HP Z3200 Photo Printer Scan Axis Drive Belt Replacement:

I recently had to replace the Scan Axis Drive Belt (otherwise known as the carriage belt) in my HP Z3200 Photo Printer. I use the printer several times per week, but the print volumes I do are relatively light, so the belt did not “wear” out. Instead, the elastomer (rubber) component of the belt which binds the Kevlar strands together began to deteriorate and eventually disintegrated completely. Not only did this affect the Scan Axis alignment (see first image below) but it also left innumerable rubber crumbs throughout the paper path. I successfully replaced the belt and cleaned up the paper path and internals with a minimum of trouble, as well as replacing the noisy (howling) power supply fan. I should point out that I do have considerable background in mechanical/electronic repair (former Xerox Tech).

There is a video available on YouTube which details the entire mechanical process of replacing the belt, so if you need to do this, please watch the entire video before proceeding: Z3100 Belt Replacement Video. In particular, pay close attention to which size Torx drivers you will need (all detailed in the video) and the advice given about purchasing the belt replacement kit (don’t buy the kit, just buy the belt). The Z3100 Maintenance Manual is readily available via a Google search.

Do not, under any circumstances purchase the generic, toothed on one side, smooth on the other side replacement belt that is available on the web or on Ebay. Take a look at the following images, and you will see why:

You can clearly see that the LPS Replacement (Kevlar+Polyurethane) belt matches the OEM belt perfectly. The generic belt on the other hand does not match the OEM belt, and in fact requires you to replace the OEM Tensioner Pulley (which is grooved to mate with the belt grooves so that the belt tracks precisely) with a smooth surface pulley:

You can purchase the high quality OEM style from LPS here: Z3100/3200 Replacement Belt (I have no affiliation with LPS, I am just a satisfied customer).

–Shaun Merrigan