4500i Fuser Noise

[JR2ALTA]

We just took over a few dozen of these machines at bank branches. Nearly everyone has the fuser making a high pitch noise that winds down after the last copy. The customer for the most part doesn't mention it but I have replaced a couple because I couldn't ignore it in good conscience.

With these machines being 5 year old-ish, I hoping this a known issue and there's a particular gear or bearing I can lube. So far I haven't found it.

Thanks!

[copiertec]

I'm with you on this issue. All the Alphard fusers do this after time. I have tried lubing them but to no avail, it works for a little bit but the squeak comes back, it drives me nuts, most are no way near pm. No updates or tech bullitains on this issue as far as I know.
We have been looking for bearing to replace them with, but have not found any at this time that will work. We have been replacing them with Alphard 2 series fusers, if client complains about the high pitched noise, as these fusers do not have that high- pitched whine, squeak, hum, etc, noise. We had talked about using the Alphard 2 series maintenance kits, but the developing units are different.

[daveh12]

These fusers are a joke. Think kyocera are on their fourth or fifth type of heat roller for these with no improvements, still wears or toners build up on them. If you get one that does 600,000 prints you are very lucky.

[tech07]

We send every one back as a warranty return...

[tonerleak]

I don't think I've seen one of these fusers go past 200k.

[tech28]

We just lubricate with Tri-Flow, leaves a teflon coating of the bearings/upper/lower. Noise will go away, but not permanent fix, will last a few months. Till next time you need to service machine .

[toddanderson]

you have 4500i still under warranty ?

We send every one back as a warranty return...

[JR2ALTA]

you have 4500i still under warranty ?

Yea...I believe Kyocera is 3 years for original components and 90 days for components thereafter.

[justanotherhack]

I've had a few of these where the thermistor that rides on the end of the heat roller is the source of the noise. I have a high-temp synthetic grease (Super Lube) that I put a teensy dab of on the roller where the thermistor rides on it, that shuts it up. Not cheap though; I originally bought it for loud clicking issue in Sharp fusers.