reel spool knocking when casting

[dgkasper58]

I have been turning my reel tension down for further distance and am finding that I am getting some left to right action in the spool and every now and then it is making a noise from it hitting the reel.  

 

Is this common?  Do I need to worry about it?  I prefer the extra distance but wanted to make sure it is not detrimental to the spool/bearings.

 

TIA

[riverbasser]

Tighten it up just to the point it doesnt move side to side. Casting distance past this point is negligible. Start turning brakes off if you haven't already

[papajoe222]

Also, check the pawl on your level wind to make sure it isn't worn, or it may need to be adjusted tighter so it doesn't jump the gear at one side or the other.

[Deleted account]

5 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

Also, check the pawl on your level wind to make sure it isn't worn, or it may need to be adjusted tighter so it doesn't jump the gear at one side or the other.

The pawl could make knocking, binding noises when casting, but with today's reels tight tolerances, if it's doing that, and has been doing it for a bit, It's most likely time for parts. Tightening the spool to where there is virtually no side play and casting will narrow down the culprit. Once there is no friction from the tension knob, loosening further isn't going decrease braking.

[diehardbassfishing]

Don't do that.

 

Side to side play movement could eventually allow rotation between the bearing shaft and inner bearing race. This interface is designed to be "tight". If you use magnification you'll see that the inner bearing race and spool shaft are NOT polished smooth. They are have a noticeable machined surface. If wear eventually "polishes" these surfaces, the bearing proper may not rotate, but will rotate at the shaft and inner race area. Creating noise, especially at the start of the cast. Essentially your bearing could act like a simple bushing.

 

And, as mentioned above, you are not gaining anything. Once side to side spool play is adjusted out, there is zero gain in casting distance by adjusting so it is looser than this. In fact a 1/16 to 1/8 turn tighter than zero side play will have no noticeable decrease in casting distance.

 

Use your magnetic or centrifugal brakes to control cast.

 

Karl