Resolved Printing fading columns

Today my LaserJet 1018 started printing pages that have some streaking/fading columns (just like when the ink is running out).

However, I just inserted a new toner cartridge a few days ago, and I know I haven't printed up 2-3 thousand pages since then! So I'm wondering what is going on. Each time this happens, I take the toner out and slowly turn it on each side, then it seems ok for a bit. But this is getting old.

This LaserJet is coming up on 5 years old. I have gotten more than enough use out of it, but honestly I was hoping to get a few years more out of it. If this is the printer itself wearing down, again its more than paid for itself, but this would be the shortest-living HP printer our family has had (and we've had a few).

Is there anything I can do about this?

 

I didn't the first time, and I normally never do, but I have been shaking it gently---actually, turning slowly from one side to the other. And it works right for 10-20 pages or so.

 

The page you linked to makes some recommendations about cleaning rollers and things. I'll do that later this week. I did that stuff earlier this year, but it looks like another internal cleaning is in order.

 

In other words, the way I haven't been shaking it. OK I'll try that way and report back.

 

Recycled. The only new one I've ever used has been the original stock.

HP wants $70, amazon charges anywhere from 11 to 20.

 

Possibly, but this is the second unit I've gotten from this supplier, and the first one was just fine.

I've just given the cartridge a good sideways shake, so I'll see what happens over the next week or so with this.

 

So far, since I applied the sideways shake, none of those fading columns.

I can't believe that the exact type of shake would make that much of a difference--turning them from one side up to the other side up should at least have distributed the toner inside the cartridge a bit more evenly, but I'm not going to argue with results. I'll do the sideways shake a bit before putting them inside the printer for the first time.