Spool Bearing Stuck In Spool

[Jolly Green]

I recently bought a used Abu Garcia 5501 C3 that is a little, shall we say, unsmooth. I want to at least clean if not replace the bearings but the spool bearing on the handle side of the spool seems to be stuck inside the spool.  Am I missing something? There's only one way that I can see that this thing comes out; it looks like it should just fall right out with a little gentle persuasion.  I tried WD-40 and LPS-1 with no luck. Any help is appreciated!

[.ghoti.]

It's been a long time since I had a C3 apart, but I think there''s a retainer spring keeping the bearing in place.

[B-Dozer]

Abu Garcia's web site has schematics on it

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Sometimes the bearing fits a little tight and you need to fashion a puller of some type. A bobby pin cut off right at the bend works well.

[Jolly Green]

Thanks for the replies. 

 

I've got the correct schematic in front of me, and there is a retainer that holds in the centrifugal brake, but I have both parts detached already. I tried various improvised pulling tool and even an assertive tap from the back (through the spool) with a dowel, and it won't budge.  I'm looking at this C-clamp hanging above the bench and pondering trying to press it out somehow... does anyone know of any "nut buster" stronger than WD that won't do more harm than good?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I doubt that the bearing is corroded unless the rest of the reel shows signs, so WD etc won't do much if anything. Sometimes wedging a tooth pick into the bearing along with the bobby pin lets you get a better grip to pop them out.

[.RM.]

Thanks for the replies. 

 

I've got the correct schematic in front of me, and there is a retainer that holds in the centrifugal brake, but I have both parts detached already. I tried various improvised pulling tool and even an assertive tap from the back (through the spool) with a dowel, and it won't budge.  I'm looking at this C-clamp hanging above the bench and pondering trying to press it out somehow... does anyone know of any "nut buster" stronger than WD that won't do more harm than good?

Probably some rust or corrosion causeing it to stick.

Make sure that the keeper ring has been removed. Removed the engagement ring (w/brake blocks) then the bearing should come out easily. If it doen't get yourself a 1/4" wood dowling and remove the white idler gear from the other side and insert to tap the bearing lightly to get it to come out.

Good Luck & Tight Lines! 

[TiNuts]

Pb blaster is a lot stronger than wd40.

[Jolly Green]

I doubt that the bearing is corroded unless the rest of the reel shows signs, so WD etc won't do much if anything. Sometimes wedging a tooth pick into the bearing along with the bobby pin lets you get a better grip to pop them out.

It isn't a total rust-donut, but it is in bad shape. I dropped a 2.5" ring shank nail point-first through the spool so that the head was positioned against the inside face of the bearing, and gave it all the controlled oomph I could tugging on the nail with a pair of pliers. It's stuck like Chuck.

[Jolly Green]

Pb blaster is a lot stronger than wd40.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[Jolly Green]

Probably some rust or corrosion causeing it to stick.

Make sure that the keeper ring has been removed. Removed the engagement ring (w/brake blocks) then the bearing should come out easily. If it doen't get yourself a 1/4" wood dowling and remove the white idler gear from the other side and insert to tap the bearing lightly to get it to come out.

Good Luck & Tight Lines! 

I got both of those things out of the way; the only things left inside the spool are the bearing and a washer behind it. Stubborn little thing didn't budge with the one tap I gave it, and I'm afraid of deforming the part of the spool that holds the engagement ring if I hit it too hard or too much.

[.RM.]

In my shop I have placed in a small shallow bowl, some WD40, and laid the spool stuck bearing side down in it to soak for awhile. Then placed the dowling through the oposit hole (idler gear side) and tapped the backside of the bearing and it would slowly release.
If it didn't release the first/second try keep trying, or package the reel up and send it into to be serviced...

Good Luck & Tight Lines! 

[Jolly Green]

In my shop I have placed in a small shallow bowl, some WD40, and laid the spool stuck bearing side down in it to soak for awhile. Then placed the dowling through the oposit hole (idler gear side) and tapped the backside of the bearing and it would slowly release.

If it didn't release the first/second try keep trying, or package the reel up and send it into to be serviced...

Good Luck & Tight Lines! 

This ended up being the solution. I got some PB Blaster but didn't use it because the fumes are strong; made me nervous that the smell would never go away.  I used an unsharpened pencil and a small hammer to tap it out, and it took some pretty sharp strikes to get it going.  Anyway, it's a moot point because when I then turned my attention to the drag I found that the press plate and main drive gear drag surfaces were pitted beyond help; I'm sending this piece of crap back to the seller with a note to adjust his definitions a bit, specifically "near mint" and "mechanically perfect".  Missing a spring washer too! I could buy a new one but I liked the idea of buying something NOT made in China for a change.

 

Oh well... thanks to everyone for your input; I appreciate the help.