Baitcaster casting rough

[FCPhil]

I have a Abu Garcia Black Max 3 that is about three seasons old. I have used it pretty heavily and this season it no longer casts smoothly. It has lost about 25% in casting distance and you can hear/feel the spool vibrating each cast.

 

I'm considering opening it up and oiling the bearings with some machine oil I have but I don't want to make it worse (I never have worked on a reel before). Does this sound like the bearing just need cleaning and lubricating or does this sound like the bearings are simply worn out?

[new2BC4bass]

Reel should be getting dirty and dry after that many seasons of heavy use.  If over greased from the factory, the lube may be getting a little thick.  Check Online for some "How to" videos.  IMO it isn't worth sending that reel to a professional unless it has a sentimental value to you.  A good cleaning and 'proper' lubing could turn it into better than it was from the store.  Bearings aren't that expensive unless you want a serious upgrade.  I wouldn't consider such an upgrade for that reel.  Carbontex drags run about $8 and are well worth the price of admission.

 

Good luck cleaning your first reel.  It is something I have never done, but really should start so I could save some serious bucks.    Problem is I don't have a place to do the work, and am not much of a tinker. 

[JustJames]

You can try a drop of oil on two spool bearing, the one on palm side plate and the one on spool shaft(don't worry the one on tension knob it help nothing in casting). The vibration when casting indicates that you might have spool tension too loose.

Three seasons you might consider flushing bearing but that involved of removing spool pin, if you don't have tool for it I recommend professional.

To clean the whole reel main gear and what not after three seasons, it is a good idea or at least add more grease and check/clean drag washer.

Let me know if you need any further help, I just happened to open up one of my friend black max

which he found it abandoned on his dock, don't know how long.