I am replacing the spool bearings on an Ambassadeur 5600.  The bearings I bought are only shielded on one side.  Which side should I have facing away from the spool? Shielded, unshielded, or does it matter?

I have looked on-line and not found anything.  Any help would be appreciated.

I really doesn't matter. I always place the shielded side out.

Tight Lines!!

What is the shield for??  To guard against dirt from getting in??

Yup, to help protect the balls in the race, but dirt and grim gets in anyway, the only one I have seen really well protected are sealed for salt...

Some of them I read are double shielded.  I'm guessing that means on each side instead of only one side.  Any better??

I see no differance, all the bearings I use to replace stock BB's in tuneups, and, any that I use in upgrades are shielded on both sides. Some of Shimanos ARB's are shielded only on one side, Quantums PT bearings are shielded on one side.  Some of Shimano's spinning bearings are shielded only on one side...

Oh fyi, the single shielded bearings might be easier to clean and lube for someone that doesn't do it all the time...

Thanks for the help.

I got new Ceramic spool bearings and new Carbontex drag washers in my Ambassadeur 5600 his weekend.

I had a little trouble getting it back together but I finally got it.  I can't wait to fish it.

Aaron,

That's great. Remember, on the ceramics to re-lube (one drop) those babies every few outings (depending on how much you use the reel). They don't stay lubricated for very long.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!