Brother Printer Making Loud Grinding Noise? Here’s How to Fix It
| Aug 04, 2025
You’re not the only one frustrated by a Brother printer making loud grinding noises every time it runs. These problems are common, especially in older Brother laser printer models. The sounds might be brief at startup or continue through the entire print job. Either way, they usually mean something’s wrong inside, often related to the paper feed system, toner, or internal gears.
Before calling support or you replace toner in Brother printer, try fixing it yourself. Many users have resolved these issues by checking for paper jams, reseating the toner or drum, or doing a basic inspection. But remember, if you’re hearing persistent noise even after basic troubleshooting, it might be time for professional help.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What do these Brother printer clicking noises mean
- How to fix them yourself
- When to call a Technician
- Tips to prevent them in the future
Understanding the Noises: Brother Printer Making Loud Grinding Noise vs. Clicking
A Brother printer making a loud grinding noise or a clicking sound often points to issues with gears, rollers, or toner alignment. Before you replace toner in a Brother printer, it’s important to understand what each noise means so you can fix it quickly.
A. What a Grinding Noise Means
A Brother printer grinding noise is deep and constant. It often happens during startup or while printing.
Common causes:
- Worn or broken gears
- Dry or unlubricated components
- Paper jammed or loaded incorrectly
- Misaligned parts after you replace drum on Brother printer
B. What a Clicking Noise Means
A Brother printer clicking noise is sharp and comes in short bursts. It may happen during startup or when a page begins to print.
Likely causes:
- Toner not installed properly
- Slipping clutch or roller issue
- Misfeed after resetting the toner on the Brother printer
Most Common Reasons for Brother Printer Clicking Noises
A Brother printer making loud grinding noise usually means internal hardware issues. Common causes include worn gears, misaligned rollers, or debris. Check these before you replace a toner in Brother printer or call support.
1. Gear Damage or Misalignment
One of the main causes of a Brother printer grinding noise is worn or misaligned gears. These plastic gears manage paper movement and toner rotation. If broken, they make harsh grinding sounds.
How to spot it:
- Printer sounds rough during printing
- Grinding starts immediately when powering on
- You may see plastic shavings or fragments near the toner area
2. Paper Feed and Pickup Issues
A Brother printer making a loud clicking noise may point to paper feed errors. Misfed paper or roller misalignment can confuse the printer, causing gears to misfire.
What to check:
- Remove the rear tray and look for stuck paper
- Make sure the paper isn’t curled, torn, or damp
- Confirm the tray is loaded correctly, with the guides tight but not bent
3. Foreign Objects or Debris Inside the Printer
If something is stuck inside, like paper pieces, clips, or dust, it can block the rollers and lead to a Brother printer clicking noise. This is especially common in shared office printers.
How to check:
- Power off and unplug
- Remove the toner and drum
- Use a flashlight to inspect corners and paths
- Gently remove any visible debris
4. Faulty or Improperly Installed Toner/Drum Units
A misaligned toner or drum can create a Brother printer making loud grinding noise right after startup. Low quality third-party toner can also cause issues if it’s not built to an exact fit.
Fix this by:
- Removing and reinstalling both units securely
- Avoiding off-brand cartridges if possible
- Try resetting toner on Brother printer if the noise started after the replacement
5. Lack of Lubrication in Moving Parts
Gears and rollers can dry out over time, especially in warm or dusty environments. This leads to friction and a grinding sound during use.
Solution:
- Use printer-safe lubricant sparingly on gear areas.
- Never spray directly. Apply to a cloth or swab first.
- If unsure, skip this and contact Brother support.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix Brother Printer Making Grinding or Clicking Noises
Based on Brother’s support data and user reports, a few simple steps, no tools needed, can often solve the problem. Whether you’re about to replace a toner or fixing the noise issues, follow these quick fixes in order.
Step 1: Power Off and Unplug the Printer
Before doing anything inside your printer, power it off and unplug the cable. Let the machine cool down for a minute. This prevents electrical risks and protects the components while you inspect them.
Step 2: Check for Visible Paper Jams or Obstructions
Most Brother printer clicking noise issues start with paper misfeeds. Open all paper trays and the rear panel. Remove any torn paper or foreign objects like labels, clips, or dust buildup. A blocked feed path can also cause a Brother printer making loud clicking noise during startup. Use a flashlight for better visibility inside tight spaces.
Step 3: Remove and Reinstall Toner and Drum Units
Open the top cover. Gently remove the toner and drum assembly. This is often where users hear a Brother printer grinding noise after loading paper or resetting toner on the Brother printer.
- Reinsert both units properly until they click into place
- Make sure the toner is not loose or shifted
- Avoid using poor quality third-party toner that may not fit well
Step 4: Inspect Internal Gears and Rollers
Look inside the toner compartment and the rear panel. If you see plastic gear teeth that are worn, cracked, or out of place, they might be the reason your Brother printer making loud grinding noise.
