Hardware question

[foxbyrd31]

I am hoping that since all of you use CAD, that you also use a plotter... I have an HP Designjet 500 series. I was wondering if anybody had ever replaced a carriage belt on one of these. Ours is has a horizontal rip about 6" long, it gets jammed and gives me an error.

I found diy directions and I am fairly handy, but I just ordered the belt and am hoping for a little reassurance that I am not insane for wanting to try to replace it myself.

Anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks!!

[Jack_O'neill]

I put one in a Designjet 600 once, a long time ago. Don't recall it being all that difficult. If you have a digital camera, I suggest you take a series of photos as you disassemble it so you will have a visual record of how it goes back together. This will be particularly handy in the event they send you the wrong part or there is some other delay that would keep you from doing it on the same day while your memory is fresh.

[SLW210]

If you are handy with tools, it should be a snap. We have an HP DJ5500ps with a stripped belt, looks like I will be replacing that one as soon as the belt comes in.

[ReMark]

We just had the belt in our DesignJet 500+ replaced. I would have tried it myself but since the plotter had never had any maintenance done on it I decided to call in an outside firm to replace the belt and give the plotter the once over (cleaning, dusting and inspection). It took the guy 1 hour. I forget the cost but when I return to work on Wednesday I can look it up.

[CyberAngel]

If you follow the directions to the letter, you'll do fine. I replaced the carriage belt in a DJ500 about four years ago, no problems.

[foxbyrd31]

This is all very reassuring. Thank you! When the piece comes in and I get it all replaced I will let you all know how I fared.