The spool bearing went out on my HSTA. I know it's the spool bearing cause I already replaced it with an old HST reel I had. I still use this for Inshore also. My question is, should i replace the palm side and the cast control all at the same time? Are they like headlights on a car, once one goes.....?

take all of them out of the spool and clean them. Replace only the one that makes a grinding noise or does not spin well on a free spin after cleaning them a couple of times.

spend 20 bucks and get you a set of boca abec5s for the spool and side plate abec7s wont do you much better as that reel wont cast the super light stuff anyhow but if you wanted 7s they will run you 30 bucks about.

I'm thinking of just getting some Stainless from smoothdrag. This isn't the reel I want to soop up, even tho I love this reel.(sentimental,my first high end reel)...lol

The stainless kit from Dawn will be fine. Pick up a bottle of Oust while you're at it.

The stainless kit from Dawn will be fine. Pick up a bottle of Oust while you're at it.

Already got some, and only use it on the spool bearings and pinion bearing.(If the reel has one) Then I use the tabu stuff on the rest of the bearings.Believe it or not, this is the first stock bearing on any of my reels thats gone bad. Tells me I don't fish enough.

Spin check each bearing and replace just the bad one(s). If you were upgrading them I'd say do all. Flush and spin a new one prior to installation. I do find a dud once in a while.