bmkole Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 I have an older Calcutta that I bought on Ebay last year. I fished it last season mostly flippin and pitchin without any problems. While cleaning it a few weeks ago, I noticed the bearings were pretty stiff. Since I don't really know the history of the reel I decided to just replace the bearings. I found a set of 2 ABEC 7 ceramics for around $30 plus shipping. I found 5 sets of 2 ABEC 5 ceramics for around $50 plus shipping. I know what the spec differences are between ABEC values, but what are the practical. I am guessing I wouldn't notice the difference if I were casting the 2 side by side. Any input? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssrmr2 Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 the difference between the abec 5 and 7 are the tolerance they hold. the abec 7 have closer tolerance than the 5 therefore less slop and more accurate. there are a few sites that sell bearings for the shimanos. bocabearing, vbxbearing.com. and heartlandtackle. have you tried to clean the bearing with a cleaner solution; ie brake cleaner (automotive), ronson lighter fluid? and then re-lube with a high end bearing oil, yellow rocket fuel? I use a sharpened pencil and acetone to hep spin and clean the bearings. hvae anymore questions let me know steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmkole Posted January 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 I didn't try cleaning them, there was a brownish colored ring along the seam on the side of the bearings. Read up on the difference between the ABEC values.....I was just curious how much a difference I would notice between the two. I can get a pair of ABEC 7 for $30 or 5 pair of the ABEC 5 for $50. It's a difference of about $20 a pair and would I notice, one way or the other, in reel performance? Thanks for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssrmr2 Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 check out heartland tackle, he does a good descriptive write up on the difference of the bearings. I had that same brown "tarnish" on some of the superfree bearings. I was able to remove most of that brown stuff with vigorous scrubbing with a tooth brush and acetone. I couldnt afford the ceramics so i settled for the abec 5's. plus if there is a need to replace then you will have 4 sets left. you can also use the other 4 sets to put in the other shimanos if you have other reels. you will feel the difference in smoothness. and some casting distance. steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lure--Prof Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 A clean and re-lube should restore your bearings fine. Sounds like the previous owner used WD-40, which will leave a thin gummy residue that acetone or lighter fluid will remove. I used to see that a bunch when i did reel work a dozen years ago. Re-lube with one drop of rocket fuel, etc. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmkole Posted January 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 Thanks all, I'll try to clean and lube the bearings I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radracer Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/index.php?cPath=47_48 Try this web site... I buy all my replacment bearings for Mikes reels repair. Just remember one thing.. If you don't see your bearings on his web site pick up the phone and call them. Alot of the time most of the reel makers will use the same size bearings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
