I recently purchased a new curado I and am trying to flush the bearings.  I've done this before with older Shimano, but I can't see the retainer clips for the retainers (?)  Is this a new style bearing or am I just going blind?  Thanks guys in advance 

Shimano uses several different bearings, I believe. I've had some with removable shields and others without removable shields, in the same reel. This may be the case with yours.

Does he mean shields or retainer clips?

Hootie

I'm referring to the shields.  I did some research and I believe the ones I have are pressed shields.  Is it kosher to remove one shield and flush the grease and then lube with oil?  Will leaving one side open harm anything?  Mind you I fish only fresh and I don't get out that often. 

I've left one side open on some of my bearings. I just leave the open side facing me for easier maintenance down the road. You won't have to remove them to add a drop of oil.

No need to flush them. It's a Shimano. It has already been flushed with unicorn sweat which enhances the performance of the reel.

 

Don't mess with perfection

There is no harm in running an open bearing. Conversely, there is no pressing need to remove shield either. It's up to you.

Mine is doing excellent as is.... I won't flush or soak them .. Unless they drop in performance. And not till after warranty is over

You don't need to remove the shield to flush a bearing.

Thanks for all the replies guys 

Idle hands are a reels worst enemy.....

The reels are brand new, the bearings don't need flushed until they brake in..

Rremove the shields now and I bet it kills the warranty on the reel.

 

 

Shimano is known for delivering their reels with excessive grease and oil in them.  I have always found that removing the spool bearings and cleaning them well by soaking in plain lighter fluid (I never tinker with the shields) and oiling them with a quality reel oil (I use Yellow Rocket Fuel) right out of the box improves performance considerably.  This will not negate any warranty. Be aware that the new Curado has two bearings under the cast control cap.  This is the new Shimano "X Ship" feature in the new Chronarch and Curado for improved spool shaft stability.  In addition to the removable cover bearing, you only need to clean and oil the top bearing under the cast control cap though because that one is the main spool bearing.