I recently cleaned, re-oiled and re-greased, and reassembled my Lew's Laser RZ reel and now the drag is really slipping. On absolute max drag, it doesn't take a lot of force to turn the handle any more. The drag is definitely weaker than before. Can anyone identify what the problem is and how to fix it?

what kind of line do you have on it? Braid by chance?

maybe you put the drag stack back on in the wrong order?

Go to Lew's website and there is a "contact us" link to use , ask them for a schematic of your reel , sounds like you simply didn't get it back together correctly , an exploded parts view can help aid in the assembly process as well if you still have yours that came with the reel , if you don't , give them a shout , they are good people to work with .

You didn't grease the drag did you?

Perhaps your drag pads are wet with lube..

You didn't grease the drag did you?

No. I put lubricant on the bearings and grease on the worm gear and main gear.

Go to Lew's website and there is a "contact us" link to use , ask them for a schematic of your reel , sounds like you simply didn't get it back together correctly , an exploded parts view can help aid in the assembly process as well if you still have yours that came with the reel , if you don't , give them a shout , they are good people to work with .

I second that, their service is the best.

what kind of line do you have on it? Braid by chance?

I don't have any line on it.

maybe you put the drag stack back on in the wrong order?

I was thinking the same.

If the drag is verified dry and braid slippage is ruled out a misassmbled drag stack is all that remains. It's too bad Lew's doesn't post their schematics like everyone else but an email has always gotten me a quick reply. 

Check that the spring washers are installed facing one another like so: () not (( or )). 

Check that the spring washers are installed facing one another like so: () not (( or )). 

 

 

Been there, Done that!

 

its always a bummer when something unexpected happens. it sounds like you and these fine gentlemen have this issue nailed down.

Check that the spring washers are installed facing one another like so: () not (( or )).

When I got the reel I actually had the schematic emailed to me from them if I would need it. I'll check it out. My spring washers are on correctly.

Check that the spring washers are installed facing one another like so: () not (( or )). 

Spring washers are on right. Drag stack is on correctly, I checked the schematic and took it apart to make sure it looked the same. I did, however, soak each part in Ardent Reel Kleen before re-greasing and re-lubing. Afterward I dried them with a paper towel. Is it possible that the Reel Kleen liquid is still in the drag? And in that case, what part is the drag exactly and what could I do to fix this if it is infact the problem?

The black fiber looking round washers sandwiched between the metal washers inset into your main gear around the handle stem is the drag stack. Brian.

You didn't grease the drag did you?

can you not grease the drag on a lews?

There's no need to grease the carbon drag unless you're fishing for hard running fish and heat dissipation is a concern. If you choose to grease the drag using anything but specific drag grease (shimano, Cal's etc) performance will be negatively affected.

Spring washers are on right. Drag stack is on correctly, I checked the schematic and took it apart to make sure it looked the same. I did, however, soak each part in Ardent Reel Kleen before re-greasing and re-lubing. Afterward I dried them with a paper towel. Is it possible that the Reel Kleen liquid is still in the drag? And in that case, what part is the drag exactly and what could I do to fix this if it is infact the problem?

I'm not sure what the reel kleen is, but all you need is Dawn, Simple Grean etc. and hot water. The drag washers consist of a nylon one between the ratchet gear and main gear and then alternating fiber and metal washers on top of that.

You didn't grease the drag did you?

 

X2. Thinking the same thing or too much grease and it bled onto the drag washers.

I used google and pulled up the schematics on the American hero reel and downloaded the pdf

What does braid have to do with the drag messing up? I recently cleaned and lubed my reel as well and the drag isn't working anymore. I did put on braid. Drag washers are on correctly

6 hours ago, NasaGal88 said:

What does braid have to do with the drag messing up?

Your braid is probably spinning on the spool and nothing is wrong with your drag.  The solution is to use tape or some mono as a backer.

Thank you!

I used a black marker to put a tick mark on the spool. It doesn't move. Only the braid moves. SMH. Easy fix though.