Penn 980: Are Spool Bearings Sealed?

hotajax · June 03, 2022, 09:14:53 PM

I'm referring to both bearings, left and right. Can those bearings be cleaned easily? Thanks. Sorry for all these questions, but I have a reel that's been with me a long time, and I'm pretty buff with having a website available for technical issues.

Bill B · June 03, 2022, 09:41:25 PM

Most likely they are sealed. You should open them, clean in a suitable cleaner of your choice (mineral spirits, IPA, lacquer thinner, acetone, etc) and then oiled with something like TSI, ReelX, or light oil. Spool bearings do best with a light oil, any other bearing should get grease. Bill

hotajax · June 03, 2022, 09:57:15 PM

How do you open a bearing? I'm almost 70, and never heard of opening a bearing before today. Is there a thread here on how to do that? Sounds like I may need to go bug my dentist for some old dental pics. Thanks.

hotajax · June 03, 2022, 10:09:22 PM

Hold the presses. I just found a tutorial on how to do it. Thanks for your help.

Rancanfish · June 04, 2022, 04:57:15 AM

Now you have to tell us how ya did.

hotajax · June 04, 2022, 02:10:05 PM

Right now I'm at a standstill until I can get the bearings out without destroying them Two bearings for my reel cost $40 from Mystic. Trying to hunt around for a puller set up that won't kill the inner race. Thanks for asking.

Brewcrafter · June 04, 2022, 03:20:21 PM

Quote from: hotajax on June 03, 2022, 09:57:15 PMHow do you open a bearing? I'm almost 70, and never heard of opening a bearing before today. Is there a thread here on how to do that? Sounds like I may need to go bug my dentist for some old dental pics. Thanks.

Along with a dental pick (or a suitable fish hook) I will say a good magnifier or jewelers loupe helps a LOT. - john

Bill B · June 04, 2022, 03:25:30 PM

If the bearings are not stuck, then a steel rod or even a coat hanger with a 90* bend can be used. Pullers have been made with stainless steel welding rods, Penn wrenches. There are fancy bearing pullers, but so far I've had good luck making my own. I will see if I can find some examples. Bill

Here is a link to Alan's excellent run down on bearings.

https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=13.0

Here is a link to a DIY bearing puller. Haven't tried it, but looks promising.

https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=34478.0