Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hi Guys, after cleaning the stock Bearings with Berryman Chemtool and lubing with TSI 321 (1 drop and blown out with compressed air) I'm still only getting 10-12 seconds of free spool. Should I up grade to an after market bearing( if so what brand) or should I try lubing with TSI 301. I've also read to remove the shields, however, I don't think they 're removable. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...

You really need to clean out the bearing.  There are two methods that I know of.  One is prying off the shields if they are pressed in or remove the retaining ring if they are provided with a retaining ring.  Then you will be able to clean them out thoroughly.  The second is securing the center of the bearing in a bit to hold the center race securely.  Install the bit in a drill or dremel and spin the bearing in acetone for several seconds.  You will see the grease exit the bearing.  Then blow dry the bearing.

If the bearing is open, add a drop or two of TSI321 and spin the bearing slowly to coat all surfaces before spinning the bearing fast.  The excess will come out after the bearing is installed in the reel and you spin the spool.

If the bearing still has it's shields, then repeat the cleaning process except in TSI321.  Pull the bearing out of the TSI and spin the bearing to get out the excess and install.

Both have been very good methods to clean and lube bearings in my reels and the reels that I fix.

Thanks for the speedy response. I cant seem to pry off the seal ( very small ). what about replacing the bearings?? Ceramic or stainless?? Boca or smooth drag...Thanks

Quote from: seadevil26 on February 19, 2015, 03:18:54 AM
Thanks for the speedy response. I cant seem to pry off the seal ( very small ). what about replacing the bearings?? Ceramic or stainless?? Boca or smooth drag...Thanks

I would personally go stainless.  You don't gain much with ceramics on these reels.

PM me if you need assistance.

Mine spin like tops and all I've ever done is put a little ReelX on them. I've got 2 540's (one with 3.6:1 gears) and a 280.