On a lever drag that you used every day for repeated throwing of baits how often would the belleville washers need to be replaced?
Never?
I replace them on almost all lever drags I service. If there is any sign of corrosion (even light surface rust), or if they have lost their springiness. I typically measure the stack height and compare it to that of new ones. If it is 0.3mm or more shorter then new, I replace them. Bellevilles will deform if the reel is stored for a prolonged period with the lever forward. Many people also store their reels on their side and the bellevilles and adjacent spool bearing collect mousture and salt and corrode. If the reel is serviced reguarily, and stored properly these washers can certainly last 3 years or more. Unfortunately, this has not been the case with the majority of reels I service. Anotjer way to check is to test the expected drag curve against what your reel is actually producing. Worn bellevilles will typically give a steeper then stock curve. I.e. drag at full will be greater then expected for the given strike setting. Bellevilles are cheap, and new ones give you the drag curve the reel was designed for. This is just my opinion.
Thanks for the replies. I obviously have a problem with my little 5n Andros. I dont store my reels with the drag engaged. An old habit. The bellevilles have obviously become deformed. I can easily with out compressing the washers slip the e-clip in place that holds the washer stack in a compressed state. If not for clicker gear that surrounds the E-clip it would easily fall out of it's slot. I also have excessive end-shake or side to side play in the spool when it's in free.
I would try replacing the bellevilles and maybe get a few spoolshaft shums while you are at it. You can always just shim to get the correct spacing, but your preset will need to be screwed in a bit further (to get the same desired setting at strike), and the drag curve will be a bit steeper then stock.
Incidentally, as the belleville stack height decreases, the spool does move slightly further right when engaged. Clicker might be a bit louder initially, but the ratchet and pawl will wear more quickly too. I always strive to maintain stock spacing and bellevilke config. Additionally, shimming is sometimes required to account for wear (i.e. drag, gears, etc.). Just be careful not to overshim as severe damage can result.
If you own a Tekota, maybe every season? They seem to lose their temper. Even the thick ones.
Shimano reels have brought the loss of my temper
Quote from: exp2000 on July 13, 2015, 12:07:52 PM
Using Shimano reels has brought on going bouts of the loss of my temper ;D
But I have to admit for the money the Tekota is a pretty good reel.
Anyone know where I can get bellevilles for a daiwa 900h?