A year ago when I dove into bass fishing I started with SLX DC baitcasters. No complaints there, but after picking up an SLX MGL I decided to check out some of the higher-end reels in Shimano's lineup, so I recently picked up a Metanium (8.1) and an Aldebaran MGL (7.4). I have not gotten to spend much time with either but I'm wondering if the noise and resistance that I feel in the Aldebaran is normal. 

 

It's tough to tell much from a video but I've created a very simple one. The first reel is the Metanium, second is the Aldebaran. The spool tension is very loose, drags are tight, brakes are at their lowest settings. Do I need to see about doing some maintenance on the Aldebaran or does this seem normal?

 

 

My buddy has a chronarch, and it was also really loud.  I tried to clean it, but couldn't get a screw out.      This reel was fished for a long time and was the first time it had every been cleaned.  I got it half way opened, and grease poured out of it.  It was significantly quieter after removing just a little bit of grease.  

I would clean it and then let us know how it sounds!

 

 

Does shimano put too much grease in their reels?

54 minutes ago, HaydenS said:

My buddy has a chronarch, and it was also really loud.  I tried to clean it, but couldn't get a screw out.      This reel was fished for a long time and was the first time it had every been cleaned.  I got it half way opened, and grease poured out of it.  It was significantly quieter after removing just a little bit of grease.  

I would clean it and then let us know how it sounds!

That's kind of what I had in mind but didn't want to tear into a new reel on a wild goose chase. I've already looked at a couple of videos on how to do it and of course the schematic diagram is included... I just need to set aside some time and make sure I have the right stuff on hand.

I have an Aldebaran MGL 30HG and BFS XG and neither is particularly loud nor do either show excessive resistance.  Certainly no louder nor more operating friction than the various Steez I have.

6 minutes ago, jimanchower said:

That's kind of what I had in mind but didn't want to tear into a new reel on a wild goose chase. I've already looked at a couple of videos on how to do it and of course the schematic diagram is included... I just need to set aside some time and make sure I have the right stuff on hand.

I clean all my reels with a q tip, penn reel grease and some abu garcia premium reel oil.  I know I could   get better stuff, but this works for now. When using a qtip make sure you don't leave any fuzzies in the reel.  When taking them apart, lay them out in the EXACT order they come off.  I can take apart and clean some of my reels in 10 minutes.

The Aldebaran is a light weight reel and much like light weight rods, it is more sensitive, transmitting sound and feel more easily. It can be quieted temporarily with grease but it’s the nature of the beast. 

Sorry, I'm an idiot, I didn't realize this was the new Met.

May be a drop of oil on spool bearings might help the noise.

Almost seems over filled with line. Cant tell from the video, is it the ALDMG51 or an older model? Did you buy new or is it an Ebay reel? If it's not over spooled the bearings might need a flush and re lube. You can soak them or get a bearing blaster and flush them in about 5 seconds. I've found brake cleaner or electronic contact cleaner to work best. Good luck, if that doesn't improve it I would return it, lot of money for it to not be smooth out of the box. 

Thanks for all of the input. This is the ALDMGL 51HG, purchased new from TW.

 

I got brave enough to take the left side plate off (the side covering the gears), and it seems like the culprit is the roller clutch bearing (BNT5099) and the roller clutch inner tube (BNT3289). It's got grease on it, but I'm going to try flushing that and re-greasing with what I have on hand: some Mil-comm TW25B grease. It's what I use on pistol slides and rifle bolts. Wish me luck in getting everything back together!  

I managed to get everything reassembled without much trouble and it's a definite improvement. Had it been like this out of the box I wouldn't have posted this thread. I did at least gain some confidence in doing basic reel disassembly and maintenance and learned a lot in the process. Thanks again to all who chimed in.

I would still return it. Shimano and most of the other reel manufacturers have good Q/A but just like everything in life nothing is perfect and mistakes get made. It's good to learn how to take a reel apart, will save you money and downtime over having to send it in to get repairs. I dont shop at TW but I'm pretty sure they would exchange for a new one no problem. A $400+ dollar reel should have zero issues out of the box. I have both of those reels but right handed JDM models. Might want to check out Asian portal fishing if you plan on anymore high end shimano's.

1 hour ago, Phil77 said:

I would still return it. Shimano and most of the other reel manufacturers have good Q/A but just like everything in life nothing is perfect and mistakes get made. It's good to learn how to take a reel apart, will save you money and downtime over having to send it in to get repairs. I dont shop at TW but I'm pretty sure they would exchange for a new one no problem. A $400+ dollar reel should have zero issues out of the box. I have both of those reels but right handed JDM models. Might want to check out Asian portal fishing if you plan on anymore high end shimano's.

I mean if it's just a grease issue it's not a reel issue and doesn't warrant an exchange. That's like returning a car to the dealership because it didn't have gas.

I might agree if it was a 100-150 dollar reel but this is one of Shimano's flagship reels. At that price point it should be flawless out of the box. BTW I'm the guy that makes the dealership fill the tank before I take the car off the lot.