Reel Maintenance

[MuskieFever]

I've been hearing a lot about reel bearings and gears lately and it has me thinking to do some maintenance. I own an avid ac300 and I drop the reel lube in a few times a season. What should I be doing as far as oil/greasing by reel? What kind of oil/lube should I be using?

[MuskieFever]

There's gotta be some people out there that know how to take care of reels???

[Esox_Magnum]

Not me I just run them till they quit then take them in to the shop....I get acouple seasons out of them before they need repaired, but I do put alot of hours a soeason on them....

[MuskieFever]

Any idea how to cure a squeaking ac300? its a high pitched squeak that will drive you nuts if you are throwing any kind of blades. i've dropped oil in places but not sure exactly if there is a method to my madness

[PropsterII]

Fever, sounds like you need it thoroughly cleaned and lubed. Is it doing it on the cast or on the retrieve? Too hard to guess where it might be occurring and even if you drop some in and get lucky, if it's full of dirt and grit it may come right back. I will do this for you for $15 plus any parts if it needs repair, plus return shipping. I live in Cannon Falls.

[MuskieFever]

Thanks for the offer, but personally I'd rather try to learn it on my own so I can do it to my other reels. What kinda of oil and lube do you use?

[bemidjibasser]

I like the stuff from Ardent. You can pick up a little kit at the store with a goose and hill in its name for about $20. It has grease and oil as well as cleaner and some swabs. Quite useful...

[bobbymalone]

i like quantum hot sauce.

I agree that you probably need a break-down and thorough cleaning. Just shooting some oil and grease in there isn't a good fix.

the owner's manual should tell you where you need to lube it, and whether to use oil or grease for a particular part.

[MuskieFever]

thanks for the advice i'll give it a shot

[delmuts]

Make certain you have the schematic for the reel and have next to you, Also; as you take each part off lay it in order. That way you have a better chance of putting everything back right.

[chief]

99.9% of the time that "scream" is from the worm gear shaft attachment point on the palm side of the reel. It's not a complicated job to do a basic takedown that would give you access to this area. If you don't have your schematic they're easily available on the company HSOforum.

Most basic reel repair/maintenance is accomplished at a teardown level that only involves the simple tasks of swapping spools or handles.

[graf703]

I was speaking with a reel repair place in the North metro. The repairman said to only use reel oil. He said the grease gums up and traps dirt. I've heard both ways now.

[chief]

As a rule, reel oil is used on all small, high-speed, high-revolution, parts (level wind devices, handles, etc.), while grease is used only on large, slower moving parts (gears and free spool activators). Check schematics for advice and examples.

[MuskieFever]

I've heard that as well about grease. I think i will stick to oil for now.

[bemidjibasser]

Gears get grease, bearings get oil...don't over do it on any of the parts. Too much oil or grease is just as damaging as too little...

[Rebel9921]

I would always do my reels myself...

Schematics are very important... but thank god for Google... You can find various photos of other people doing their own reels... especially forums for saltwater fishing...

What I always do is break down the reel, then completely wash every parts using a toothbrush and dawn dish soap (Feel free to use yours if you want an extra foamy mouth in the morning)... then all metal parts get soaked in non-chlorinated brake cleaner... bearings and carbon drag washers are exempt from the dawn soap... they go straight into the brake cleaner... let everything soak, to ensure that any type of residue is removed... then reassemble with grease/oil...

I never put more than 2 drops of oil per bearing...

I use Quantum Hot Sauce oil and grease...

I also apply Cal's Drag grease to the drag washer... apply sparingly, just enough to leave a thin film on the surface...

Also, this is a great opportunity to upgrade bearings, pawls, drag washers for your reel... Soup it up!!!

Good luck!!!