Shimano Curado Full Reel Cleaning - Part 2 - Cleaning and putting together

Shimano makes awesome reels, but every reel needs a cleaning once in a while. I fully take apart the reel once a year and clean it before putting it up for the season if I only fish fresh water with it. However when I fish saltwater, it needs to be done more often. This also should be done if the reel gets dunked in water, especially saltwater.
Warning: This is just an example on how I fix my reels, please proceed at your own caution. I am not responsible for you breaking your reel or shimano voiding you’re warranty. Also, do not attempt to take apart DC “digital cast control” reels. Only get a licensed and certified repair person to take those reels apart.
If you like this reel and want to buy one, here is a link for it. amzn.to/2IniQ1w
Here is a list of things you will need and links to where you can purchase them...
Reel oil - amzn.to/2o901GO
Reel Grease - amzn.to/2pIDyQV
Micro Screwdriver Kit - amzn.to/2o9cvOL
Qtips - amzn.to/2yv7bI7

[@johnnytang8223]

I had been fishing a lot in the rain and water got inside my reel, then it started to make a squeaky nose every time I turned the crank, your video was very helpful, there was one part that sucked really bad putting back together which was the little spring on the inside, luckily I had another curado next to me to help figure where those 3 pieces fit. So glad I took it apart and cleaned everything out thanks to your video. Respect

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man, glad it helped. Those springs all suck.. lol

[@2575falcon]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video mate, lots of great tips n tricks. It definitely made the job less daunting.

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey glad to help!

[@phunlai885]

Thank you for putting these helpful videos. Took me 3 hrs for my first time😂 but my bait caster is working again!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Nice man! Glad to help! Yeah each time will get quicker.

[@izapitty1]

Your video was EXTREMELY Helpful - last night I was banging my head on my the reel would only turn backwards after I put the plate on...I am sure I put the Anti Reverse in backwards as you mentioned - such an easily overlooked deal. One question do you have technique for getting small C-clips on and off ?

[@McFlyAngler]

The C-clips suck, really there is no great way to do it. When I used to clean reels for a tackle shop, we had a tool for it. But they are hard to come by for the public. Honestly I've tried two ways, one is with a small screwdriver, the other is with small tweezers. Both can send the thing shooting across the room never to be found again. Good luck, sorry I wasn't more help with that. Glad I could help with the anti reverse thing.

[@manifestgtr]

Love those iMovie titles man hahahha I’m sure you’ve moved on from the iMovie ghetto but I’m still here....livin it up

[@McFlyAngler]

Nope, I haven’t. Glad you love it!

[@drumandball]

Did the processes you showed in all three videos. Super helpful. BUT I STILL NEED HELP. The reel functions perfectly and is much smoother now that I cleaned it out, but I have an annoying noise. This noise was there both before I took it apart and after. It’s actually the whole reason I cleaned it in the first place. It’s only when I turn the handle. It sounds like there is some metal rubbing or something like that. Anyways, someone said that I may need to replace the pinion bearing. Could you direct me towards which bearing in the video could be referred to as the pinion bearing? Or suggest what else it may be? It would be super helpful!

[@McFlyAngler]

Sorry man, I can’t right now, I quit the channel a few weeks ago and been working 14 hours a day, and 6 days a week. Just no time to go over this right now. Hope you can find your answers though

[@julioflores7540]

dope man.. very helpful thanks

[@McFlyAngler]

+Julio Flores glad it helped

[@nancyschwendeman9646]

what happens if you oil the bearing that you said not to oil? Because i already did that to my lews reel so i hope nothing will be affected

[@McFlyAngler]

It could make the anti-reverse not work properly.

[@bettercallbernie959]

Have a curado 101d. At every revolution of the handle the reel locks up. Free spool button tends to free the spool for 1 turn & it locks up again? Any thoughts on what's wrong?

