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Are you seeing faded prints, streaks, or a replacement warning on your Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405? The imaging units, also known as drums, eventually wear out. Thankfully, replacing them is simple with the right guidance.
In this guide, Matthew from The Printing Workshop shows you how to replace all four imaging units, clean the glass lenses beneath them, and reassemble your printer.
With more than 40 years of printer-industry experience, Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT) knows how important it is to keep your equipment running smoothly.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: How Do You Replace the Imaging Units?
- What Is an Imaging Unit?
- When Should You Replace the Imaging Units?
- How to Replace the Imaging Units
- How to Clean the Glass Lenses
- Common Imaging Unit Replacement Mistakes
- Quick Recap
- FAQ
- Keep Your Xerox VersaLink Printing Smoothly
Quick Answer: How Do You Replace the Imaging Units on a Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405?
To replace the imaging units on a Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405, open the right-side cover and remove the waste toner container. Press down on the release handle of each imaging unit and carefully pull it out without touching the green surface. Slide the replacement into its guides until it locks into place, then repeat the process for all four units. Clean the four glass lenses underneath using the cleaning wand, reinstall the waste toner container, and close the side cover.
What Is an Imaging Unit?
An imaging unit, also called a drum, is a printer component that helps create and transfer the toner image during the printing process.
While toner cartridges supply the powder used to print text and images, imaging units help transfer that toner onto the page as part of the printer's imaging system.
The Xerox VersaLink C400 and C405 use four imaging units, one for each toner color:
- Yellow (Y)
- Magenta (M)
- Cyan (C)
- Black (K)
These components gradually wear down with use and eventually need to be replaced to maintain consistent print quality.
When Should You Replace the Imaging Units?
Replace the imaging unit in your Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405 when the printer says it has reached the end of its life or needs replacing.
A worn or damaged unit can cause faded prints, streaks, repeating marks, or other defects. These problems may also come from toner or other printer issues. If the printer hasn't asked you to replace the unit, check for other causes first.
How Do You Replace the Imaging Units on a Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405?
Matthew demonstrates the same removal and installation process for all four imaging units.
Step 1: Open the Right-Side Cover
Open the right-side cover of your Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405.
Inside, you'll see the waste toner container, which must be removed before you can access the imaging units.
Step 2: Remove the Waste Toner Container
Locate the orange locking handle on the waste toner container.
Unlock the container and pull it straight out of the printer.
Set it aside carefully while you replace the imaging units.
Once the waste toner container is removed, you'll see the four imaging units inside the printer.
Step 3: Release the Old Imaging Unit
Locate the imaging unit you want to remove.
You'll notice a small release handle with an arrow beside it. The arrow indicates the direction you need to move the handle.
Using your finger, push the handle downward.
This releases the imaging unit, allowing it to move outward from the printer.
Step 4: Carefully Remove the Imaging Unit
As the imaging unit releases, place your other hand underneath it for support.
Be careful here because you don't want the unit to fall or accidentally touch its green drum surface.
The green surface is sensitive, and touching it can potentially affect print quality.
Once you have a secure grip, carefully remove the imaging unit from the printer.
Step 5: Align the New Imaging Unit With Its Guides
Take the replacement imaging unit and carefully position it inside the printer frame.
Set it gently onto its slides or guides.
When the imaging unit is properly aligned, it should move freely along those guides.
If it doesn't slide smoothly, check its positioning rather than forcing it.
Step 6: Install the New Imaging Unit
Once the replacement is properly aligned, slowly slide it into the printer.
Continue pushing it inward until it reaches the end of its guides.
Then give it a final firm push until it locks securely into place.
Step 7: Repeat the Process for All Four Imaging Units
The imaging unit kit shown in Matthew's tutorial includes all four imaging units.
Repeat the same removal and installation process for the remaining units.
Each imaging unit is released by pressing its handle downward, removed carefully, and replaced by sliding the new unit into its guides until it locks.
Once all four replacements are securely installed, you're ready to clean the glass lenses underneath them.
How Do You Clean the Glass Lenses on a Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405?
After installing the imaging units, Matthew recommends cleaning the lenses underneath to help maintain print quality.
Step 8: Locate the Glass Lens Cleaning Wand
Find the printer's cleaning wand, which is stored in a holder near the bottom of the machine.
