Avet EX 30/2 - drag lever extremely stiff

[Modot66]

so i've had this reel apart 5 times to check everything and i'm stumped.

basically with 20# drag at strike pushing the drag lever from freespool to strike takes considerable effort, and moving to sunset is near impossible. i do have freespool with this drag setting and i can turn the handle.

in addition to checking everything numerous times against the schematics, i replaced pinion bearing, reset drag cam, made sure belleville washers were (), and tried putting the metal drag plate on the high and low pins. drags were lightly coated with cal's grease and wiped off.

i'm literally stumped. for a reel that claims 35# max drag at strike a setting at 20# should be easy peasy.

any ideas on what else i can check? could the drag lever gotten bent? it looks straight. is there another thing to look for in setting the drag cam?

i have an avet EX 50/2 and am familiar with lever drags so think i have a good feel for what is normal.

[oldmanjoe]

Sounds like you may be fighting with the Belleville   washers .   Try ]] instead of [].

[Keta]

....made sure belleville washers were ()....

[Keta]

The only thing I can think of is a bearing not fully seated.

[oldmanjoe]

 Good call , that will limit the stroke ...