Pinion bearing shields have no lock ring. Pop one side off for clean and lube?
Yes, you can use an exacto type knife and slip the point between the inner race and the shield and pop it off. I try to carefully remove them and reinstall to help shield from dirt but I'm pretty sure Fred will tell you to leave the shield off. If you put the shield back on you have to make sure it isn't bent or dented.
Thanks Tommy.
Depending on the environment you fish I would consider putting the sheilds back. Especially since these reels will most likley not see salt. I'm pretty good at bending them up so I leave them open... Jeff
FYI. I left one shield out. Put to the inside.
Looking at the outside, this reel has seen a lot of use. But the inside looks like new. DAM literally made these reels to last.
What could have been if they had continued to build them like that!