Reel Repair by Alan Tani

First thing I have to say is I have NEVER worked on a lever drag. I just had a water delivery and while my tank was being filled we started talking fishing / reels. 

The question:  As he puts the drag forward the reel gets bound up.  General issue? 

Thanks for any suggestions.

What is the drag set at?

Don't have it in hand yet. I want to know what I may be up against before I have him bring it by.

Yeah too much drag and/ or a pooched pinion bearing.

Todd

It's always the pinion bearing. Especially in lever drags this size.

Non Raptor Avet reels are easy to work on and someone here can help you if you have problems.

The pinion bearing can be hard to get out.

pinion bearing.....

If there's one thing I've learned about lever drag reels in my time here: it's always the pinion bearing. Even when it's something else, it's still also somehow the pinion bearing too.

Thanks everyone. If he drops it off I'll give it a go.

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on May 31, 2025, 03:47:17 AMIf there's one thing I've learned about lever drag reels in my time here: it's always the pinion bearing. Even when it's something else, it's still also somehow the pinion bearing too.

Not even close to being true.  The symptoms described here are pinion bearing related if the drag is properly set for the reel. 
Factory "clame"  non Raptor, 12#  Raptor 17# at strike but in my experiance the non Raptor is best fished set 10# max at strike and fished as a 25-30 pound reel.

Before taking the reel apart measure the drag and if it is over 10# for a non Raptor or 15# for a Raptor adjust it to 10/15 pounds and see if this cures the problem.  If not replace the pinion bearing.  Do not forget to grease the non greased from the factory CF drag washer.