Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hi Guys,

Is it wise to clean out new bearings with carb cleaner and compressed air before greasing, just in case there is anything in them from manufacture.

Mike.

I always pack mine full of new penn blue using the AT bearing packer, though this is mostly for 'trolling only' reals.  Many of the new bearings do not have removable shields (at least not without removing them permanently).  If they have retaining rings (and you can replace the shields), or if you want open bearings (like spool bearings in a reel intended for live bait/casting), by all means open em up, clean, and lube as desired.

Thank you for the reply tightlines, I just wasn't sure if there could be any muck in them from manufacture.

Hi Mike,

If the reel is brand new, then the grease in the bearing will probably be whatever the reel manufacturer specified to the bearing manufacturer – so should be reasonable. In all likeelihood, the inside will be as manufactured, which should be pretty good.

The only real need to change out and clean out, would be if your requirements are for something other than what the reel manufacturer designed the reel – like extreme casting – otherwise leave it until a scheduled service.

Working on the old adage: "If it ain't broke – don't fix it!"

Hope that helps.


Cheers from sunny Africa


Jeri

Quote from: Jeri on June 05, 2014, 01:01:29 PM
Hi Mike,

If the reel is brand new, then the grease in the bearing will probably be whatever the reel manufacturer specified to the bearing manufacturer – so should be reasonable. In all likeelihood, the inside will be as manufactured, which should be pretty good.

The only real need to change out and clean out, would be if your requirements are for something other than what the reel manufacturer designed the reel – like extreme casting – otherwise leave it until a scheduled service.

Working on the old adage: "If it ain't broke – don't fix it!"

Hope that helps.

Hi Jeri,

Thanks for the reply, it was for some new bearings I bought for my 113H, so I will leave as is until it needs a service!!


Mike. 

Cheers from sunny Africa


Jeri

When I buy a new reel that's the first thing I do. I service each bearings along with he reel itself. The reel company's purchase the bearings from different sources. I have opened plenty of new bearings and very little grease is found in each case. Just service the bearing for it's application.

Don't over grease spinning reel bearings. Add CorrosionX then a little grease so it doesn't bog down the reel. Just enough to keep water out. With open bearings in spinners they get CorrosionX only except for the pinion bearing that gets a little light grease like Cal's or Penn's grease with the oil.  That's where the water can find it's way in thru the rotor and nut and rust the bearing.

The large conventional reels can accept more grease in the slow moving bearings. The spool bearings get oiled only.

Like stated if the shields are pressed in just lightly coat each side with some grease for a little protection. You can remove the shields but then they will be open all the time which in most cases is a good thing. This makes then easy to service.

I am not a fan of using compressed air on bearings, clean, dry, repack, or often times just repack, and force out the old grease if it is possible. 

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the response and advice for both spinners and conventionals, all taken on board, will do what is necessary.

Always willing to learn.

Thanks again,

Mike.