MPC 4000/5000 fuser creaking noise

[Smee]

Hey guys, we have 3 or 4 MPC 4000/5000's that creak or click around the fuser or paper exit area. When I do the output check it really sounds like it is coming from the paper exit area, but when I remove the fuser and cheat the door switches the noise disappears. The machine has done 120,000 copies so isnt too old.

Im not totally convinced it is the fuser but I cant see anything else it could be. So Im going to replace the hot roller and pressure roller bearings anyway but id really like some other ideas or maybe a firm answer cause im really only guessing.

We have 3 or 4 of these making this noise and we are a small branch so I figure it must be fairly common problem.

Thanks heaps.

[Venom]

I found that if you slam the fuser back in, noise goes away. Possibly because the fuser migrates out a little and drive gear doesn't mesh nicely.

[spaceman99]

there is a RTB out for this. This may help.

No.:

RB222023

Subject:

Noise from fusing unit

SYMPTOM

A vibration can be heard coming from the fusing unit.

CAUSE

Heat from the pressure roller causes the surface of the lubricant roller to deform. As a
result, the lubricant roller cannot rotate and vibrates in place.

Note:

This does not occur if the machine is used frequently.

SOLUTION

Production line

(applied from: November 2006 production):

The material of the lubricant roller was changed. This new material has a higher heat
resistance.

New P/N: AE040069
In the field:

65

Important: Attach the new lubricant roller so that the lot number is on the right side, and the arrow haces up...

Good luck

[TonerMunkeh]

spaceman I think that's for the Apollon-C1 - MPC3500 / 4500. The 4000/5000 has no lubricant supply roller. I'd place my money on creaky bearings. If you can, get some good high-temperature grease like Barrieta and put it on the new bearings when you're installing them.

[Fearless V K]

Probably the bearings. Classic Ricoh problem, we called it the 'train-tracking' noise on older machines, but pretty much boils down to either needing to replace the bearings if they sound like roller skate wheels when you spin them, or placing a good amount of heat grease between the bearings and the roller shafts, as they will 'walk' on the shaft and cause the noise otherwise.

[spaceman99]

TonerMunkeh, your bang on there. Did not read it correctley, was working on a MPC4500 at the time which must of been in my mind.

Agree with you also creaky bearings for sure.

Thanks for letting me know

regards
Spaceman99

[Smee]

Thanks for the replies confirming what I thought - I've ordered some bearings and I always use the Barierta high temp grease. I'll post back with the results.

[turbojetboy]

This noise issue is VERY common on this range. The fusers are this models acchilles heal. The creaking noises, often starting within 30k - the stained up pressure rollers at both ends - the resulting jams and fuser wraps. We have found that these fusers require extreme care when rebuilding and plenty of grease. Good luck.

[Fearless V K]

We use the printer model fuser for the MPC4500. It is cheap enough that you can just replace the whole thing and forget the rebuild. There may be a compatible printer model of the 4000/5000 also.

[hmp]

MPC 4000/5000 fuser creaking noise

The compatible fuser unit for the MPC4000/5000 is the fuser kit for SPC820 (403119).

As with the SPC811 fuser that is used on the MPC3500/4500, you need to move the jumper to pin 3 on the connector. The jumper should be in pin 5 & 3. Just copy the original fuser before you replace it.

Hope this helps

[Boogi11]

Re: MPC 4000/5000 fuser creaking noise

I would change the ball bearings. I had that problem on A MP C4000. The balls fell out but the fuser worked fine exept for the noise.

[duct tape]

Re: MPC 4000/5000 fuser creaking noise

try putting a layer high temp rvt on all heat & press rollers where the bearings sit on the roller. I do this on all machines, it works . If the bearings are still good.