Baitcaster buzzes/vibrates in hand during retrieve

[richienyc]

I have a Quantum Smoke Baitcaster. It is otherwise perfect, but during the retrieve, the reel vibrates lightly. 
It makes it somewhat annoying to use, especially since my other smoke is as smooth as butter.
Does anyone have any idea to what may be the cause? Thanks

[papajoe222]

That's a tough one.  The first thing I'd do is switch it out to the rod you have the other Smoke on and see if it still does it.  I'm assuming you only feel it when you're actually casting a lure.  My suspicion is either a nicked or dirty rod/reel guide.

[PitchinJigz]

You're using a crankbait.

[richienyc]

Thanks for the feedback guys, but the problem is the reel itself.

The problem occurs when I am reeling in slack line (not through the rod guides), or nothing at all. It just happens as the handle rotates.

[papajoe222]

It's likely the gears meshing together. Back off the drag, press down on the spool with your thumb and turn the handle. If the vibration stops, it's the gears. 

[arif]

I have the same problem and I did the thing the person above me told me to do? what should I do now if its the gears

 

 

[Bigbox99]

3 hours ago, arif said:

I have the same problem and I did the thing the person above me told me to do? what should I do now if its the gears

 

 

Loosen the spool tension to the point that it just eliminates side to side play.  Leave it there forever.  You will likely have to adjust the brakes.  The problem is that your gears have worm and become buzzy and loosening the spool tension is a free and easy to help reduce some of that buzzy feeling since a tight spool tension really amplifies this feeling and a looser setting may reduce the intensity of the felt vibration.  It's an easy and free thing to try.  Another thing you can do that is free is to move the reel to a bottom contact setup where the primary means of moving the bait is with the rod and the reel is only winding in slack line.  You're not going to notice the buzz as much when you are winding in line without load of a high resistance bait and when it's a fish you are usually too occupied with that to notice the buzz.  

 

Beyond that it's time to grease the gears or replace them.  If I remember correctly the brass gears from the same generation of Vapor fit the Smoke and were an upgrade some would do assuming this is a case of aluminum gears getting buzzy.  I'm not familiar with this reel.

[bulldog1935]

Pinion gears have the shortest life in baitcaster - they work 5 to 8 times harder than main gears - their teeth have to mesh that many more times.  

 

First thing I would do with that complaint is begin looking for a NOS pinion gear.  

Second thing is clean and lube the drive (good time to swap in the new pinion), and also clean and lube the level wind.  

 

If the reel is that relative age and wear condition, replace the bearings as a matter of course.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Could be any number of things. Do a deep clean being sure everything is clean and that all bearings are thoroughly flushed, dried and spin tested. A good bearing spins easily, quietly and comes to rest gradually. If this is not the case, replace bearings as needed. I’ve never thrown them out due strictly to age. Make sure the AR clutch is clean. Make sure the spool shaft it straight, the rim is not dinged and frame races are clean.