Change Bushing to Bearing

A very simple reel upgrade - Change the bushings (usually plastic) to a ball bearing. This will result in the reel giving you a smoother operation and with the correct lubricant, your economy reel can give you a very good fishing experience.

How do I do it?
This is the most often asked question seen in the local fishing forum. And it does irks me too see people asking it time and again with doing a search. Also seen questions like can this xxx model of reel can be upgraded?

First thing to do - You NEED to have the schematic of your reel on hand, as you need to open the reel at lease twice to do this upgrade. The schematic will give you an idea how to put back your reel after you dismantle it AND also tell you where to locate the bushings. If you cannot read the schematic, STOP whatever you are doing and bring it to a tackle shop and ask them to do it for you.

Locate where are the bushing to be located on the schematic, and open up your reel and take out the bushings to be replaced. Either take the necessary measurement ID, OD and Height OR bring these bushing to the bearing shop and seek their help to measure.

Get those bearing and replace the bushings and you have finish your upgrade. Reassemble your rell and you are ready to go!

Sometimes the bearing size might not have the exact size as the bushing for the height, so you need to see your reel housing can fit the bearing. Also unshielded bearing are shorter then shielded bearing, so get the correct sized ones.