Shimano Trinidad 20 DC - Spool Tension Issue

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 12, 2025, 11:34:29 AM

Hey everyone,

I have a Trinidad 20 DC that has decided to do something really interesting.
After not being used for a season or 2, I've pulled it out to use it and the spool has become tight.

I have checked, cleaned and serviced every part of it, all bearings etc. No issues but for some reason the spool is really tight. Even with the spool cap removed. From what I can tell all the pressure is from the left hand side of the spool. As in the 'Spacer B' on the ratchet side is pushing against the spool shaft. Even when in free spool, the spool has zero movement, It should move slightly.

Any ideas or suggestions? Next step will be to file down the spacer or spool shaft.

Kind regards,

LC

MACflyer · August 12, 2025, 01:01:19 PM

Never worked on one, but I would look at the dc braking system since it sat for quite a while. Not sure how it generates or stores electricity, but that is what operates the braking system.

alantani · August 12, 2025, 03:08:02 PM

in less expensive reels, that could indicate that the spool had split open on the inside. i doubt that is the case, but peeling off the line to inspect the spool could be a last choice.

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 12, 2025, 09:11:10 PM

I'll see if there are any signs of an issue in terms of the breaking but assuming the spool isnt spinning to generate energy to engage the dc system I feel like it may not be the case.

Also I stripped the spool and all seems to be spot on. No visible cracks or shaft movement.

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 12, 2025, 09:15:17 PM

If any one has a 20 DC and could possibly measure the spool shaft from end to end as a comparison that would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏼

boon · August 12, 2025, 10:11:52 PM

Unless things are visibly corroded they won't have just mysteriously gotten bigger. I would be very hesitant to just start filing things down.

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 12, 2025, 10:23:28 PM

Totally agree Boon, I'm just lost on what it could be.

The only other thing that could change this would be if the right spool bearing isn't bedding into the plate correctly. But I've checked this over and over. Is there a spacer or something on the DC side that could have moved?

boon · August 12, 2025, 10:36:44 PM

First thing I would do is remove the magnet assembly from the right side of the reel and see how it behaves. Next port of call would be to see how the spool spins on the 2 spool bearings only.

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 13, 2025, 11:58:39 AM

Ok, done a little more digging. Did what you suggested Boon, magnet assembly is all good and flush too. Both bearings are spot on and spool spins perfectly. As soon as side plate is back on, tension is applied and no go.

On close inspection I noticed a colour change on the spool shaft. About 1mm or so. What are the chances the spool shaft has shifted to the left? Is this possible?

It would explain the tightness of the spool and the fact the spool doesn't move from side to side at all anymore (normal with trinis)

boon · August 13, 2025, 12:08:36 PM

If the spool isn't contacting something then no. The spool would have moved relative to the reel, not the shaft.

JasonGotaProblem · August 13, 2025, 12:39:14 PM

Can I suggest a very basic test? Take all the guts out of the reel. Assemble just the frame, side plates, spool, and spool bearings (no brake, no gears, bare minimum components). Does it spin? If not, one of those is the culprit. If it does spin, start adding components (in some logical fashion) until it stops spinning properly. Then stop and think about that last thing that got added.

If this approach doesn't get you sorted I'm a monkeys uncle. (Don't tell my nephew that)

Other possibility nobody else has mentioned: Is it at all possible that the reel was dropped or banged in some other way that might have deformed the frame?

What kind of oil and grease did you use servicing it? Did you grease or oil the bearings? How much do you need to loosen the spool tensioner to get side to side play in the spool?

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 13, 2025, 10:51:00 PM

Hey Jason, So I did exactly that.

Started from one end and added piece by piece. Pressure is definitely between the left side plate (TGT1314) and the DC set plate assembly(TGT1302) With nothing else on the reel, once the side plate is tightened into place it stops. Also this is evident as the Spacer B on the Left side plate has a mark on it from the spool. So there is pressure there.
Thats why I feel like the Spool shaft has shifted. I don't even know if that is possible.

Does anyone know how the shaft is fitted through the spool in factory? Is it a machine pressed/glued item?

alantani · August 13, 2025, 11:20:37 PM

hoo, boy!!! at the factory, it is likely heated, pressed in and allowed to cool. i think it's gonna have to get pressed back. i see several ways that this could go sideways, but it clearly does not work as is. $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$

steelfish · August 13, 2025, 11:31:02 PM

hmm very weird case you have there.

before this problem started, the reel was working correctly?

if positive, it would be pretty rare that shaft moved a bit while the reel was stored for 2 seasons

Kingy_Slayer89 · August 14, 2025, 12:01:38 AM

Quote from: alantani on August 13, 2025, 11:20:37 PMhoo, boy!!! at the factory, it is likely heated, pressed in and allowed to cool. i think it's gonna have to get pressed back. i see several ways that this could go sideways, but it clearly does not work as is. $:-\$ $:-\$ $:-\$

This is going to be interesting! Im really starting to believe that the shaft has moved inside the spool. At this stage its the only logical answer based on elimination.

Yep reel was working amazingly. Agree, I've never heard of this happening. But from the amount it is out by and that small mark on the shaft makes me feel like it has.