I have a 550 that works perfectly when in gear, very smooth. But when I put it in free spool and turn the handle it has a grinding feeling/sound. I tried using different spools and gears, but it's the same. Any ideas. Thanks
I have a Penn Mag 525 that has exactly that description. I examined the gears under a flashlight and saw nothing.
I'm now waiting on a bearing replacement set to try.
Could be a shim is needed in one of the bearing cups. Sounds like it isn't coming all the way out of gear. They're very small and one could have fallen out without you seeing it. I think a 550 would have a little plastic one, white or clear.
I'll take a look at the shims again.
You should have 1 Plastic Shim in the clicker side bearing cap.
Mike
Thanks Mike, I checked and there is one.
Try adding another or moving it to the other side. I've had that problem and always was something about a shim here or there. If not you got me.
ok Ill try tomorrow.
The problem seemed to be the yoke was sitting slightly at an angle causing the pinnion to tilt. So I bent the jack tabs down just a little to make the yoke sit flat, and that stopped the grinding. Thanks for your time guys.
If you look at the Yoke where the Pinion rides you will see the Yoke is wearing. Find yourself a New or a good used one for a spare. I've had this on Newell Reels before.
Mike
Thanks Mike
If the yoke adjustment had not worked the next task would be to sand a couple thousandths off the pinion on the end that may be touching the bearing. Another step is to look under the handle side bearing to make sure there is no shim washer there.
A way to check is to just hold the side plate with bridge attached and work the jack lever in and out to see if the pinion pulls back from the bridge good when out of gear. If it does not then you may hear a ticking noise where the pinion just touches the spool lug when out of gear.