How to Remove the Paper Ejection and Feed Rods: A Step-by-Step Guide

Some printer repairs can be more complex than others, especially when dealing with components like the paper ejection rod and paper feed rod. Understanding how to remove these parts carefully is essential for efficient printer maintenance or replacing faulty parts. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of removing these rods in your printer and provide valuable tips for reassembling the parts afterwards. We'll also highlight where you can source high-quality replacement parts from BCH Technologies.

Understanding the Components

Before diving into the repair process, it's essential to understand the role of the paper ejection and feed rods in your printer. These rods are part of the internal paper-handling mechanism. The paper feed rod pulls paper into the printer for printing, while the paper ejection rod helps push the paper out after printing.

Both components play a crucial role in ensuring that the paper moves smoothly through the printer. If either becomes misaligned or damaged, it can lead to paper jams or printing errors. In such cases, removing and replacing these parts may be necessary.

Tools You'll Need

Before starting the repair, gather the following tools:

• A dental tool (or small flathead screwdriver)
• A high-quality flathead screwdriver
• E-Ring removal tool (if applicable)
• Replacement parts (bushings, springs, etc.)
• Your printer's manual (for reference)
• BCH Technologies spare parts (available online)

With these tools on hand, you're ready to begin.

Step 1: Removing the Paper Ejection Rod

The first step is to remove the paper ejection rod. Locate the bushing arm inside the printer that holds the rod in place. Moving some parts aside may be necessary to access it fully.

• Locate the bushing arm. The bushing arm holds the paper ejection rod securely within the printer's frame.
• Tweak counterclockwise: Once you've found the bushing arm, gently tweak it. This will loosen the connection, allowing you to remove the rod.
• Remove the rod: With the bushing arm out of the way, you can now carefully remove the paper ejection rod from its housing.

Step 2: Detaching the Paper Feed Rod

Once the paper ejection rod is removed, you'll move on to the paper feed rod. This part of the process is similar to removing the paper ejection rod but with a few additional steps.

• Locate the grounding spring: The paper feed rod is secured by a spring connected to the APG's grounding mechanism (Automatic Paper Guide). Start by carefully removing this spring.
• Remove screws for parallelism adjustment: On the left side of the printer, you'll find screws that adjust the parallelism of the paper feed mechanism. Remove these screws to loosen the area around the rod.
• Remove the motor: You must remove the engine that powers the paper feed mechanism. This may require unscrewing a few bolts to detach the motor fully.

Step 3: Removing the Bushing Arm and Other Components

With the motor out of the way, it's time to move on to the following components that hold the paper feed rod in place.

• Release the bushing arm: Similar to the paper ejection rod, a bushing arm holds the paper feed rod in place. To remove this, you'll need to create a small gap in the arm by pushing it upwards. Once you've created the gap, the bushing arm should be released, and the paper feed rod can be removed.
• Release the paper guide: On the back of the printer, you'll need to release the paper guide from its housing. This part is crucial for guiding the paper into the correct position within the printer, so handle it carefully. (If you need help with this, check out our other tutorial on installing the paper guide.)

Step 4: Dealing with the E-Ring

One of the trickier parts of removing the paper feed rod is dealing with the E-Ring, a small but crucial component that helps secure the rods in place.

• Remove the E-Ring: If the E-Ring flies off during the removal process, don't panic. These rings can be tricky to handle, but if you lose or damage one, BCH Technologies can replace it. To remove the E-Ring, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off carefully.
• Use a dental tool for precision: A dental tool can help lift the E-Ring or other small components without damaging them. It's essential to handle these parts delicately to avoid damaging the surrounding components.

Step 5: Removing the Bushing and Spring

Now that the E-Ring is out of the way, you can remove the bushing and spring, which are essential parts of the paper feed and ejection mechanisms.

• Remove the bushing: Once the E-Ring has been removed, you can push it into its housing. After this, carefully pull the bushing out to fully release the paper feed rod.
• Disengage the disk and white gear: To fully remove the paper feed rod, you must disengage the disk and white gear from the rod. Hold the white gear firmly with your hand and pull it to the left to release the disk.

Once complete, you should have successfully removed the paper feed rod and its components. These can now be cleaned, replaced, or repaired as necessary.

Step 6: Reassembly and Testing

Once you have removed and replaced any faulty parts, it's time to reassemble your printer. Carefully follow the steps in reverse order to put everything back together. Double-check that all parts are securely in place before testing the printer.

If your printer is experiencing paper jams or other issues related to the paper handling system, test it by printing a test page. This will allow you to confirm that everything is working correctly. If any issues persist, revisit the steps and ensure all parts are aligned correctly.

Where to Find Replacement Parts

BCH Technologies offers a wide range of high-quality components for printer repairs if you need replacement parts such as E-rings, bushings, springs, or even paper rods. Whether you're dealing with a malfunctioning Epson, Brother, or another printer model, BCH Technologies is your go-to source for durable, reliable parts. Visit our website at bchtechnologies.com for more information.

We also offer local services at our Greensboro, North Carolina, location for those who prefer hands-on repairs.