Printer Drum or Corona Wire problem

[WhipperSnapper]

My beloved Brother MFC-8640-D multifunction laser printer has begun printing vertical stripes on the paper. I pulled out the toner/drum cartridge and used the corona wire cleaner tab several times (and put it back into the correct place) and it's still there.

Could this be a low-toner problem, or is the problem with the drum?

Would it be possible to clean it or do I need to bite the bullet and purchase a new (cheap generic) drum cartridge? Is there such a thing as drum cleaning paper that I could run through the printer?

 

[corkyg]

Probably the drum. Some OEMs provide cheap drums built into their cartridges. They are not designed for refills. At best, they start to degrade after 2 refills. Some good refillers replace the drum with a longer lasting one.

In addition to the corona wire, the fuser rollers can also accumulate dried toner, and require cleaning. They are not part of the cartridge. Has your Brother MFC ever been serviced?

And, yes, there is such a thing as cleaner paper. That can sometimes help streaking problems. Example:
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Laser-Printer-Kit/product_784625

 

[imagoon]

Have you used more than 2-4 toner carts on that drum? If so I would guess the drum. Some times you could revive them with canned air and blowing out the grills. Do this out side.... don't breath the dust.... Otherwise they are pretty cheap to replace.