In the past I have not taken the side seals off my bearings to flush them, but wanted to this time around. I was able to get the seals off one of the bearings (larger diameter one), but the other two dont seem to have snap rings holding the seals on (I might just be blind, was kind of in a rush at the time). Do these seals come off? Is it even necessary to pull the seals off, or is it overkill? I have an ultrasonic cleaner with acetone to soak them in, wondering what some other people typically do. thanks 

8 minutes ago, pcakes55 said:

In the past I have not taken the side seals off my bearings to flush them, but wanted to this time around. I was able to get the seals off one of the bearings (larger diameter one), but the other two dont seem to have snap rings holding the seals on (I might just be blind, was kind of in a rush at the time). Do these seals come off? Is it even necessary to pull the seals off, or is it overkill? I have an ultrasonic cleaner with acetone to soak them in, wondering what some other people typically do. thanks 

@Delaware Valley Tackle, Mike - you're our 'guru'...got an answer for him?

14 minutes ago, pcakes55 said:

but the other two dont seem to have snap rings holding the seals on 

If you are referring to the spool bearings, I do believe they are sealed. I was also unable to find a clip or other means of opening them. If youre throwing them in an ultrasonic, it probably is overkill and you should do fine leaving the seals on. 

 

Youll be happy to find these Daiwa bearings benefit greatly from cleaning!

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

@Delaware Valley Tackle, Mike - you're our 'guru'...got an answer for him?

No need to open bearings to clean them ultra sonic or not. Not all bearings have removable shields either. 

Seals and shields are two different things, and many shields should remain in place. I don’t know of too many stock bearings that are sealed. So far, none have had to have their shields removed in order to clean them. 

Spray them with brake cleaner ( sucks in your eye, so careful), or better yet Paslode electronic tool cleaner spray from Home Depot.(Not as stinky or dangerous). Spin the bearing lightly with compressed air to remove residue and then reapply the lightest oil you have.  Good to go.

Thanks guys, appreciate the answers. I'm sure this has been asked 100 times I just did not have time to search the forums today. And yes I meant shields, not seals