I have a 2016 model Metanium MGL XG, bought it used and the reel is showing classic symptoms of a worn pawl. Not bad I guess for being 10 years old. I'd like to replace it myself but not sure what I'm in for. Seemingly the cover below the line guide is in the way of the pawl cap, I was able to remove one screw for the cover and get in there a little better but not sure I can get the cap all the way off. Will I have to take the reel apart further? Not sure if I have the right part either, a manual I found online says BNT5115 but AI told me BNT4036.

Plat used a different Shimano part number for p/n 48, but it looks like removing screw p/n 45 from the non-drive side frame plate gives you access to the pawl cap, p/n 46.

That's the screw I removed, should the wind guard be completely removable after doing so? Didn't seem like it. I could move it a bit, but I'm scared to bend too much, don't want to break it.

The crank case side snaps over a little nub. It takes gentle prying and wiggling. I don’t see it coming off without removing both side plates.

So I got the pawl replaced on my Metanium and Curado. Actually wasn't too difficult. A tiny washer did fall out after removing reel handle side cover, not sure where it went. After replacing pawl, was seemingly good until last weekend. Locking up and clicking again on my Metanium, so must be the worm shaft at this point. I guess the ceramic pawl beats the hell out of it. I've got a new worm shaft on the way, and did find one (and only one) youtube video that shows how to remove worm gear on Shimano reel. Still wondering if anyone has any tips for replacing the shaft though, especially removing that tiny little c-clamp.

Just use a small pick to snap it off and small needle nose to put it back on. Easy Peasy, just rebuilt my 16 Met with all new support bearings, Hedgehog Air spool bearings and a new gear set. She was getting a touch Raspy. Brian.

If you're talking about an e-ring, you remove them with the tiniest jeweler's flat screwdriver you can find.

Put it in the slot and turn the screwdriver with your finger over the e-ring to catch it.

Reinstall the e-ring with thin needle nose pliers - if you're not used to these things, good idea to work in a shoe box.

On 5/30/2026 at 4:18 PM, a1712 said:

Just use a small pick to snap it off and small needle nose to put it back on. Easy Peasy, just rebuilt my 16 Met with all new support bearings, Hedgehog Air spool bearings and a new gear set. She was getting a touch Raspy. Brian.

Welp I successfully replaced both pawl and worm gear and problem came back. Upon further inspection, the main drive gear looks quite unwell. One small section where a few teeth are missing/ worn, and a few damaged teeth throughout. Figure might it might be a good idea to replace both main drive gear and pinion gear while I'm in there. Is there somewhere to get a new gear set that isn't Shimano or straight from Japan? Shimano charges 10 bucks for shipping no matter the part and I'm already out a pretty penny getting pawl and worm shaft from them. Seems the Japanese dealers hammer you on shipping too (which makes more sense seeing how they're 6000 miles away).