If your HP DeskJet 2720 is making loud noise during startup, printing, or idle periods, this usually indicates a mechanical issue that needs prompt attention. Common causes include paper debris in the paper path, worn or damaged rollers, carriage movement obstruction, or failing internal components. Left unresolved, excessive noise can lead to permanent damage and costly printer repair. This guide walks you through proven troubleshooting steps to fix printer noise issues and restore quiet, reliable operation.
Common Causes of Loud Noise in the HP DeskJet 2720
The HP DeskJet 2720 uses a combination of stepper motors, plastic gears, and rubber rollers to feed paper and move the print carriage. When any of these components encounter resistance or wear, they produce abnormal sounds including grinding, squealing, clicking, or rattling. Understanding whether the noise occurs during carriage movement, paper feeding, or continuously helps isolate the root cause for effective troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1
Power Cycle and Listen: Turn off your HP DeskJet 2720 and unplug the power cord from the rear of the printer. Wait 60 seconds, then reconnect and power on. Listen carefully during startup—note whether the loud noise occurs during carriage initialization, paper feed tests, or after the printer goes idle. Documenting when the noise happens helps identify whether the issue stems from the carriage assembly, paper path, or power supply fan.
2
Clear Paper Debris from the Paper Path: Remove all paper from the input tray. Open the cartridge access door and inspect for torn paper fragments, especially near the rear rollers and underneath the paper path cover. Use a flashlight to check the cleanout area (accessible from the rear panel by lifting the tab). Remove any debris with tweezers. Even small paper scraps can cause grinding noises as rollers struggle to grip properly.
3
Inspect and Clean the Rollers: With the printer powered off, locate the pickup rollers beneath the input tray and the internal feed rollers visible through the cartridge access area. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and gently rotate each roller while wiping to remove dust, paper fiber buildup, and hardened ink residue. For the DeskJet 2720's dual-roller pickup assembly, ensure both rollers show consistent texture without flat spots, cracks, or excessive shine that indicates wear.
4
Check Carriage Movement and Remove Obstructions: Open the cartridge access door and wait for the carriage to move to the center (if powered on) or gently slide it manually when off. Verify the carriage moves smoothly along its metal rod without catching or wobbling. Look for dislodged ink cartridges, foreign objects (paper clips, pens, children's toys), or dried ink buildup on the encoder strip—the thin plastic strip behind the carriage. Clean the encoder strip gently with a slightly damp cloth, moving left to right only.
5
Lubricate the Carriage Rod and Test Components: Apply one drop of synthetic sewing machine oil or printer-approved lubricant to the carriage rod where it passes through the carriage assembly. Manually slide the carriage back and forth five times to distribute. Reinstall cartridges firmly until they click. Power on and print a test page. If the HP DeskJet 2720 making loud noise persists specifically during left-to-right carriage movement, the carriage belt may be loose or the stepper motor bearings may be failing.
6
Update Firmware and Reset the Printer: Outdated firmware can cause erratic motor behavior. Visit HP's support site, download the latest DeskJet 2720 firmware, and install via USB connection. If noise continues, perform a factory reset: with printer on, disconnect power, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds, reconnect power while holding, then release. This drains residual charge and recalibrates internal sensors that may cause motors to overwork.
⚠️ Important: Never use WD-40, cooking oils, or petroleum-based lubricants on printer components—these attract dust, degrade plastic gears, and can permanently damage the HP DeskJet 2720. Also avoid forcing the carriage if it resists movement; this indicates a mechanical lock that requires professional printer repair to prevent stripping the drive gears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my HP DeskJet 2720 make a grinding noise when I turn it on?
Startup grinding typically indicates the carriage is struggling to initialize its home position. Check for obstructions in the carriage path, ensure ink cartridges are properly seated, and verify the encoder strip is clean. If the noise started after a paper jam, torn paper may be wrapped around the rear feed mechanism.
Can a loud noise damage my HP DeskJet 2720 if I keep using it?
Yes—continued operation with abnormal noise risks stripping plastic gears, overheating stepper motors, and causing permanent mechanical failure. The noise is your printer's warning that something is wrong. Stop printing immediately and perform troubleshooting steps, or seek printer support from a certified technician to prevent costlier damage.
How do I know if my DeskJet 2720 needs roller replacement versus cleaning?
Clean rollers should feel slightly tacky and show uniform texture without cracks, flat spots, or hardening. If rollers feel slick, glazed, or have visible damage, cleaning won't restore grip and replacement is necessary. Genuine HP roller kits for the 2720 series are available, though installation requires partial disassembly best handled by those experienced with fix printer procedures.
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