The quality of printing performance offered by Brother printers is quite remarkable. Unlike printers with simple operations, these machines often give their users numerous challenges that they have to deal with. One of the issues Brother printers are notorious for is the “Drum Error”. Not many users know what this error is or what causes it, which can be incredibly bewildering. In this post, we will take a deep dive into understanding the causes of this error and provide you with simple, easy solutions to fixing it.
What is a drum unit in a Brother Printer?
Every laser printer has an important part called the drum unit. It is responsible for the transfer of toner powder onto paper, providing text and image outputs as required. As such, a Drum Unit that isn’t functioning can be incredibly dangerous. A properly maintained Drum Unit can last 20,000 and 40,000 pages, depending on the make of your printer, however, you will always be required to replace it your printer model after a certain number of prints.
Standard notifications: Replace Drum or Drum End Soon
When your Brother printer is indicating these two messages, “Drum End Soon” or “Replace Drum” on display screens, it signifies the fact that the printer thinks the drum unit has reached the end of its life. However, in many instances, users report not having the messages appear for their drum as well, so there seems to be some inconsistencies here.
Reasons for a Brother Printer Drum Error
- Lapsed Drum Life
Like everything else, a drum unit also has its life span. After a preset limit of pages printed (in most cases, 12,000 – 15,000 pages), the printer will alert the user asking for drum replacement.
- Improper Drum Installation
If the drum is not installed correctly after replacement, the printer may show a drum error message. Always ensure it is fitted properly.
- Too Much Dust on the Drum Unit
Dirty drum units cause dust buildup up which can damage the printer, resulting in a drum error. Any scratches or dents on a drum render it useless and require replacement.
- Forget to Reset the Drum Counter
The same error message will pop up if the counter is not reset even after replacing the drum.
- Wrong Type or Poor Quality Drum
Sometimes issues arise from using low-grade or third-party drum units, resulting in the error.
How to Solve the Brother Printer Drum Error
With all the problem areas recognized, corrective measures can be taken in these straightforward steps:
Step 1: Power Down the Printer
For ease, switch off the printer, then unplug it from the socket before proceeding.
Step 2: Open The Front Cover
Open the front cover of your Brother printer carefully. The toner cartridge and drum unit will be visible.
Step 3: Remove the Toner and Drum Assembly
Take the toner cartridge and drum unit out gently. Place them on a clean surface and put a piece of paper underneath to avoid toner marks.
Step 4: Separate The Toner From The Drum
Remove the toner from the drum unit by pressing the green or blue lock lever. It is important to be gentle and not touch the surface of the drum.
Step 5: Clean The Drum (Optional)
Use a dry lint-free cloth to clean any excess toner and dust from the drum.
Step 6: Reinstall The Toner Into The Drum
Reinstall the toner back into the drum unit and ensure that it has clicked into place securely.
Step 7: Reinstall The Drum Unit Into The Printer
Close the front cover. The last step is putting the toner and drum assembly back into the printer gently.
Step 8: Resetting the Drum Counter
This step is pivotal when you replace or service the drum. Remember to follow these procedures to reset the drum counter:
- The front cover must be opened.
- Press the ‘OK’ button for 2-3 seconds.
- Continue pressing till you reach ‘1’ and then proceed to the drum counter reset.
- Wait until the printer displays accepted.
- Close the front cover
Note: The balancing procedures may differ for other Brother Printer models. Always check the User Guide provided for detailed instructions.
Step 9: Confirm the Error Is Eliminated
Check if the dummy page prints without scaling. The printer does not show breaks in the error phrase outline. If the error statements are still visible, the second drill should be reconsidered, or the logic associated with the resetting sequence looked at again.
When to Change the Drum Unit
In the event the message does persist after purge action, multi-directional rest or set. If the scan quality warrants such actions, too, then it’s advisable to acquire an additional drum that will best serve your hardware. It does not matter if an original Brother or a good-fine replacement is selected, as augmenting possibilities to correspond with your printer model enhances the options available.
Best Practices for Preserving Your Drum’s Longevity
- Avoid exterior contamination.
- Original toner and drum cartridges must be used.
- Avoid making contact with the green area of the drum.
- Store the printer at room temperature in a cool, dry location.
- Make sure to use the printer on a regular basis to prevent the toner from drying.
Wrapping Up
There’s no denying that coping with Brother printer drum errors can be annoying. The good news is, they can be simple to resolve when you have the right guides like the ones mentioned earlier on resetting the counter, cleaning the drum, or replacing it.
BIOS Technology is an example of a company that specializes in assisting clients with various types of printer problems, such as Brother printer drum error issues. Our professionals are available to provide you with reliable guidance on installation, repair, and other services. Don’t hesitate to contact us now for useful advice, updates, and quality printer services to keep your devices in tip-top shape.
Contact details: +1 840-699-6568
