Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I have seen multiple times where people praise the drag of the ABU?Zebco Cardinal 4.

I don't get it.  Have I been gas lighted?....lol

I know what smooth is.  I know what herky jerky is.

With over 50 baitcasters and conventionals,....and twenty something spinners( IIRC),...I am not new to reel service.

Why can't I get a smooth drag w/ the phenolic resin type drag in the spinners?
I can get a smooth drag with the phenolic resin drags in the early ambassadeurs.

What gives?

Posted @12:50pm central time.

No Aggregated Ignorance was used in the making of this posting.

I use Cardinal 3s & 4s exclusively and never seem to have a problem with a jerky drag, but then I make sure they have appropriate lubrication. I also lighten the drag setting if the reel will be sitting around unfished for more than two weeks. Before I make my first cast I always pull the line to make sure the drag is set correctly and working smoothly like it should. Maybe your SS & fiber washers need a thorough cleaning, buffing and lubrication.

I've had the same experience as drumbum. Haven't been able to figure it out. Sold/gave away a 4 & a 6 and kept a 7X. The 7X has a bit of start-up but is relatively smooth after that. Helped me beat the most energetic Uku(Gray Snapper) I've ever hooked, a week ago.
Maybe try what Tommy says. Or replace the metal and fiber washers. But with mine, I can't help thinking that maybe the fulcrum lever was not applying even pressure on the drag washers...couldn't tell.

Quote from: Midway Tommy on May 06, 2026, 05:26:59 AMI use Cardinal 3s & 4s exclusively and never seem to have a problem with a jerky drag, but then I make sure they have appropriate lubrication. I also lighten the drag setting if the reel will be sitting around unfished for more than two weeks. Before I make my first cast I always pull the line to make sure the drag is set correctly and working smoothly like it should. Maybe your SS & fiber washers need a thorough cleaning, buffing and lubrication.

Thanks for responding Tommy.

I originally hand lapped all washers.  Braided line (always smooths drag).

Purchased NEW complete drag assembly and got screwed (fred).  Sent used,(and replied w/complete BS).

Lube with Cals.  Tried dry.  Tried dry teflon (not good for fast runners).

The C3 is easy being leather drags,....but the C4....cheese and crackers I can't imagine they sold new with drags this bad.

I have even noticed the line contacts the cup when spool is retracted.

I have seen ZERO video of drag in action with these reels (and not many others....lol).

I don't expect modern perfection from a vintage reel,....but I would expect usable.

Thoughts?

Quote from: Gfish on May 06, 2026, 06:10:22 AMI've had the same experience as drumbum. Haven't been able to figure it out. Sold/gave away a 4 & a 6 and kept a 7X. The 7X has a bit of start-up but is relatively smooth after that. Helped me beat the most energetic Uku(Gray Snapper) I've ever hooked, a week ago.
Maybe try what Tommy says. Or replace the metal and fiber washers. But with mine, I can't help thinking that maybe the fulcrum lever was not applying even pressure on the drag washers...couldn't tell.

I can suffer a bit of start up surge (stiction) with the same material in the earlier Ambassadeurs,...but can still have smooth payout (if not the most powerful).

I even tried a different orientation of the second belleville washer to no avail.

It was an act of desperation to purchase a supposed NEW drag assembly when close examination and prep revealed zero concerns with the originals.

Thanks for the comments.

I guess the only things I have to add is that I use Super Lube on the washers as the grease, both SS & fiber and the nylon click, and add a little synthetic oil after the drag stack is in place.

Other than that, I only use Trilene XL in 6# (Card 3) & 8# (Card 4) so my drag is only ever set down just tight enough to protect those lines from breaking. I never crank them down so far that the line might have a chance to break. That's just the way I was taught to set/adjust my drag, and it has always worked just fine for my type of fishing.

A couple of things that a lot of people don't think about when critiquing their drag startup and jerkiness is the smoothness of their rod guides, and also the action of the rods they are using. The more flex there is in the rod the more difficult it is for the line to start sliding smoothly along the length of it, especially the 1/3 toward the tip. All  my rods are fast or extra fast action, so there's not a whole lot of bend out toward the tips. That allows the line to pull out much easier against the drag.   

I've been lubing the washers on my Cardinals with Super Lube ISO VG 220 (90W) gear oil.  It stays in place and the startup is nice and smooth.  For the rest, a light glazing of Super Lube NLGI 2 on the gears and drive gear bushing(s).  The 90W gear oil is also nice for the pinion bearing.  A drop and work it around, stays put a long time.  I too am a big fan of Super Lube products, just a bummer they no longer sell through their site.