Sorry in advance for writing a novel here....but I have a Concept Z 8.1 on one of my Frog rods and it’s become very noisy on the RETRIEVE after only 12 months. I initially thought it was the looser tolerances in the Z bushings and replaced the spool bushings with quality ceramic hybrids, but the noise continues during the retrieve and sounds like a zipper or buzzzz when I crank the reel handle. I even just changed out the main gear with a new one shipped right from the parts department; because the original gear had two or three gear teeth that were slightly worn. After I replaced the main gear and spent hours meticulously cleaning and properly re-greasing the reel, the retrieve is now super quiet when it’s not under any load. But with any amount of resistance on the line or high speed reeling and the reel gets zippy and buzzy on the retrieve? Also the main gear (aluminum) and pinion gear (brass) appear to be meshing smoothly and with the naked eye I can’t see any visible defects on the pinion. Anyone have any ideas of what could possibly be causing a zippy sound or buzzz sound on the retrieve ? I’m hoping there could be an easy solution to this or maybe it’s something simple I just overlooked . 
 

James

James, simple math, the pinion gear works 8.1-times as hard as the main gear.  

The only youtube repair video I found was a pinion gear replacement.  

His complaint was "rough and clicking" retrieve and the pinion gear solved it.  

Thanks and the Pinion Gear is what I’ve been considering replacing next, but I haven’t only because it’s not actually a rough retrieve but more like a very zippy sound; like when Zipping up a jacket quickly and hearing that Zip noise. 

Never change one gear and not the other !!!! Just like a differential that makes no sense since they wear into each other.

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

Never change one gear and not the other !!!! Just like a differential that makes no sense since they wear into each other.

I understand what you are saying and it makes sense; I think I’m leaning towards replacing the Pinion Gear. Do you think replacing the plastic Pinion Yoke would also be a good idea ? 

Only if it's worn. But then again what does it cost ? 

2 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

Only if it's worn. But then again what does it cost ? 

Not sure but it’s probably only a few dollars but I haven’t asked the parts department yet.

On 8/26/2021 at 4:15 PM, dodgeguy said:

Never change one gear and not the other !!!! Just like a differential that makes no sense since they wear into each other.

Parts arrived quickly from the manufacturer with surprisingly good customer service; and I replaced the Pinion Gear and Pinion Yoke to match the previously replaced Main gear. Now the reel is smooth as butter on the retrieve, with no zippy sound or gear meshing issues. The whole reel just functions like a brand new reel again. So as you said, changing both gears together is the correct solution ? Thank You

39 minutes ago, J.Vincent said:

Parts arrived quickly from the manufacturer with surprisingly good customer service; and I replaced the Pinion Gear and Pinion Yoke to match the previously replaced Main gear. Now the reel is smooth as butter on the retrieve, with no zippy sound or gear meshing issues. The whole reel just functions like a brand new reel again. So as you said, changing both gears together is the correct solution ? Thank You

You are welcome .