Replacing gears in casting reels

[waymont]

I haven’t had to do in my reels so far.

I’m wondering if it’s proper practice to always change out the main and pinion at the same time. I would imagine that both would become worn at the same rate.

[iabass8]

Yes, always replace them as a set when needed.

[OnthePotomac]

And make sure the drive gear drag will fit in the new gear properly, as well as the key washer.

[garroyo130]

Replace both and make sure youve ruled out all other factors. Gears arent typically the reason a reel feels "geary" and it takes a lot of fishing to wear out gears unless youre using the reel in a manner its not intended for. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

6 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Replace both and make sure youve ruled out all other factors. Gears arent typically the reason a reel feels "geary" and it takes a lot of fishing to wear out gears unless youre using the reel in a manner its not intended for. 

That’s right. Bad gears are not all that common at all. 

[waymont]

1 hour ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

That’s right. Bad gears are not all that common at all. 

I haven’t had any issues with any gears, or any reel problems to speak of. I did have a Curado 70 two years ago that became rough feeling after 3 months. What would cause that feeling other than the gears? Thx

[PhishLI]

15 hours ago, waymont said:

I haven’t had any issues with any gears, or any reel problems to speak of. I did have a Curado 70 two years ago that became rough feeling after 3 months. What would cause that feeling other than the gears? Thx

Bearings can trick you into thinking it's the gears. The pinion bearing closest to the spool gets more exposure to water and grit.

[FishTank]

2 hours ago, waymont said:

I haven’t had any issues with any gears, or any reel problems to speak of. I did have a Curado 70 two years ago that became rough feeling after 3 months. What would cause that feeling other than the gears? Thx

X-Ship bearing maybe.  From what I can tell, it doesn't get oiled as much as it should or if you over tighten the cast control cap, it can get damaged. 

[iabass8]

2 hours ago, waymont said:

I haven’t had any issues with any gears, or any reel problems to speak of. I did have a Curado 70 two years ago that became rough feeling after 3 months. What would cause that feeling other than the gears? Thx

lower pinion bearing would be the first thing to look at. 

[newapti5]

BTW, what's the proper way to check a bearing if I don't have a new/spare one of the same size to compare with? I normally just roll it in my palm to feel if it's rough. 

[OnthePotomac]

Shimano recommends that on their high speed reels their ACE 2 drag grease should be used on the gears.  Cal's will also work well. Amazing what a difference it can make. I now have 10 "high speed" Shimanos and have never had a gear problem.

[garroyo130]

12 hours ago, newapti5 said:

BTW, what's the proper way to check a bearing if I don't have a new/spare one of the same size to compare with? I normally just roll it in my palm to feel if it's rough. 

 

Put it on pencil and spin it GENTLY. Youll detect any issues. It should be smooth throughout its rotation. 

[Linewinder]

If not gears that make a reel feel "geary" *, then what?  I'm thinking a slightly larger tolerance in alignment of shafts, but I'm not a mechanical engineer.  Bad bearings may make it feel rough or noisy, but would that make it feel "geary" as well?

 

 

* like a Mitchell 300, where it sounds like a can opener.

[garroyo130]

When you feel gear noise, and fine vibration in retrieving:

First, fix 2 ball bearings at the end of spool shaft. Then if the reel is equipped with an SF spool, check the bearing at pinion gear. It is indicated in red. It is covered by a thin metal plate. This bearing is easy to suffer water damage because of its position, and then it makes noise and fine vibration like gear noise. If it makes some noise or vibration when you put it on a pen and spin it with light thrust, please replace it with new one. This bearing should be lubricated with grease because it receives large thrust from pinion gear.

https://japantackle.com/tackle_topics/Maintain_fix_reels.htm