?

Note: I've got a great audio clip of the noise that I can share if someone can tell me how to share audio clips on this site.

[Repairatrooper]

You can try this to diagnose: Remove all cartridges and start up printer. If you hear the noise you have an issue with an internal component. If the printer is silent during startup with no cartridges, install one cartridge and close the door and allow it to cycle. If a cartridge is bad you should hear the noise when that cartridge is installed into the printer. Repeat until all cartridges are installed.

[lunadesign16]

Thank you very much! I definitely think you're onto something here.

I pulled all of the cartridges out, closed the panel, let the printer do its checks and the thumping noise was gone.

I then reintroduced each cartridge individually and the yellow one made the thumping noise (albeit at a significantly reduced level compared to before). The magenta one also made a very faint version of the thumping noise. Blue and black did not make any noise.

I put all 4 cartridges back in and the noise is there but fairly reduced compared to earlier today. (I've seen some variation in volume over the past few months so the reduced volume tonight isn't a complete surprise.)

Bottom line: The problem is clearly cartridge-related. But how do we know (without replacing all 4 cartridges with new ones) that it's the cartridges and not the mechanisms in the printer that manipulate the cartridges when they are installed?

And assuming it's the parts on the cartridges themselves, is this because the "standard-capacity" cartridges are manufactured with cheaper mechanical components? Or does the low amount of toner remaining have anything to do with this noise?