- Check rollers for smooth rotation
- Don’t disassemble anything. This is a visual check only
- Look for loose pieces or uneven parts
Step 5: Apply Safe Lubrication if Comfortable
Dry gears can create grinding sounds. If you’re confident, apply printer-safe lubricant using a cotton swab. Target gear areas near the toner and roller zones.
Caution:
- Never spray directly inside the printer
- Don’t over-lubricate
- Skip this step if unsure; it’s optional
Step 6: Perform a Test Print
Plug the printer back in and power it on. Run a test page. Listen carefully.
- If you still hear a Brother printer making loud clicking noise, repeat steps 2 and 3
- If the Brother printer making loud grinding noise, the issue may be internal gear damage
When to Contact Brother Support or a Technician
If your Brother printer making loud grinding noise that doesn’t stop after following the steps, it’s time to get expert help. Delaying service can cause more damage, especially if the issue is internal.
1. Persistent or Worsening Noise After Troubleshooting
If you’ve cleared jams, reinstalled parts, and tried resetting toner on Brother printer, and the sound continues, it likely means there’s an internal issue. Don’t force the printer to run. It could damage the motor or gears permanently.
2. Signs of Internal Component Failure
Look for:
- Burnt smell or melted plastic
- Plastic shards or broken gear teeth
- Leaking toner near the drum unit
These signs can happen when people incorrectly replace a toner or use damaged parts.
3. Your Printer Is Still Under Warranty
Trying to fix a Brother printer clicking noise by disassembling gears or applying unapproved lubricants can void the warranty. Always stick to visual checks and simple reseating steps. For covered devices, Brother will handle hardware issues.
To get help:
- Visit the official Brother support page
- Submit a repair request or live chat
- Have your model and serial number ready
Preventive Maintenance: Avoiding Grinding and Clicking Noises in the Future
Stopping a Brother printer from making clicking sounds before it starts saves time and repair costs. Maintenance doesn’t need to be technical, just regular care.
A. Use Only Genuine Brother or Premium Quality Replacement Supplies
Using low quality off-brand toner or drums may trigger a Brother printer to make a loud clicking noise. These parts often don’t fit correctly and can cause gear misalignment or friction.
To prevent this:
- Use original or high quality toner cartridges
- Avoid forcing cartridges into place when you replace the drum on a Brother printer
B. Clean Printer Internals Regularly
Dust, paper debris, and toner residue lead to roller slippage and gear resistance. This buildup often causes the Brother printer to make a grinding noise during startup or long print jobs.
Tips:
- Wipe inside the paper tray and the rear feed
- Clean around the drum and toner housing
- Use a lint-free cloth, not compressed air
C. Don’t Overload or Misalign Paper
Misaligned paper is a common trigger for Brother printer clicking noise and paper jams.
Avoid this by:
- Loading paper below the max line
- Adjusting paper guides properly
- Removing bent, damp, or torn sheets
D. Store and Use Printer in Clean, Stable Environments
High humidity, dust, or uneven surfaces can affect rollers and cause parts to shift. This results in both Brother printer making loud grinding noises and clicking.
Keep your printer:
- In a dry, cool place
- On a stable desk or stand
- Covered when not in use
Final Thoughts
If you have issues such as Brother printer making loud grinding noises, it’s likely due to worn gears, misaligned paper, or improperly installed components. Many of these issues can be fixed with basic steps like clearing jams, cleaning rollers, or reseating toner and drum units. Always use genuine and premium replacement parts when you replace toner in Brother printer or replace the drum in a Brother printer to avoid noise and damage. If sounds persist, avoid forcing parts or opening internal assemblies. Sometimes, resetting the toner on the Brother printer can also stop recurring clicks. Routine care and clean usage environments prevent most future problems. Don’t hesitate to call support if the issue worsens. Knowing when to DIY and when to seek help can save time and repair costs.
Need help with noisy printers? Start troubleshooting now to fix that Brother printer clicking noise and keep your printer running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is my Brother printer permanently damaged if it’s making a loud grinding or clicking noise?
No, not necessarily. Most Brother printer clicking noise issues are caused by fixable problems like worn gears, paper jams, or misaligned rollers. It doesn’t always mean your printer is beyond repair.
2. Do I always need a technician to fix a loud clicking or grinding noise?
Not always. Many users can fix a Brother printer making loud clicking noise by checking for debris, reseating the toner/drum, or inspecting rollers. If the noise persists after basic troubleshooting, then consider calling support.
3. Can using third-party toner or drum units cause strange noises?
Not necessarily, however, using low quality non-genuine supplies can lead to poor fit and cause your Brother printer clicking noise during operation. It’s best to replace toner in the Brother printer with official Brother parts or premium compatible toners and drums.
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