I have 2 TLD-15s that I can't figure out. They both have drags that if set on free spool, will not tighten at full drag. Or vice versa, if tight enough to lock, then they won't free spool. I took them apart and lubed everything but still both remain the same. My other 4, are normal. I've taken them both down and put back together twice. Any ideas?
Hi and welcome fishead,
Have you checked the right side plate bearings?
That's (almost) always the first failure point...
Let us know how you get on.
Good luck, Justin
Thanks for the reply. Yes the bearings are all spinning with no resistance. If I increase the drag enough to slow the spool a little, then in free spool the drag is still on. And vice versa. If I loosen enough to free spool then no drag at all even with the lever to full.
Two things to check... does the handle get harder to turn when you get drag pressure? If so the right side bearings are bad, they sometimes feel fine until they are compressed by the drag.
Second thing is to check that the drag cams are ok, especially that the little square hole in the middle hasn't rounded off at all.
Failing all of those, check the left side spool bearings.