[@McFlyAngler]

Did you take it apart? It is maybe a gear issue. If you take it apart and the gear is warped or broken then you know the issue. If not, then I’m not 100% sure without looking at the reel myself.

[@johnmateus2646]

I would like to thank you for your video because it is not easy to find a tutorial for this 201HG equipment, my first time it took me 4 hours.

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad it helped

[@lbdygy]

What about cleaning the worm shaft? How do you clean it and do you grease or oil it?

[@McFlyAngler]

That’s something I didn’t do on this, but it’s a c-clamp type attachment on the side, then it comes right out and easy to clean, just a pain to put back with that c-clamp or some people call a C-ring... I’ve had some success in the past just using a toothbrush to brush it when it’s in place, if it’s not overly dirty.

[@jerrykrobby]

Good job on these videos! Question I noticed you didn't wash the grease off the drag washers. Is it a no-no to dip those washers in the dawn/water?

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah don’t dip those, just wipe off what you can. Glad you enjoyed the videos.

[@jerrykrobby]

@@McFlyAngler many thanks!

[@jaymarque]

Thanks man. That was super helpful!

[@McFlyAngler]

+jaymarque no problem, glad I could help

[@jaymarque]

McFly Angler on my first round, I greased the drag and must have used too much. I literally had almost NO drag even cranking it down almost all the way. I disassembled it and cleaned/dried off the the drag washers and now it is perfect. Thanks again!

[@McFlyAngler]

Gad I could help. Yeah, too much grease means no drag. Of course, if you don't have enough, then its not as smooth.

[@timothynlmb2643]

Thanks this video helped me out a lot I dropped mines in the water today and tried to clean it but didn’t know how to thanks for the video saved my reels life!

[@damonwinfrey7006]

I’ve done this 2x, and both times I cannot get the drag to hold. It will click and hold and never catches. Got my girl to do it a year ago and I just took it apart and did this and again I can’t get thebdrag to start

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok so, try the drag bearing in the handle assembly. Just take off the handle, and the star drag. There is a round bearing that fits over the shaft. Reverse that and assemble again. Let me know if you have drag. We can try some other things if that doesn’t work

[@yknick11]

after doing all this and putting back together when i reel it in it sound like dirt is is grinding.... got any ideas thanks, oh yea and does bow side up mean the curve going up or the curve facing down, if you could answer these questions it would help a fellow angler alot

[@yknick11]

ok one more thing lol, i feel like the reels anti reverse isnt as good, when i reel in and stop and go in the other direction it will go that way just a hair but it wasnt like that before sorry if im asking a bunch of questions.. but if you could answer it would help a ton(this is my only reel and i dont want it screwed up)

[@McFlyAngler]

The anti reverse should not have any oil put in, just a light coating on the outside. Adding oil to it could make it slip going reverse...

[@McFlyAngler]

When you mean bow side up or down, are you talking about the two washers that are put together opposite? Honestly I don't think it matters, as long as they are facing opposite directions... But I usually put the outside ends together with the bow in the middle... The dirt issue could be from 3 things, either the reel wasn't put back together properly, there is still dirt in the gears that when cleaning you moved them around to a spot that makes that grind, or you didnt grease the gears properly. Most likely its the 1st. Did you watch the next tutorial in this series? it discusses the spool and casting break cleaning (should be done more regularly). If you watch that, and do that, it could fix the issue. What I think is happening is that the spool has some dirt in it, or taking the reel apart, might of dislodged the bearing slightly to give a grinding issue. Try the 3rd tutorial first (should be 10-15 minutes), then if still a grind, I would take the reel apart again, and make sure all the parts are put back properly. Sometimes even put back the right way, but a little off center can cause an issue. Just make sure they are all sitting pretty. :)

[@yknick11]

alright got the dirt issue fixed all i had to do was clean the spool, im gona take the reel apart again later on and see what i can do about the anti reverse, thanks for the help:)

[@McFlyAngler]

no problem, glad I could help. Just keep in mind next time not to get any oil in that anti-reverse.

