Hello gentleman,

I have a quick question for you. I received a new Shimano Chronarch 51 Mg for Christmas ( ) and I love it. Tonight I thought I would compare it with my Curado 101 D and I noticed something strange . The spool bearing in my Curado (the VBS side) is covered (you cannot see the ball bearings inside) but the Chronarch's bearing (same side) on the other hand is not (ball bearings are visible). I feel the bearings should be covered and think this is a mistake, what do you guys think?

Thank you,

Hooked_On_Bass

The Curado has "shielded" stainless steel bearings, whereas the Chronarch has anti-rust bearings (ARB) which is an open bearing design.  

Not a mistake. The shielded bearings in your Curado are Standard Stainless Steel, the easy maintenance-no shield design in the Chronarch AR-B's just allows for easy flushing of debris and easy lubrication.

Good Morning,

Thanks a lot gentleman. I had no idea . Being open like it is, wouldn't that allow lubrication to escape? I would assume that I should just use the supplied Shimano oil to lubricate the bearing? What would you suggest to use to flush the bearing out reelmechanic? Is this the only example this (exposed bearings) on the Chronarch?

Much appreciated,

Hooked_On_Bass

I had no idea Shocked. Being open like it is, wouldn't that allow lubrication to escape?

Most bearings are only lubricated with one drop of oil anyway so what's there to escape.

I would assume that I should just use the supplied Shimano oil to lubricate the bearing?

Yup that's right. Only you shouldn't have to do any lubricating of the bearings unless your using the reel in a super hot climate or heavy rain showers.

Also never just drop new oil on top of old oil. You get 2x's the old oil.

Always clean/rinse the bearing packs out before re-oiling.  

Remember only one drop per bearing pack.

What would you suggest to use to flush the bearing out reelmechanic?

The reel was a gift this christmas. Use the reel this coming season, and at the end of the season ask me again.

Is this the only example this (exposed bearings) on the Chronarch?

Any of the Shimano reels using AR-B's (Anti-Rust Bearings) will be open.

Tight Lines!!!!

reelmechanic

Only you shouldn't have to do any lubricating of the bearings unless your using the reel in a super hot climate or heavy rain showers.

So no periodic oiling? :-? ;D

The reel was a gift this christmas. Use the reel this coming season, and at the end of the season ask me again.

Will do (unless I get caught in a massive rain storm ;D ).

P.S. Sorry for all the questions. I'm just extremely picky about protecting/maintaining my investments.

reelmechanic

Only you shouldn't have to do any lubricating of the bearings unless your using the reel in a super hot climate or heavy rain showers.

So no periodic oiling? :-? ;D

The reel was a gift this christmas. Use the reel this coming season, and at the end of the season ask me again.

Will do (unless I get caught in a massive rain storm ;D ).

P.S. Sorry for all the questions. I'm just extremely picky about protecting/maintaining my investments.

If you have the schematic and if you have done it before, you can remove the bearings now clean and re-oil (but don't lose the retaining clips), then you know for sure they have been done. Then the only time you might have to re-oil the bearings is if you notice a drop in your casting distance or accuracy. If you have never serviced (broken down) any of your reel/s, not a good idea to start on this reel, have it done.

If you have the schematic and if you have done it before, you can remove the bearings now clean and re-oil (but don't lose the retaining clips), then you know for sure they have been done.

Ummmmmmm that may not be a good idea. I just know I'll loose something or screw something up :-[ ;D. I got the Curado last spring, so maybe I'll send it in for service at the end of the 2008 season :-/.

If you have never serviced (broken down) any of your reel/s, not a good idea to start on this reel, have it done.

Good idea. I have never taken it down any further than removing the spool ;D. How frequent should I send my reels in for service? Once a year?

Thanks reelmechanic!

(I wont bug you anymore.................for now ;D)