Squeaky Shimano Curado 300EJ

[Lucian]

Hi There,

I bought a used Curado 300EJ, and haven't fished it yet.  When the handle is turned it squeaks, regardless of whether it is turned rapidly or slowly.  Removing the spool did not stop the squeaking, so that rules out the brakes or the spool rubbing.  I put 3 drops of oil on the worm shaft, which didn't reduce the squeaking at all.  Next, I disassembled the handle, star drag, etc. down to the roller clutch bearing.  The roller clutch bearing had a lot of brown residue (could not tell if it was dirt or rust).  I cleaned the inside of the RCB with QTips and rubbing alcohol until I could get no more dirt off (required an incredible number of QTips), and also cleaned the roller clutch inner tube.  Lastly, I greased the inside of the star drag (where it meets the side plate).  Finally, I put the whole reel back together.  Still squeaking.

1. Is it possible the roller clutch bearing is old and causing the squeaking and needs to be replaced? 
2. What else could be causing the squeak?

Thanks in advance for any info.


Lucian

[Lucian]

Update: I hit the roller clutch bearing with a bunch of CorrosionX, let it sit, and wiped with QTips.  Once it could be cleaned no more, I reassemble the entire reel and the squeaking is totally gone!

Now, a couple side notes: 

1. I tried removing the roller clutch bearing just for the sake of knowing how to do it.  Damn thing wouldn't budge.  If anyone has a tip for removing this, please advise. I would like the option to replace the bearing in the future if needed.

2. I hope the CorrosionX doesn't degrade the performance of the anti-reverse in the bearing.  Has anyone put CorrosionX on a roller clutch bearing?  Please advise if it causes problems with anti-reverse, or not.

Thank you in advance for any advise.

[MarkT]

Grease is bad on the ARB but a little Corrosion X is a good thing to help prevent rust.

[ReelClean]

Does this help?
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=1654.msg132864#msg132864

cheers
Steve

Update: I hit the roller clutch bearing with a bunch of CorrosionX, let it sit, and wiped with QTips.  Once it could be cleaned no more, I reassemble the entire reel and the squeaking is totally gone!

Now, a couple side notes: 

1. I tried removing the roller clutch bearing just for the sake of knowing how to do it.  Damn thing wouldn't budge.  If anyone has a tip for removing this, please advise. I would like the option to replace the bearing in the future if needed.

2. I hope the CorrosionX doesn't degrade the performance of the anti-reverse in the bearing.  Has anyone put CorrosionX on a roller clutch bearing?  Please advise if it causes problems with anti-reverse, or not.

Thank you in advance for any advise.

[Lucian]

Don't understand how a ground-down washer allowed him to remove the bearing?  Is the idea that you can then bang on the washer instead of the bearing itself?  Seems like the washer would just pop out if you started hitting it.

[handi2]

I believe yours will just push right out with a nut driver or socket.

[MarkT]

When you get the ARB part way out wrap a rubber band around it to hold the rollers in place!

[Lucian]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!  Super helpful.  I'll report back once I give it a go.

[ReelClean]

Don't understand how a ground-down washer allowed him to remove the bearing?  Is the idea that you can then bang on the washer instead of the bearing itself?  Seems like the washer would just pop out if you started hitting it.

The elliptical shape allows the washer to be inserted into the bearing on an angle and still be wide enough to sit on the lip at the bottom of the bearing cage, and yes you can insert a small 1/4 drive socket and tap out the bearing.
cheers
Steve

[Lucian]

Makes sense, now.  Thanks, Steve.

[MarkT]

You don't need something like that on a Curado because you can access the bearing from the outside to tap it out.  It was needed on the other reel where the bearing was in a pocket and wasn't accessible from the outside.

[Lucian]

Update:

I was able to remove the roller clutch bearing by tapping with a 10mm socket wrench, but only after soaking in hot water.  The new bearing was difficult to get in, but I was successful after greasing the bearing well in the side plate and tapping via the same method.  I did a tear down (except for the worm shaft), cleaning, greasing, reassembling, thanks to all the wonderful information on this site.  It is incredible how much knowledge is on this site.  A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who advised me on this one.

Replacing the ARB made a huge difference.  There is now zero back play with the reel, whereas the old one gave an extremely small amount.  But the biggest difference though is how smooth it spins now - very noticeable difference.  Also replaced the handle retainer, and heck this thing is starting to look and feel new again!

If anyone wants my old roller clutch bearing, I'll ship to you free and no cost for the bearing.  With a little love, maybe it can function like new again.  It actually does function, just not like new.  No charge, first dibs to those who helped me with this thread.