Curado spool bearing lubrication

[texkan]

Despite have read all the postings in this entire section, I have not been able to find the specific question/answer I am looking for. I have several stock Shimano Curado reels that I've used strictly in freshwater. The reels have been used for approximately 15 days of fishing, are clean and not abused. I have not removed the spool bearings, but they appear to have seals. What I'm trying to find out is whether I need to remove the bearings and seals and blow them out with compressed air before I use TSI 321 bearing oil, or is it acceptable to add one drop per bearing of TSI 321 without removing the bearings from the reels? This website has a huge brain trust that I appreciate and respect. Your assistance with the above question would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Les

[MarkT]

I'd open the bearing on at least the side you can see and clean it out then lube with tsi321.  Going forward a drop to tsi321 and you'd be good to go.

[alantani]

for fresh water, you could likely get away with just regular lubes with TSI 321 and you'd probably be good for a very long time!

[Gfish]

What's the time peroid for the aprox. 15 days of fishing: 6 mons.?, 1 yr.? If 1 yr. or more in fresh water, I'd remove the seals, clean with solvent, blow dry and re-lube. If less than a year, I'd add a drop of the tsi321 until you hit that 1 yr. mark(completely arbitrary, but you gotta use some extended time peroid!), then do the afore-mentioned cleaning. Saltwater is to me, much more time dependent and 3 months is a max. for lube and corrosion checks for a regularly used reel.

[oc1]

When you remove the shield there is always a risk that the cage will be bumped and deformed so that the bearing does not run quite as smoothly.  It may only be noticeable in spool bearings where a minor difference can affect casting distance.  Freshwater for fifteen days..... I'd just swish them around in naphtha, spin dry and add a half drop of oil.
-steve

[texkan]

Thanks to all of you who replied and offered advice on bearing lubrication. FWIW - I used Paslode Cordless Tool Cleaner for the first time this morning, and I'm impressed. It did a great job cleaning the level wind worm gears on three of my Curado's. It dries quickly without leaving any apparent residue. A 12 ounce spray can was ~$7 at a Home Depot in San Antonio. A solid value in my opinion. Tight lines.


Les