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Brother printer

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by jereg 1 view

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My boss bought a Brother HL-1040 laser printer at an auction. It came to me to clean up. I've worked mostly with HP printers so I don't know much about this. I downloaded the manuals and drivers from the web site and it seems to work pretty well. Myproblem is this. When I start the printer, it makes a humming or buzziing sound. I finally traced it to the fan in the printer. The fan works, but it's darn LOUD, at least it's louder than any other printer fan I've heard.

So here's the question:Is this a problem? Do all Brother ptinters do this? The boss wants it in his office, so if I put it in there will it die?
If anyone is familar with these printers please let me know.

6 replies

by jereg

Well, the problem is, this printer is a couple of years old and not in stores. That was actually my first thought. I could go to CompUSA and find out, 'cept they don't make them anymore.
Also, Fry's is a southern Ca. store and doesn't do me much good here. I'll be sure to stop next time I'm in LA.

by thechas

You need to determine if the buzz is electrical, mechanical, or the sound of the air flow.

Cup your hands around the fan opening to restrict the air flow. If the noise quiets down, it is an air flow issue. You may be able to reduce the noise bymaking the vent openings a little bit bigger.

If the noise gets worse when you restrict the air flow, the fan may have bad bearings, and should be replaced. Before replacing the fan, check for loose mounting hardware for both the fan and the housing.

If there is no change in the noise, it may be electrical. I would also replace the fan.

A good source for replacement fans is Hosfelt Electronics. They stock a wide variety of fans and wall warts (power supplies)

by jereg

I did determine that the noise comes from the fan. I stuck a small wire in and the noise changed when the wire hit the blade. I know, not the recommended test, but it did verify that the noise came from the fan. My boss wanted to put the printer in his office, but when he heard the noise, he said no way. I don't know if it's worth the effort to replace the fan. My boss bought it at an auction and thought it was a fax machine. We'll use it somewhere, maybe the shop, where noise is not a factor. Thanks.

by jereg

The noise does come from the fan. I stuck a small wire in the fan slot and when it hit the fan blades the hum/buzz stopped. Yes,yes, I know that's not the most elegant way to determine the source of the noise, but it was quick and it worked.

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