Penn 975 Spool Bearings

[Great Bass 2]

Hey Alan -

I am rebuilding my Penn 975's and had a couple of questions about replacing the spool bearings.
#1 - What is the proper procedure for removing the left bearing retainer clip?
#2 - The right bearing is held against the spool by a pin through the spool shaft. How do you remove?
#3 - The spool bearings look to be the same bearings in my Newell 220. Is that correct?

Thanks! Scott

[alantani]

retaining rings can be picked out with any kind of tool that has a sharp point.  there is also a snap ring holding one of the spool bearings for the lever drag 975.  the crosspin has to be pressed out. a small pair if visegrips witha slot cut into it works partway.  as far as size goes, yes, the "newell" bearing is a common size used in many of the penns as well. 

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

[Great Bass 2]

Thanks Alan. One last question... Do you think ceramic bearings are worth the extra cost?

[realmedic]

most definately as ceramic bearings will not corode or rust

[alantani]

well, the balls of a ceramic bearing will not corrode, but the cage, inside race and outside race are still stainless steel and will still rust.  remember that topless tld 30 II with the 5 minutes and 40 seconds of freespool?  those were just stock abec 5 stainless steel bearings.  personally, i'd save your money.  clean out the stock bearings first and see how well they work before investing in ceramic bearings.  alan