Rebuilding/overhauling A Spinning Reel That Binds Up.

[webertime]

BACKGROUND

I purchased a New Shimano Sahara 3000 last spring (ebay so no warranty). I was using it for a good part of the Summer and all was good. Then right about September of last year it started to get noisy, kind of like an old Mitchell 300, and felt "notchy" and a bit sloppy on the retrieve and a bit sloppy when wiggling the reel handle.

I took off the side plate and lubed it and inspected the gears for wear, I did not disassemble anymore than taking off the spool, handle and side plate. I noticed nothing that would indicate wear and put her back together. It felt the same as before.

This year I have used it sparingly, I actually let a buddy use it for the last 2 months he fished it MAYBE 5 times. When I got it back he mentioned how bad it felt. I fished it this weekend for 2 tournaments and it was locking up briefly on 99% of all retrieves, including one with a 4.3lb Smallie on the end of the line. A quick grab and jiggle of the handle where it goes into the body and it was good to go for a few revolutions then I would have to repeat. Obviously something in the alignment of the gears is very off.

Would having this reel rebuilt/overhauled be able to allieviate the binding?

Once the allignment of a spinning reel is thrown off is it just a goner?

Or is it a case of lots of parts needing to be replaced to do it properly and to just write it off?

I really liked the reel when it worked and would not like to go out and get another reel, especially this late in the season and I don't have to if this can be fixed.

Thanks for all advice and taking a look.

[.RM.]

BACKGROUND

I purchased a New Shimano Sahara 3000 last spring (ebay so no warranty). I was using it for a good part of the Summer and all was good. Then right about September of last year it started to get noisy, kind of like an old Mitchell 300, and felt "notchy" and a bit sloppy on the retrieve and a bit sloppy when wiggling the reel handle.

I took off the side plate and lubed it and inspected the gears for wear, I did not disassemble anymore than taking off the spool, handle and side plate. I noticed nothing that would indicate wear and put her back together. It felt the same as before.

This year I have used it sparingly, I actually let a buddy use it for the last 2 months he fished it MAYBE 5 times. When I got it back he mentioned how bad it felt. I fished it this weekend for 2 tournaments and it was locking up briefly on 99% of all retrieves, including one with a 4.3lb Smallie on the end of the line. A quick grab and jiggle of the handle where it goes into the body and it was good to go for a few revolutions then I would have to repeat. Obviously something in the alignment of the gears is very off.

Would having this reel rebuilt/overhauled be able to allieviate the binding?

Once the allignment of a spinning reel is thrown off is it just a goner?

Or is it a case of lots of parts needing to be replaced to do it properly and to just write it off?

I really liked the reel when it worked and would not like to go out and get another reel, especially this late in the season and I don't have to if this can be fixed.

Thanks for all advice and taking a look.

Could be a case of nothing more than a shim out of place causing undue pressure of the main drive gear on the small idler gears probably from the removale of any of the side plates.

Would having this reel rebuilt/overhauled be able to allieviate the binding? You bet it will!

Once the allignment of a spinning reel is thrown off is it just a goner? Not on these reels the frame doesn't flex that much!

Or is it a case of lots of parts needing to be replaced to do it properly and to just write it off? Nope we here in our shop work the Stradic & Sahara spinning reels all the time.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I agree that's by no means a "throw away" reel. $16.20 (after discount) plus parts and shipping if you'd like to send it in.

[SirSnookalot]

I've bought reels off ebay and never had a warranty problem, even with Shimano.