Received a used T3 today after buying from another member, but the reel isn't as smooth as I hoped.

When reeling, the T3 has a rubbing noise coming from the handle side: it's not the worm gear, and I'm pretty sure it's from the pinion gear and/or the drive gear. Also, even after I cleaned + oiled/greased all gears and bearings, I can only get 2 seconds of free spool even on the lightest brake settings. The spool sometimes gives off a faint metallic tinkling noise every once in a while, too. The reel's drag works just fine and it retrieves line, but it feels like the spool tension is set very high whenever I turn the handle (even when the spool tension is off). 

Could anyone help me identify the problem(s) and how to fix them?

Try removing the spool and backing the tension cap way off and reinstall. It's hard to say without seeing it. 

Hm I took out the spool and the sound is still the same. i'll post pictures of the inside tonight

The T3 has a small bushing inside th cast control bearing. You cannot get it out from outside by taking the knob off. Remove the handle side plate and then take the clip that holds the bearing in out with a small flathead or needle. Next remove the cast control knob and take out the plastic shaft. Take a qtip or felt tip and gently push th plastic bushing out from inside the bearing. If this is cracked or broken, it will cause a rough retrieve. This piece is a common problem in T3s. 

also, put the spool back in before putting the cast control knob back on. 

The short free spool time isnt a direct indication of casting performance though it should be more than 2 seconds. You May have overoiled the bearing or have excess oil on the spool/braking

 

also make sure there is a washer in between the tiny gear under the main gear and the clutch disk.

On 4/8/2016 at 10:10 AM, iabass8 said:

The T3 has a small bushing inside th cast control bearing. You cannot get it out from outside by taking the knob off. Remove the handle side plate and then take the clip that holds the bearing in out with a small flathead or needle. Next remove the cast control knob and take out the plastic shaft. Take a qtip or felt tip and gently push th plastic bushing out from inside the bearing. If this is cracked or broken, it will cause a rough retrieve. This piece is a common problem in T3s. 

also, put the spool back in before putting the cast control knob back on. 

The short free spool time isnt a direct indication of casting performance though it should be more than 2 seconds. You May have overoiled the bearing or have excess oil on the spool/braking

 

also make sure there is a washer in between the tiny gear under the main gear and the clutch disk.

Welp fixed the gear noise and reoiled bearings, so freespool time is fixed. I would be a happy camper except when I was putting the reel back together I actually broke the plastic bushing that's inside the bearings. Anybody have any idea where to buy one of them from?

4 minutes ago, PennBass said:

Welp fixed the gear noise and reoiled bearings, so freespool time is fixed. I would be a happy camper except when I was putting the reel back together I actually broke the plastic bushing that's inside the bearings. Anybody have any idea where to buy one of them from?

Call daiwa. The part numbet is on the schematic. If you cant find it i can dig it up. Don't let them charge you 5$ for one + shipping. Ask for a refurbished one. It will be brand new and free. 

What was causing the gear noise?

There's a fine line between too little grease and too much grease on my reel for some reason. Had to find the sweet spot. 

I'll call Daiwa today to see what I can do. Thanks!