Lexa 300 HD side plate bearing

[Bun87]

This might be a dumb question but do anyone know how to remove this black circlular piece off the side plate? I'm trying to upgrade this bearing but I cannot remove it. I started to chip the magnetic brakes trying to do this. Thanks in advance!

[Swami805]

Can you just pop out that wire clip and get the bearing out?

[Bun87]

I did take the clip out but I cannot get the bearing out. Not sure if I'm missing something.

[ReelClean]

I did take the clip out but I cannot get the bearing out. Not sure if I'm missing something.

It is just stuck, it comes straight out after the clip is removed.  Search in here on stuck bearing removal and select a method.

[Bun87]

I did take the clip out but I cannot get the bearing out. Not sure if I'm missing something.

It is just stuck, it comes straight out after the clip is removed.  Search in here on stuck bearing removal and select a method.

Will do, thank you. I'm on the verge of just destroying it lol

[steelfish]

Will do, thank you. I'm on the verge of just destroying it lol

I totally understand, I there are many bearings stuck like this in many reels, I used different DIY tools with mixed success, if the bearing is light or mildly stuck this "bearing bad tools" bearing puller will do the job easily
https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,29915.msg440851.html#msg440851


if that bearing is pretty badly stuck, there is a expensive reel bearing puller that will do the job

[Gfish]

Been several years since I had a Lexa. Are the side plates graphite composite? I had an Ambassadeur with the graphite side-plates and the bearing hole was deformed at the top(purposefully) in 3 places, despite the presence of a wire clip—-why? I don't know, but hada carve those deformations out to remove the bearing.

[Lunker Larry]

Soak it in WD40 or whatever and use a bent paperclip. Simple but works 99% of the time for me.

[Brewcrafter]

Been several years since I had a Lexa. Are the side plates graphite composite? I had an Ambassadeur with the graphite side-plates and the bearing hole was deformed at the top(purposefully) in 3 places, despite the presence of a wire clip—-why? I don't know, but hada carve those deformations out to remove the bearing.

Lexa's are a metal sideplate.  Messing up the mag would be a definite concern.  Beyond using a paperclip (been there, done that) I have always been a fan of using an appropriately sized nail with vice grips, and shaving the head as needed for the appropriate lip.  There have to be a gazillion threads on bearing removal here.  They all boil down to applying force but not so much so as to do permanent harm.  Good luck! - john

[Bun87]

Will do, thank you. I'm on the verge of just destroying it lol

I totally understand, I there are many bearings stuck like this in many reels, I used different DIY tools with mixed success, if the bearing is light or mildly stuck this "bearing bad tools" bearing puller will do the job easily
https://alantani.com/index.php/topic,29915.msg440851.html#msg440851


if that bearing is pretty badly stuck, there is a expensive reel bearing puller that will do the job

Thank you I'll check those out

[Bun87]

Soak it in WD40 or whatever and use a bent paperclip. Simple but works 99% of the time for me.

I soaked in lots of oil and it's still not budging

[Bun87]

Been several years since I had a Lexa. Are the side plates graphite composite? I had an Ambassadeur with the graphite side-plates and the bearing hole was deformed at the top(purposefully) in 3 places, despite the presence of a wire clip—-why? I don't know, but hada carve those deformations out to remove the bearing.

Yikes hopefully it won't need to go there lol

[Bun87]

Been several years since I had a Lexa. Are the side plates graphite composite? I had an Ambassadeur with the graphite side-plates and the bearing hole was deformed at the top(purposefully) in 3 places, despite the presence of a wire clip—-why? I don't know, but hada carve those deformations out to remove the bearing.

Lexa's are a metal sideplate.  Messing up the mag would be a definite concern.  Beyond using a paperclip (been there, done that) I have always been a fan of using an appropriately sized nail with vice grips, and shaving the head as needed for the appropriate lip.  There have to be a gazillion threads on bearing removal here.  They all boil down to applying force but not so much so as to do permanent harm.  Good luck! - john

Thank you for the tips! Trying not to break it

[Bill B]

I'm assuming there is no corrosion keeping it in.  Try heating the side plate with a HAIR dryer, not a heat gun (which would ruin any paint) to expand the bearing pocket and use Johns suggestion of the nail head.  Bill