VISX 12 not going out of gear

[JK47]

Intermittently when sliding the drag lever to free spool it doesn't cooperate and takes a few repeated attempts, and noticeably pops when it does.

[alantani]

one possibility is a bearing getting stuck.  there is a bearing in the center of the drag pressure plate. normally, a return spring will pop the pressure plate away from the drag washer when the lever is pushed back to the free position.  it might be hanging up because of corrosion.