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Spool bearings are put to the test during fishing action. Whether casting or retrieving, they rotate. So it's a good idea to check them annually and change them if necessary. For those who wish to improve the casting performance of their reel, the operation is of course the same, it's the characteristics of the bearings that change. The gain can be in casting distance, but also in the low range of usable lures.
1/ Accessing the coil bearings
The operation is a little different from one brand to another, and even from one model to another, but overall, the principle is the same. The dimensions of the bearings are also not standard, but it's very easy to measure them with a ruler, as we'll see in the rest of this article. I'm going to present here the models I own, namely Shimano Curado E, Abu garcia S, SX, STX , Premier and Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4.
Shimano Curado 51E
We'll start with the easy part, with this 51E. For this model, a simple needle does the job. To access the spool bearing, you need to unclip the right-hand side cover, just as you would to access the weights or remove the spool. The bearing is located in the cover, held in place by a small metal part. Using the needle, and taking care to put your thumb over it to avoid any projection of the part, we bend one of the tabs to remove it from its notch. Once the part has been removed, we have access to the bearing. Its dimensions are 3x10x4.
For the bearing on the crank side, you need to loosen the spool brake cover completely. On this model, it passes right between the brake blades, so there's nothing to remove. Be careful, there's a spring under this cover. You then have direct access to the bearing, which is the same size as the other one, i.e. 3x10x4.
Abu Garcia Révo series (S, SX, STX, Premier)
For these models, in addition to the needle, you'll need a special tool. Hard to find in stores, I bought mine on Ebay by searching for "spool pin remover". You can do without, using pliers, but I strongly advise you to get the specific tool so as not to damage your spool pin.
As with the previous model, the right-hand bearing is housed in the side cover and held in the same way. Same operation for access. Dimensions 3x10x4.
The left-hand bearing is mounted directly on the spool axle, so the spool must be removed to gain access. It is held in place by a metal pin. A special tool is used to remove the pin and gain access to the bearing. Its dimensions are 5x11x4.
Abu Garcia C4 Ambassador
A simple needle is also sufficient for this model. The spool has to be removed, and the bearings are attached to it. On one side, under the plastic gear, which you simply remove, and on the other, under the feeder support. Use the needle to remove the clip holding the feeder support, and you have access to the bearing. Both are identical: 4x10x4.
2/ How to check your bearings
Now that you know how to access the bearings, a simple wooden pencil (pencil or crayon, for example) will enable you to check them. By placing your bearing on the tip and turning it, it should rotate freely for several seconds without any suspicious noise. It's as simple as that.
3/ How to measure bearings
In the event of a problem, or if you wish to improve your casting performance, it's easy to measure the dimensions of your bearings so that you can order new ones. Bearing dimensions are expressed in millimeters with internal dimension (hole dimension) X external dimension X thickness. The dimensions that come up on my models are 3X10X4, 5X11X4 or 4X10X4. A simple ruler is all you need to take the measurements.
Now you know how to access, measure and check your bearings. Now it's up to you to choose replacements to suit your needs and requirements. Many specialized sites offer replacements of every quality. For my part, I stick to Abec 3 quality bearings, which correspond to the original bearings. However, there are some very advanced all-ceramic bearings, for example if you're into pure performance or baitfiness.
