AR Bearing gets sticky after several months of use.  You'll notice it when you spin the handle on a baitcaster on free spool, the handle only turns a couple of rotation compared to a new reel the handle will turn at least 10 rotations

 

Soaking the AR bearing will do the trick but takes a while until it totally gets clean. Remember it's not advisable to soak the AR bearing in acetone since the roller racers are plastic.   Flushing them with Mineral spirit or kerosene using an oiler pump on a bearing blaster does a great job.   All Oiler pump are not created equal and I found this oiler pump to be the one that squirts with a lot of pressure compared to my old oiler.

 

 

 

You can blow out the excess cleaner or kerosen using a canned duster, just be sure to have the roller clutch inner tube inserted in the AR-bearing to avoid the rollers to be displaced from the air pressure.

 

enjoy!

Wow - that looks like something I'd use on my car!  You sold me on the Bearing Blaster....but this gadget looks to be a bit more "industrial strength" than I need...

Wow - that looks like something I'd use on my car!  You sold me on the Bearing Blaster....but this gadget looks to be a bit more "industrial strength" than I need...

 

It's actually small container and the good thin about it is it's available on most autp parts shop for around $7.00.  I got mine from PEPBoys

As an alternative, soak in straight Perfect Solution or Simple Green and flush with hot runninf water. A dip in alcohol will dry it out quickly. Swab with light oil and reassemble. This works especially well on the press-fit ones that don't come out of the side plate.

As an alternative, soak in straight Perfect Solution or Simple Green and flush with hot runninf water. A dip in alcohol will dry it out quickly. Swab with light oil and reassemble. This works especially well on the press-fit ones that don't come out of the side plate.

Now that's the one I've been thinking of how to quickly dry the AR Bearing after flushing them with kerosene.  Air blowing with cannister consume too much canned duster.   Thanks for the tip.

As an alternative, soak in straight Perfect Solution or Simple Green and flush with hot runninf water. A dip in alcohol will dry it out quickly. Swab with light oil and reassemble. This works especially well on the press-fit ones that don't come out of the side plate.

X2 

I know this is an old topic, but was wondering if anyone has used Ballistol to flush out the AR bearing? It's mineral oil.

 

@Delaware Valley Tackle

There are any number of solvents that will work. I'm. It familiar with that particular one. Don't over think it. I use the process in my original post every day with good results. 

What's that red thing in the picture????  I'm assuming it's for bearings to hold them together when cleaning ...where can I find one

6 hours ago, dsqui said:

What's that red thing in the picture????  I'm assuming it's for bearings to hold them together when cleaning ...where can I find one

 

It's called a "bearing blaster" - Google it and you'll find multiple sources. There are several configurations that will come up on that search - the only one I've personally used is the red one in the photo. You place the bearing between the two halves of the tool to hold it and then insert a spray cleaner nozzle in the port in the center of one of the halves.

I don't clean ot my ARBs, that way when the handle starts spinning backwards, I know it's too cold to be out.