The wand has a cloth cleaning surface designed to reach the lenses inside the printer.
If you have a new cloth insert available, replace the old insert before cleaning.
Step 9: Locate the Four Glass Lens Openings
Underneath the imaging units, you'll see four small openings labeled: Y for yellow, M for magenta, C for cyan, and K for black.
Each opening provides access to one of the printer's glass lenses.
You'll want to clean all four during this maintenance procedure.
Step 10: Clean Each Glass Lens
Position the cleaning wand with the cloth side facing downward.
Insert the wand into the first opening and slide it all the way down the lens.
Then pull it back out.
Repeat this motion two or three times to clean the lens.
Continue the same process for the remaining three openings, keeping the cloth side down each time.
Step 11: Return the Cleaning Wand to Its Holder
Once you've cleaned all four lenses, return the cleaning wand to its storage holder at the bottom of the printer.
Make sure the wand is properly stored before reinstalling the waste toner container.
Reinstall the Waste Toner Container and Close the Printer
Step 12: Reinstall the Waste Toner Container
Take the waste toner container you removed earlier and position it back inside the printer.
Push the container straight in until it sits flush.
Once it's fully seated, secure it using the orange locking handle.
Step 13: Close the Right-Side Cover
Close the right-side cover and make sure it sits flush against the printer.
Your imaging unit replacement is now complete.
Common Imaging Unit Replacement Mistakes to Avoid
Touching the Green Drum Surface
The green surface of each imaging unit is sensitive. Handle the replacement carefully and support it from underneath without touching the drum surface.
Letting the Imaging Unit Drop During Removal
When you press the release handle, the imaging unit will move outward. Keep a hand underneath it so you can support it as it comes free.
Forcing the New Imaging Unit Into Place
The replacement should move freely when it's properly positioned on its guides. If it doesn't slide smoothly, check the alignment rather than forcing it.
Forgetting to Clean the Glass Lenses
Matthew includes lens cleaning as part of the replacement procedure. After installing all four imaging units, use the cleaning wand to clean each lens two or three times.
Not Fully Seating the Waste Toner Container
Before closing the side cover, make sure the waste toner container sits flush and that the orange locking handle is secured.
Quick Recap: Replacing the Imaging Units
Replacing the imaging units on your Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405 involves three main parts.
First, open the right-side cover, unlock the waste toner container, and pull it straight out.
Next, release each imaging unit by pressing its handle downward. Carefully remove the old unit without touching the green surface, then align the replacement with its guides and slide it in until it locks. Repeat for all four units.
Finally, use the cleaning wand to clean the four glass lenses, reinstall the waste toner container, lock it, and close the side cover.
FAQ
Are Imaging Units and Drums the Same Thing?
Yes. Imaging units are often called drums because they contain the drum component that helps create and transfer the toner image during printing.
How Many Imaging Units Does a Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405 Have?
The Xerox VersaLink C400 and C405 have four imaging units, corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.
Do You Need to Replace All Four Imaging Units at Once?
In Matthew's demonstration, the imaging unit kit comes with all four replacement units, and the procedure involves replacing all four at the same time.
Can You Touch the Green Surface of an Imaging Unit?
No. Avoid touching the green drum surface because it is sensitive and can affect print quality if damaged or contaminated.
How Do You Know if the New Imaging Unit Is Installed Correctly?
When properly aligned, the imaging unit should slide freely along its guides. Once pushed all the way in, it should lock securely into place.
Why Should You Clean the Glass Lenses After Replacing the Imaging Units?
Cleaning the glass lenses helps remove residue that may interfere with the printer's imaging process and contribute to print-quality problems.
Keep Your Xerox VersaLink Printing Smoothly
The imaging units help your Xerox VersaLink C400 or C405 produce clear, consistent documents. Replace worn units carefully to maintain performance and avoid print-quality issues. Avoid touching the green drums, slide each unit into its guides, and clean all four glass lenses before reassembly.
STPT has more than 40 years of experience maintaining Xerox equipment. You can do the replacement yourself by following these instructions. If print-quality issues persist or a unit won't install correctly, contact a qualified service technician.
For more step-by-step Xerox tutorials and practical printer maintenance tips, subscribe to The Printing Workshop on YouTube. Our experienced technicians share helpful guides to make maintaining your printers easier.
