The Kyocera DK-1150 is the heart of the ECOSYS M2040dn and M2135dn series, rated for an impressive 100,000 pages. However, before reaching this limit, users often encounter print quality issues like vertical black lines or background shading. This is frequently caused by a full waste toner compartment within the drum unit itself.
In this guide, we will demonstrate how to perform a deep clean of the DK-1150. For professional settings where downtime is not an option, we strongly recommend replacing the unit with a new genuine Kyocera DK-1150 to ensure factory-standard performance.
DK-1150 Disassembly and Cleaning Steps
- Removing the Drum Unit: First, carefully remove the DK-1150 from the printer. Our video shows the specific locking mechanisms at [01:24].
- Disassembling the Housing: Subsequently, you must remove the screws and clips that hold the cleaning blade section. Be extremely careful not to touch or scratch the green OPC drum surface.
- Emptying Waste Toner: The main goal is to empty the waste toner collected behind the cleaning blade. Consequently, this prevents toner buildup from leaking onto your documents.
- Cleaning the Primary Charge Roller (PCR): Additionally, wipe the PCR with a dry cloth to remove any dust. A dirty PCR is the #1 cause of repetitive ghosting or grey backgrounds.
- Reassembly and Inspection: Finally, reassemble the unit as shown at [12:08]. If the cleaning blade is worn or the drum has physical scratches, cleaning will not be enough, and a full replacement is required.
Recommended Kyocera Maintenance Hardware
To keep your Kyocera ECOSYS printer running like new, we suggest these essential components:
- Primary Replacement: Kyocera DK-1150 Drum Unit (Genuine) – The official replacement for ECOSYS M2040dn, M2135dn, and M2635dn series.
- Toner Companion: Kyocera TK-1170 Black Toner (Europe) – High-yield toner designed to work perfectly with the DK-1150.
- USA Model: Kyocera TK-1172 Black Toner (North America) – The regional equivalent for US/Canada devices.
- Developer Unit: Kyocera DV-1150/DV-1152 Developer Unit – Replace this if you experience light or uneven printing after a drum change.
- Modern Office Choice: Kyocera ECOSYS Printers – If your machine has exceeded 200,000 pages, upgrading to a new unit is often more cost-effective.
Expert Tip
The DK-1150 is designed to be robust. Furthermore, always perform a “Drum Refresh” from the printer’s maintenance menu after cleaning or replacing the unit. This recalibrates the charge levels and ensures optimal text density from the very first page.
Need more Kyocera help? Check our guides on TK-1150 Toner Refills or Fixing Registration Issues.
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