If your Brother printer is producing prints with streaks or lines, the issue is usually caused by dirty or damaged components, low-quality consumables, or misaligned parts. Follow these steps to identify and resolve the problem.
Check the Toner or Ink Cartridges
Inspect for Low or Empty Cartridges
- Open the printer’s front cover and check toner or ink levels via the display or printer software.
- Replace any empty or near-empty cartridges.
Reseat the Cartridge
- Remove and reinstall the toner or ink cartridge to ensure proper contact.
- Shake toner cartridges gently side to side before reinstalling to redistribute toner evenly.
Clean the Drum Unit
Manual Drum Cleaning
- Power off the printer and open the front cover.
- Remove the drum and toner assembly.
- Use a lint-free cloth or a soft, dry cotton swab to clean the green drum surface gently.
- Rotate the drum slowly to inspect the full surface for toner build-up or marks.
Use the Built-In Drum Cleaning Function (if available)
- Navigate to your Brother printer’s maintenance or tools menu.
- Run the “Drum Cleaning” or “Drum Refresh” option.
Clean the Corona Wire
- Remove the drum unit and toner cartridge.
- Locate the blue corona wire tab and slide it gently from left to right several times.
- Return the tab to its original position before reinstalling the unit.
Replace a Damaged Drum or Toner Unit
- If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, the drum or toner cartridge may be worn or defective.
- Install a new genuine Brother drum or toner recommended for your model.
Perform Print Head Cleaning (Inkjet Models Only)
- Open the Brother utility software on your computer.
- Go to the “Maintenance” tab and select “Print Head Cleaning”.
- Run the cleaning cycle and then print a test page.
Check for Paper Quality Issues
- Use clean, high-quality paper that meets your printer’s specifications.
- Avoid using damp, wrinkled, or previously printed paper.
Inspect the Fuser Unit (Laser Models)
- Lines that repeat at regular intervals may indicate fuser or roller damage.
- Contact Brother support if the fuser unit is suspected to be damaged or dirty, as cleaning or replacement may be required.
Run the Printer’s Print Quality Diagnostic
- On the printer control panel, locate the “Print Quality” or “Print Test Page” function.
- Analyze the test page for consistent line spacing or repeating marks.
- Use the pattern to identify if the drum, toner, or other internal component is causing the issue.
Update Printer Firmware and Drivers
- Visit Brother’s official support website.
- Download and install the latest firmware and driver updates for your printer model.
- Sometimes software updates resolve print quality calibration problems.
Store and Handle Supplies Properly
- Keep toner and ink cartridges sealed until use.
- Avoid exposing drums or cartridges to direct light for long periods.
By systematically following these steps, most cases of streaks or lines on Brother printer output can be resolved or identified for replacement.