What’s wrong with my Revo?

[PBBrandon]

So back in January I got an Abu Revo SX from Cabelas and for the first few months it was super smooth. Then it developed a really strong geary feel. When just playing around with it you can notice a buzzy feel occasionally and then when fishing with it, it becomes a constant geary feel. It’s especially obvious with higher resistance lures like cranks and chatters. I’ve oiled the bearings and taken apart and regreased it a couple times and still can’t find out what’s wrong. I’m guessing one of the gears, probably the pinion or worm gear, is messed up. I’m no reel mechanic though and wonder what to do because it’d feel like a waste of 160 bucks just not using it. It’s past the Cabelas warranty and I doubt Abu would take it back and probably would consider it “normal wear and tear”. I can’t find any parts for the newer Revos so would it be worth it to get it fixed at a reel shop?

[BassCats]

I would send to DVT on here and have him give it look.  Worth the price in my opinion.

 

Probably something simple but not something you would notice if not taking reels apart all time.

[HaydenS]

Have DVT check it out.  

Has the reel ever been fully submerged in water?  That can cause it to feel like that.

[PBBrandon]

Not that I can remember but I wouldn’t rule that out. Might’ve dropped it in the water on accident at some point. I’ll definitely have DVT check it out, thank y’all ?

[DINK WHISPERER]

Most of the time a good clean and lube fixes it. 

[bulldog1935]

pretty sure Revo SX has a 950Z pinion bearing.  

If debris is preventing the pinion gear from going all the way out, it won't mesh efficiently with the main gear.  

Inefficient contact could also mess up the pinion gear, which works 7x harder than the main gear.  

Hopefully cleaning will solve it, but pinion gears have a tough life, and I've never seen an old Ambassadeur that didn't need a new one.  

 

[WRB]

When made in Sweden no issues prior to 2000, made in China with unknown brass big problem.

Tom

[bulldog1935]

Sweden 1995 - crying Uncle - the spool pin can stop halfway before it finds the groove.  

Imagine all the pinions from the 60s, 70s and 80s in this shape.  

Also pretty sure it's spec'd as phosphor-bronze.  

Revo is made in Korea.  Ambassadeur and especially Ambassadeur parts are also made in Japan.  

I was chatting with Don Iovino today - he buys all his parts from Japan.  

[Boomstick]

This does sound like something a good cleaning might fix, but I have heard about a lot of problems with Revo reels in recent years so it's possible something else is up.

[Deleted account]

On 8/10/2021 at 7:57 PM, PBBrandon said:

What’s wrong with my Revo?

The Revo part...

[thunderblack]

When I started having issues with Abu high end spinning reels and their own customer service told me to stay away from them after warranty replacements had similar issues that says something. Haven't looked at the Revo line in years. 

[Dye99]

Ive got a revo thats doing the same. But Im slowly upgrading them as they start to fail. Needless to say Im not replacing them with more Abu stuff.

[Darth-Baiter]

I love my Revo SX. But I did get it for free. 

[PBBrandon]

Just an update, I replaced the pinion gear on it and it’s smooth again. Thank y’all for the help and I’m glad to have a “brand new” SX

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The design being what it is, expect similar results with some use. The Revo is not “sub par” or “defective” imo but not built to the tolerances and minus the pinion supporting bearing(s) of other models. The Revo sx is a quality reel but won’t meet the expectation of lifelong buttery smoothness. 

I’m happy to help with service and maintenance including diy advice to maximize performance.