Bearings for dummies

The Curado K and SLX probably, both being new, shouldn't really need a soak just yet.  I have a few reels I fish heavily throughout the year and they probably just get a drop of oil on the spool bearings maybe twice a season and are fine for years but if they start to show some issues I soak them and re-lube.  My process goes like this....

I soak the spool bearings in either acetone or simple green/orange overnight.  I let out to dry or I lightly blow them dry. Once dry, I re-oil them with a drop of Bantam oil or now TSI-321 oil.  I have also used Daiwa's oil, Abu Garcia's, and Ardent oil.  After it soaks on one side, I check the bearing on a pencil.  If it's still feels off, I put a drop of oil on the other side of the bearing and let it soak.  If it still feels bad, then I replace it. Over the 15+ years of fishing and 16 setups,  I have replaced maybe 3 sets of bearings that actually needed it. 

On a side note....One bearing on the K that needs attention as much as the spool bearings, is the X-ship bearing located below the spool bearing under the cast control knob.