Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Hi

I have several abu reels from Abu 5500 rocket from the late 90s to much older 5600s with the red thumbar. I'd like to upgrade the bearings to ceramic for more distance casting. I've tried other methods including polishing moving parts with a dremel and adding oil but I think a bearings upgrade is what I'd need to get that extra mile lol.

I see bearings come in various sizes like 10*4*10 or 11*5*10 etc.

Is there a one stop place I can input my model or ideally serial number and not screw up the bearing size I need? I am ordering online and most places don't offer refunds if you get the wrong size.  A link even here on this site?

Oh and any tips of lower priced ceramic bearings that are still okay; BOCA is bit pricey.

Thanks

Most people take out the old bearing and measure it with a set of calipers.  Sizes are expressed in millimeters.

I think ceramics are worth the price.  Run them dry to get the full effect.  Boca is more expensive and a bit slow, but more consistent quality than you will find on ebay or amazon.

Here I'll make this easy. I'm not a shop, but I'll do it in one stop.

Old ambassadeur reels are 3x10x4 at least up to 6500 size. The very large reels take a larger size,

Later ambassadeur reels with the ultra cast spools were 4x10x4 bearings, at least up to the 6500 size.

Another way of getting bearing sizes by make and model is to visit Fast Eddie. Click on your reel and it gives the  bearing sizes for the reel.

https://www.fasteddybearings.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&msclkid=61e8a5b9e4db13c1c2f2cc61e1a266ea

Quote from: ourford on April 09, 2026, 08:04:13 PMAnother way of getting bearing sizes by make and model is to visit Fast Eddie. Click on your reel and it gives the  bearing sizes for the reel.

https://www.fasteddybearings.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&msclkid=61e8a5b9e4db13c1c2f2cc61e1a266ea

Thank you...

Ps. For 6500rocket it says 3 bearings...I guess 2 larger are for the spindle ends...but what's the3d smaller bearing for?

 
Abu Garcia 6500 CS Rocket Baitcaster Fishing Reel Rubber Sealed Bearing Set

(1)      3x7x3
(2)      4x10x4

4000-6000 C models up to '88 3x10x4
4000-6000 Ultracast models '89-'25 4x10x4
1500C-3500C 5x11x4
7000C/7000C3 3x10x4
One piece frame Max reels (Black Max, SMax, ProMax, Tournament Pro) '92-'00 3x10x4
Morrum 1600-3600 1x 3x10x4 and 1x 4x10x4
Morrum 5600-6600 5x11x4
Morrum 7700 10x15x4


OEM cog wheel bearing(s) 3x7x2
Aftermarket cog wheel (Avail, Valleyhill, Mike's, etc) 3x7x3
Level wind bearing C3/C4 3x7x3

I sell NMB stainless bearings on my site. www.ashlin-fishing.com

Quote from: pointbob on Today at 02:19:14 AM

Quote from: ourford on April 09, 2026, 08:04:13 PMAnother way of getting bearing sizes by make and model is to visit Fast Eddie. Click on your reel and it gives the  bearing sizes for the reel.

https://www.fasteddybearings.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&msclkid=61e8a5b9e4db13c1c2f2cc61e1a266ea

Thank you...

Ps. For 6500rocket it says 3 bearings...I guess 2 larger are for the spindle ends...but what's the3d smaller bearing for?

 
Abu Garcia 6500 CS Rocket Baitcaster Fishing Reel Rubber Sealed Bearing Set

(1)      3x7x3
(2)      4x10x4

The small one is for the levelwind gear.