I have a old bantam curado 200, and it is having some issues. It makes a loud screech noise when i cast it and it is not very smooth on the retrieve.

 

I think it is a blown out bearing, what about you guys?

Is this reel good enough that i should pay the money for new bearings?

Also, what would shimano do if i contacted them about it?

you should be able to get a pair of bocas for $20

Yes, that reel is good enough to invest in repairs (unless it's totally shot that is). Used ones regularly sell on Ebay for ~$75.

 

P.S. Try cleaning and lubing the bearings before ordering new one(s), if you haven't already.

I have done that before and it really does not help much. I will test it out more today to see if it is fixable.

Yes, it is worth fixing.  Curado Bantam is one of shimano's best models.

I was thinking the best way to fix it would be buy 2 boca replacement bearings for it (side plate bearing, spool shaft bearing), then send it to shimano to see if there is anything wrong with the pinion gear or anything else and that should come with a reel cleaning and service too.

 

What do you guys think?

Yes definitely worth fixing if the damage isn't irreversible! I own one and it is still works smooth.

I was thinking the best way to fix it would be buy 2 boca replacement bearings for it (side plate bearing, spool shaft bearing), then send it to shimano to see if there is anything wrong with the pinion gear or anything else and that should come with a reel cleaning and service too.

 

What do you guys think?

Send it to Delaware Valley Tackle. BR member get a discount and his work mentioned here is outstanding. 

earlier this year, an older man that I fish with gave me 3 brand new in box bantam curado's.  2 of them are 3.8:1 and the other is 5:1.  the 3.8's are way to slow for me.  Shimano will not have parts for them, I tried but  they did give me a number to this guy in texas that has all kinds of older shimano parts.  to change the 2 3.8's over to 5;`1 was $75.  2 pinon gears 2 drive gears 2 drag washers 2 key washers and 2 yokes.  I will probably fish these reels for the rest of my life so yes they're worth repairing.  I'll try to find the number to the place in tx.  all you'll need is a drive gear and a pinion gear depending on the shape of the drag washer.  also, shimano spool bearings are top notch. no need for ceramics.

Send it to Delaware Valley Tackle. BR member get a discount and his work mentioned here is outstanding. 

 

X2.  Mike sponsors this forum.  He is a great guy to deal with.  He can tell you whether or not it is worth repairing once he has it torn down.

 

Matter of fact I just sent Mike an email a few minutes ago regarding a reel I just purchased.  Mike has done a couple reels for me, and built my daughter the "pink" rod she absolutely had to have. 

Another vote to send it in to DVT.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I pulled the reel apart, and greased EVERYTHING and it seems ok now. It doesn't cast as far as my h20 manic, or Lew's TP, but it is still a pretty cool reel. I figured out that the noise came from the bearing next to the cast control knob, which just needed some oil.