Shimano Stradic Ci4+

[Mack10290]

So I have this Shimano Stradic 1000 that I've been using for about the past 8-9 yrs. It's a 1000 size so it's a small reel I use with an UL rod for stream trout fishing. It was the display model at Gander Mountain and I bought it at a steep discount when then went belly-up. It has been smooth as silk and very reliable.....up to this point. I did have 1 mishap with it a few years ago when I slipped in the mud and fell and landed squarely on the reel. It bent the entire frame of the reel sideways. I packed it up and sent in to Shimano service Center. For $45 they "serviced" it and returned it. I've never been sure exactly what I got back? Don't know if they replaced just the frame or the entire reel? It was definately fixed but did not seem to be a brand new reel so I don't know for sure? So a few months ago I noticed the reel is making a squealing sound that comes and goes so I assumed it needed service. I went to the Shimano website and proceeded to schedule a service and I discovered that my reel is no longer accepted. Apparently it's too old now. They will service the ci4+ "B" but mine is an "A". So I decided that I could just lube it myself.....bad idea. I used to use Pfluegers and I could open them up and do whatever I needed to, but this was no Pflueger. I started removing screws and plates and etc etc and finally got it apart and realized .....I'm in over my head with this thing! I think I disassembled more than was necessary and I'm not real confident about putting it all back together and I have no idea if a little Penn grease in the gearbox will solve the original issue or not? So what should I do? This is a very good quality reel and I feel I can get more service out of it with a good lube, but it's sitting here in pieces. Should I try to find a local tackle repair expert, or should I try getting out the schematic sheet and attempt to reassemble it? Any appreciate any help or suggestions.   

[JasonGotaProblem]

Shimano might be too cool to service it now, but there's lots of skilled folks with parts collections who can take care of you for a small fee.

I might be one of those folks. I've worked on plenty of stradics and I have parts for ones from that era. But I'm sloooooooooooow to turn stuff around. You can probably find someone quicker.

[Mack10290]

Thanks. I'm checking around here locally but so far the only tackle repair guys I've located are ones doing custom rods. No reel repair guys yet. I'll have to expand my search to include further locations.