[@wowgarrett777]

Came to this video looking for help. My spool acts like it’s wanted to jump back and forth and loose its catch with the free spool system. Haven’t had a clue what’s causing it. Awesome video!

[@McFlyAngler]

Hey thanks, glad you like the video. let me think about it and maybe I’ll figure out an answer to help fix your Soooo.

[@wowgarrett777]

McFly Angler thank you!

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok so have you tried tightening the spool drag? Look at that nob (right under the star drag) and tighten that down first. If the spoon doesn’t move back and fourth then just adjust that to where you like it. If that doesn’t fix it then maybe you have a stripped drag. Take apart the reel and see if you can clean the gears first. If there is damage to the gears then maybe you need new gears. It can happen when a big fish strips drag that is too tight. But it is rare. Other than that maybe check out the bearings that hold the spool shaft, and also make sure the spool shaft is sitting correctly. Also look to see if your spool is bent or the shaft is bent. Anyway, try all those, if nothing then I’d suggest taking it to your local shop that can do repairs

[@wowgarrett777]

McFly Angler there is a little rod through the spool shaft going perpendicular with the shaft and there’s a little slot it goes into on the free spool system. It seems like it’s not holding in that slot and the spool is moving back and forth to much. I’ve taken it apart around 3-4 times and can’t figure it out.

[@McFlyAngler]

Can you PM me on Instagram so we can exchange pics?

[@mieduck1993]

After putting all part together, i still hear grinding sound? Any help. Tq

[@McFlyAngler]

+Fahmy Amer you make sure and clean all the parts? If so, you might have a problem with one or more bearings. It's tough to clean these bearings since they are usually sleeved. You might need to buy some new bearings for the reel. Try taking it apart again and test each bearing. Find the one "or ones" with issues then buy that bearing and replace it.

[@mieduck1993]

thanks

[@chrismills7940]

I have a Curado 201G6 and the reason I tried your deconstruction and cleaning was because, when the drag reel is tightened down, the handle turns but not the spool when reeling a large fish. I had the reel fixed two years ago for the same issue. Any idea what the issue could be? I successfully completed your tutorials, but the issue was not fixed unfortunately.

[@McFlyAngler]

Could be a number of issues but first thing comes to mind is the drag. Was the fish able to peel drag out? Like when you tighten it did it seem like it just didn’t tighten enough? Or was nothing moving at all?

[@McFlyAngler]

It’s just tough to diagnose without it in front of me. And this tutorial was for a cleaning not a fixing. Happy to try and help though. Might help diagnose if they told you what the issue was with it before when you got it fixed 2 years ago...

[@44Wizards]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I wasn't actually told what the issue was when the shop fixed it. I should have asked. Yeah the fish is able to peel drag, and smoothly. I was thinking that maybe the drag was not just tightened enough in that instance but, even when its tightened almost all the way down, I can put thumb pressure on the spool (to simulate a fish), and still the handle just turns without turning the spool. I would think that with the drag right tight there should be almost no play there. Maybe I need some replacement parts. I appreciate, you help and also appreciate its hard to tell without seeing. Maybe I could email you a video.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok it’s one of two issues (for my first thought). Replace the drag, like get new drag for it. Could be that the drag is smoothed out and not holding as much pressure. Do you back the drag off after fishing? If you leave it compresses it will do this to a drag quickly. 2nd could be that the washers that are curved aren’t put in correctly. There are some bowed washers that create pressure. Without those installed opposite of each other, the drag will not have enough pressure. First look at the washers (right under the star drag) and make sure that the two are creating a bow in the middle. Not faced the same direction. If they are good, then look at the drag and see if it’s compressed. If it looks smooth then order a new drag. If you can’t tell, then take a picture of it and send it to me. Best way is on Instagram. Find me by searching McFly Angler. I can kinda tell from a picture of the drag is really compressed. Also you don’t have oil or too much grease on the drag do you?

