Hey guys gday from Australia..
I have a pretty new TLD 15 and after a few hard running fish the reel is very geary and not smooth anymore. It's like a bloody coffee grinder.
Took the reel apart according to Alan's guide and couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. The main gear and pinion are in very good nick.. The bearings are clean and roll very freely.
Is this just how it is with thee TLD's??
I'll bet anything your pinion bearing is bad. That can happen almost instantly if you push the drag a little too much. (Remember that reel came out pre-braid and was meant to be fished with light line and light drag.) Open your reel and remove the pinion bearing from the right side plate. Press the bearing between your fingers and turn it. If you feel any grittiness at all, it must be replaced.
X2!