How to lube/grease/clean Spinning Reel?

[U.W BronzeBack Hunter]

I found an old spinning reel under my bed (actually, it's only a few years old.  a discontinued model from Daiwa), and it really needs to be cleaned and relubed.

It's not that i don't know how to clean/lube a reel, it's just that i want to make sure i'm doing it the right way:

1.) Open everything up

2.) Dip a cloth in some rubbing alcohol or WD-40 and start wiping the crap out of the gears and such

3.) After letting things dry, apply lube sparingly to all moving part

4.) Give everything a nice goaround and then close everything

5.) Tighten all exterior screws

6.) Clean the exterior of reel with cloth until sparkling new

eh?

[joshmb1999]

i'm interested to see the answer to this question also.  I need to clean and lube all of my spinning reels too.

[.ghoti.]

First, see if you can locate a schematic. try here if you do not have one.

http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/

If it's been sitting around for years, you'll need to remove all the old grease from all the parts. This will require a total breakdown.

Soak all the parts in something to remove the old grease and oil. I like Simple Green in hot water. Carburetor cleaner will also work, but keep it away from any non-metal parts. And, if you use it inside, your better half will have something to say about that. A toothbrush works nicely for scrubbing small parts.

Soak all the bearings in lighter fluid or acetone. You may have to soak them twice, using fresh fluid, if they've been sitting long.

If the IAR bearing seems to be working, leave it alone. This part will cause you the most grief. If you have to clean it, be very careful removing the cage and needle bearings, noting carefully which direction everything came apart. When it's clean and dry, lube the needle with oil, not grease. Use a Q-tip to oil the cage, each needle and the races. Make sure you put it back together exactly the way it came apart.

That actually applies to the whole process. That's where the schematic is handy.

You can also help yourself by following a procedure for each reel.

Lay down abput three feet of paper towel, than tape it down. As you remove each piece from the reel, lay it out in order.

Clean each part, and put it back on the towel back where you picked it up from.

When everything is cleaned and relubed, put it all back together in reverse order. Again the schematic is most helpful.

When I'm doing all my baitcasters, I use grease on the gears, and oil for everything else. For my spinning reels, it's oil for the bearings and grease for everything else.

I like Reel Butter oil and grease. Use lube sparingly. More is NOT better, particularly in the case of the IAR bearing. I use a q_tip to apply oil to small moving parts, and a soft toothbrush to apply grease to the gearing.

Good luck, it's not difficult if you go about it systematically. Take your time with it.

Cheers,

GK

[flechero]

Alternatively, you could place it in a small box, wrapped in a cloth or foam, ship to ReelMech for service.  Enjoy Christmas with your family and then when it's returned, it's like a new reel... and another Christmas present.  

[roadwarrior]

Alternatively, you could place it in a small box, wrapped in a cloth or foam, ship to ReelMech for service. Enjoy Christmas with your family and then when it's returned, it's like a new reel... and another Christmas present.

Another advantage is that when you receive your Christmas present, it will actually work!

8-)

[.RM.]

Alternatively, you could place it in a small box, wrapped in a cloth or foam, ship to ReelMech for service.  Enjoy Christmas with your family and then when it's returned, it's like a new reel... and another Christmas present.  

Another advantage is that when you receive your Christmas present, it will actually work!

8-)

Thank You  

[flechero]

What a pleasant surprise!  Don't be a stranger... we still need you in these parts.  

[Hooked_On_Bass]

What a pleasant surprise! Don't be a stranger... we still need you in these parts.

x2. I've always enjoyed reading your posts Reel Mechanic.

[Grey Wolf]

What a pleasant surprise! Don't be a stranger... we still need you in these parts.

x2. I've always enjoyed reading your posts Reel Mechanic.

X3. A valuable member of this forum.

[bilgerat]

Good to see you back Dave.