Stella SW20000PG grinding gears?

[Killerbug]

I had my first Stella for service. It has been used for HW Popper and landed hundred of massive GT's, and other gamefish.

The reel feels like a coffee grinder, but I can't find any
dysfunction, nor any bad bearings when opening it. 

The main gears look ok(at least to me), so I am really confused.

Could it be the worm gear??

[alantani]

look at the gears under a magnifying glass.  they are always the second things go bad, after the bearings. 

[Killerbug]

I don't have a magnifying glass, but this is certainly the right occasion to get one,

Thanks. 

[coastalobsession]

Did you forget a washer?

[Nessie Hunter]

I would bet money (maybe $0.25) that its the bearings, not the gears...

They may seem OK without a load or pressure (when bench testing).  But Saltwater will destroy the balls & Races fast with pitting....   Sounds and feel like grinding gears.....

HW Popper and landed hundred of massive GT's?  Saltwater???
Not familiar with those terms....   

Stella's uses some great metals in the gears and they are cut to perfection... 

Process of elimination - Start with handle bearings, then Roller and shaft....

[Killerbug]

True, but even Shimano Stella pinions are made of brass!, and brass is a relative "soft" metal.

The guy used the reels for Popper fishing after Giant Trevally in Mozambique, Cristmass Islands etc, you can find more on this popper stuff the internet.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5pGNl-hquE&feature=related

Found the cause anyway, it was actually the brass pinion. I just got a second reel in yesterday, so i took  and interchanged the pinions.  

Thanks everybody for the feedback's