A paper feed roll assembly for a printer or typewriter having a platen is described. The assembly is fabricated in such a way as to allow simple insertion into the printer or typewriter and the retention of the assembly in a proper position within the typewriter by the engagement of hooks (50) appended to the paper deflector (42, 54) with a paper release bail. Movement of paper release bail (14. 18) will compress a spring (28) which engages roll axle supports (20) and fixed rail (10), allowing the paper deflector (42, 54) and feed rolls (38) to with withdrawn from the periphery of the platen. The device allows automated assembly of the paper feed roll assembly into a machine and, in addition, provides complete self-alignment capability for the rolls (38) with respect to the periphery of the platen.