my canon pixma ts3520 is making a loud, rhythmic grinding or clicking noise when it prints, sounds terrible.

Diagnosis

The loud, rhythmic grinding or clicking noise in the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is typically caused by a mechanical obstruction or a failure in the carriage drive system. This specific model uses a plastic gear train and a rubber timing belt to move the print head carriage across the guide rail. When you hear a rhythmic "clack-clack-clack," it usually indicates that the carriage is hitting a physical stop or that a gear tooth is slipping because the carriage cannot complete its full travel path. This often happens due to "paper creep," where small scraps of torn paper from a previous jam lodge themselves in the far corners of the chassis, or when the ink cartridges are not seated perfectly flush, causing the carriage to snag on the internal plastic housing. You can confirm the source by powering on the printer and watching the carriage movement; if the noise peaks exactly when the carriage reaches the far left or right side, the issue is a physical obstruction. If the noise is constant throughout the entire sweep, the issue is likely a degraded timing belt or a foreign object caught in the gear assembly.

How to Fix It

To resolve the grinding noise, you must clear the mechanical path and ensure the drive system is unobstructed. Follow these steps precisely:

1. Power off the printer completely and disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet to prevent the carriage from moving unexpectedly during the process.
2. Open the scanning unit/cover and the ink cartridge access door. Gently move the print head carriage to the center of the printer. If it is locked, do not force it; instead, power the unit on and off quickly to trigger the automatic home-positioning movement.
3. Use a high-intensity flashlight to inspect the far left and far right "parking" areas of the carriage rail. Look for tiny shreds of paper, staples, or accumulated dust clumps. Use a pair of tweezers or a can of compressed air to remove any debris.
4. Inspect the silver guide rail (the metal rod the carriage slides on). If you see a buildup of black grease mixed with dust, wipe it clean using a lint-free cloth dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
5. Remove both the PG-275 (Black) and CL-276 (Color) cartridges. Inspect the gold contact points and the plastic tabs. Re-insert them firmly, ensuring you hear a distinct "click" as they lock into place. A cartridge that is slightly tilted can rub against the printer frame, causing a rhythmic clicking sound.
6. Close all covers and plug the unit back in. Perform a "Power Cycle" by holding the power button for 5 seconds before turning it back on.

If That Didn't Work

If the grinding persists, try these more advanced troubleshooting steps:

• Check for Encoder Strip Contamination: Locate the thin, clear plastic strip (the encoder strip) that runs horizontally across the printer behind the carriage. If there is a smudge of ink or grease on this strip, the printer "loses" the position of the carriage and will slam it against the side of the chassis, creating a loud grinding noise. Gently wipe the strip with a dry cotton swab.
• Reset the Carriage Position: Unplug the printer and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain the capacitors. While unplugged, manually slide the carriage slowly from one end to the other three times to ensure there are no "dead spots" or physical resistance in the rail.
• Inspect the Paper Feed Rollers: Sometimes the grinding isn't the carriage, but the pickup rollers struggling to pull a skewed sheet of paper. Open the rear tray and check for any foreign objects (coins, paperclips) that may have fallen into the feed mechanism.
• Update Firmware: In rare cases, a timing error in the firmware can cause the carriage to over-travel. Use the Canon PRINT app or the web interface to check for any pending firmware updates for the TS3520.

Heads Up

• Avoid Lubricants: Never apply WD-40 or silicone sprays to the guide rail. These attract dust and can degrade the plastic components, eventually seizing the carriage.
• Paper Quality: Only use standard 16lb to 24lb paper. Using overly thick cardstock in the TS3520 can put undue stress on the plastic gears, leading to the "stripped gear" grinding sound.
• Cartridge Seating: Always ensure the orange protective tape is completely removed from the cartridges; remaining adhesive strips can cause the carriage to drag.
• Power Management: Always turn the printer off using the Power button rather than pulling the plug. This ensures the print head parks in the correct position, preventing the mechanical "crash" that causes clicking.