[@McFlyAngler]

Also has this gotten gradually worse or was it like all of a sudden type thing?

[@jongkang1614]

You don't put any oil on the bearings?

[@McFlyAngler]

+jong kang no, not the sealed bearings...

[@caliyak_fishing]

thank you for the helpful videos. I use rubbing alcohol on the q tip to clean.

[@McFlyAngler]

+Caliyak Fishing do you have trouble with rubbing alcohol deteriorating any of your plastic pieces? Glad I could help. At the fishing shop where I worked we always used soapy water, but I'm always looking for better ways to do stuff. Thanks for the tip

[@caliyak_fishing]

I have not seen any damage or issues to the plastic. I grease and oil everything so I really don't see an issue with drying or cracking the plastic. I appreciate alcohol because it dries without rusting the metal or no water issues. test it on a cheaper reel and see how it turns out. We need to find great and efficient ways to keep our expensive tools clean and working right.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah I hear ya. I never really had issues with rusting and using the soapy water, I just make sure and rinse it good and let it dry before putting it back. But alcohol sounds like it might be quicker and easier?

[@caliyak_fishing]

I think so, give it try

[@manifestgtr]

You can also use naphtha. That’s what I use. It’s essentially lighter fluid....same stuff they put in reel cleaning sprays. Safe on any material used in reels and it evaporates CLEAN. No residual nonsense.

[@swimjigman953]

can anyone tell me how many millimeters across the curado drive gear is?

[@McFlyAngler]

Good question man, I certainly could not

[@seanchang3360]

why should you not grease that certain bearing? and which bearing was it?

[@McFlyAngler]

The anti reverse bearing. If greased too much it will not anti reverse anymore

[@seanchang3360]

thanks, and thats the bearing on the reel side plate? on the sharft that holds the reel handle?

[@McFlyAngler]

The one that has ridges. If you look at the inside of the bearing it’s got long cylindrical bearings in it, not round. You can see them on the inside of the bearing, you don’t have to take it apart. It sits on the shaft.

[@fernandomiron7557]

👏👏👏

[@McFlyAngler]

+Fernando Miron thank you very much!

[@xersrt]

I tried this on the curado dc and after I put it back together the drag star is wobbleing after I spin the handle fast. Could it have been I put the washer facing the same side?

[@McFlyAngler]

That’s possible, however I am not sure why so many people lately are trying this with a curado DC... haha! This is not recommended with the DC reels. Those are extra complicated and you can destroy the “Digital cast control” feature. I don’t recommend taking apart your DC reels for any reason. Just send them into Shimano for work.

[@xersrt]

McFly Angler I only took apart the handle side it it cast like normal and drag works like it’s supposed to it’s just that the star wobbles were can I send it to get worked on?

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok, well I don’t recommend touching any screws on a DC, I even have a warning in the description section regarding this. But anyway, for the wabling handle, I would check the washers to make sure yes. Does the star drag look like it got put back on upside down? Sorry your like the 4th person this week working on a DC reel, haha! Honestly I’ve only ever taken apart one DC reel, and I remember the intervals are different. I worked at a tackle shop doing this before the DC style reels came out.

[@xersrt]

McFly Angler everything else works and looks normal it’s just the wobble, it doesn’t wobble like crazy but it is noticeable.

[@McFlyAngler]

Well then check the washers. I know the handle assembly had issues once for me on my curado, and it turned out to be your assessment, the two washers that have to go in opposite directions of each other were the same direction. It also made the drag not as strong also.

[@FishnTv]

To each their own but those carbon disc are the drag disc and you dont really want grease on them as it can hinder the reels full drag pounds.

[@McFlyAngler]

Too much can yes, but a little of it is actually beneficial to the longevity of the drag disk, and also helps keep it smooth. I mean it’s a toss up, if you want super strong drag, then maybe don’t do it. But I’d rather trade 1-2lbs or pressure for the smoothness, as a jerky drag will loose a fish.

