Best Replacement Parts for HP OfficeJet Pro 8035: Paper Feed Gear & Timing Encoder Strip - Q&A Guide

Question:

Thank you for the helpful videos and tutorials. I'd like to order a replacement Paper Feed Gear (PFG) for my HP OfficeJet Pro 8035, but I want to make sure I'm choosing the correct one. I see two options:

• BCH Paper Feed Gear (PFG) for HP OfficeJet Pro 80xx Series - Fix 8012 8022 8025... "The print carriage cannot move"

• BCH Paper Feed Gear (PFG) for HP 8000 Series - Fix HP OfficeJet Pro 8012 8025... "The print carriage cannot move"

Are these the same product?

I also bent the Timing Encoder Scale strip. Should that be replaced as well, or are those strips pretty sturdy?

Answer:

Are these two PFG listings the same?

Yes-the two Paper Feed Gear (PFG) listings you found are the same product, just presented under slightly different descriptions.

Both versions are compatible with the HP OfficeJet Pro 80xx series, including models such as:

• 8012

• 8022

• 8025

• 8035

• And other printers in the 80xx family

The variations in the listing titles are simply for search optimization, but the physical gear is identical. The PFG is the correct part used to address the common "The print carriage cannot move" error message found on these models. This issue occurs when the Paper Feed Gear cracks or loses teeth, which prevents the carriage from moving freely.

Should the bent Timing Encoder Scale strip be replaced?

The Timing Encoder Scale strip-the thin transparent ribbon behind the carriage-is surprisingly durable under normal circumstances. However, once it's bent, its reliability depends on the degree and type of damage.

Here's what you need to know:

✔ When the strip may still be usable

• A slight, cosmetic bend that does not distort the printed vertical marks

• The strip still sits flat when reinstalled

• No smudging, scratching, or stretching of the encoded lines

✘ When replacement is strongly recommended

• The bend caused a crease that won't lay flat

• The printed encoder lines appear distorted

• The carriage now moves inconsistently

• You see jittery print behavior or "carriage jam" messages

• The strip has been stretched, cracked, or twisted

Because the encoder serves as the carriage positioning guide, any distortion can cause incorrect readings and further operational failures. So the decision depends on the strip's condition-if in doubt, replacing it is the safer option.

Addressing printer issues can often be hands-on and complex, so we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair guidance beyond general advice. BCH Technologies does offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service through our local facility, which you can learn more about here: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, our repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a waiting period before a technician can evaluate your machine. We can repair either the entire printer or specific components depending on what you prefer. That said, we understand our repair services may not be the most budget-friendly, so we strongly encourage customers to explore self-help options through online resources. A great place to start is YouTube-especially our own channel at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" tab to find videos on specific topics. With nine years of content, even I can't always remember every tutorial, so searching directly on YouTube is often the fastest way to find what you need. Plus, YouTube may recommend helpful videos from other creators as well.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting our work. Please feel free to contact us anytime you need more assistance. Your engagement helps us continue creating better repair guides and technical content for the community.