[@FishnTv]

@@McFlyAngler I hear ya bud but carbon disc are self lubricated in a way. I've always been told to not lube cause some grease or lubes can deteriorate them as well. But I havent had any issues with ardent reel butter.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah, the grease I use is called "drag grease". I've always used it, very sparingly BTW. Never had issues. Caught a 70lb black sea bass on a Curado 300 once with no drag issues.

[@FishnTv]

Drag grease is that the grayish black stuff? If so thays good stuff. It has like some powdered substance which adds grip to the disc.

[@jell-oputin8036]

Some kid commented on part 1 saying he broke his curado cause of you 🤣

[@McFlyAngler]

Not sure how. Lol. But yeah I saw that, and I responded to him.

[@BrendanBFree]

Bruh, the drag star handle was confusing but then I realised it goes over the square nut that the spring sits on and then you just put your handle on to hold it in place.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok

[@John_D2]

the bearing behind the main shaft is the most important one to oil and you failed to get that out..all you had to do was pull hard once you got the screws out.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you for the info...

[@McClovinFishing]

My thumb bar won’t depress down all the way 😅😅😅 I thought I did everything right. What do you think I did wrong?

[@McFlyAngler]

The thumb bar can get jammed if you don’t put everything back together properly. There is a small L spring, make sure it’s in correctly

[@McClovinFishing]

McFly Angler so that ramp you were talking about with the pink plastic piece, it went over it and won’t come back down. I wish I could send you a picture of it

[@McClovinFishing]

McFly Angler It’s working perfectly fine when the side plate it off and i’m manually moving the silver toothed gear

[@McFlyAngler]

Hmmm... Yeah a picture would help. Let me think about it and I will get back to you.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok, so possibly, the little metal stopper (it is the piece that sits below the round plastic piece) it could be setting incorrectly. Make sure its above the plastic stopper. I hope that makes sense?

[@44Wizards]

At 5:39 where the spring goes back in; There is a long and short arm on that spring. Which arm goes down?

[@McFlyAngler]

Shorter side I believe...

[@44Wizards]

Cool, I'll see how she works!

[@ikashibimauler]

Dang you got close to a full teardown in the end but you didn't inspect the bearing at the base of the drive shaft. That bearing is often the first to go and worst to access. Getting right up to it but not pulling out the drive shaft to inspect it is a head scratcher. I mean you even pulled the screws! Well maybe just something to remember the next time you get the main gear off.

[@McFlyAngler]

I’m not sure I 100% agree, since I knew the bearing was fine. And this is one of the better breakdown videos on KZbin, can’t expect perfection though. I’m sure somewhere you can find someone that takes that part out and describes how to clean it. Have a good day.

[@ikashibimauler]

@@McFlyAngler I totally agree. This is a very good video. I didnt mean to imply otherwise. I just wanted to draw your attention to that bearing because that is the one that I seem to always have trouble with if I don't pack it with grease. I fish saltwater mostly so I'm a bit paranoid as I have that one and the one ontop of the anti reverse clutch constantly under attack. The one at the bottom is the worst though as it sits in a well and if water gets in there, it has nowhere to go, so it turns into a bearing jacuzzi. Lol. Anyways, good video!

[@bryangorringe4273]

You have to show us how to do it chop

[@McFlyAngler]

+zw bassing chop?

[@hakimzainul8653]

dude, greasing the bearing warning is kinda late. hahaha. but nvm. ty.

[@McFlyAngler]

Well I kinda expect people to watch the whole video before messing with the reels. Even if someone followed a long, they shouldn’t have greased that since I didn’t grease it in the video. I’m sure you will be fine, just wipe it off and hope for the best. Either way those bearings aren’t too expensive.

[@rayray2438]

This is painful to watch.....poor reel

[@McFlyAngler]

??