DIY: Deep Clean a Spinning Reel with a Baitfeeder

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Disassembling a spinning reel with a baitfeeder is not hard…its the putting it back together that can be the problem. My goto surf fishing reels are Okuma ABF60s and there is very little documentation out there (other than the spec that comes with the reel). This post is going to go into excruciating detail on how I clean my reels after each surf fishing trip.

Materials Needed

Cleaning the Bail Assembly

Step 1: Unscrew and Remove the Drag Adjustment Knob

Step 2: Remove the Spool

Step 3: Remove the Drag Stack

Step 4: Remove the Shaft Nut and Shaft Nut Screw

Remove the gold shaft nut. Before you can remove the shaft nut, you will need to remove the phillipshead screw securing it.

Step 5: Remove the Bail Assembly

Step 6: Remove the Gold Screw Securing the Line Roller and Disassemble

Upon removing the Line Roller, you can twist to remove the bail wire from the opposite hinge.

Step 7: Unscrew the Bail Hinge Opposite the Line Roller

Step 8: Remove the Spring-loaded Bail Hinge

Carefully, remove the spring-load hinge screw to expose the spring.

Note the orientation when re-assembling.

Step 9: Remove the Spring Assembly Plate Cover

This is an optional step if the spring is showing signs of rust. If not, there is no need…but if rust is showing, remove for cleaning. Remove the rust with steel wool or using a ultrasonic cleaner.

Step 10: Reinsert Spring, Replace Cover and Bail Arm

Carefully replace the spring being careful not to shoot the spring across the room.

Using a rotating action, place the far metal arm into the single hole and the closer metal arm into the slotted hole.

Screw in place.

Step 11: Clean the Line Roller Bearing

Using lighter fluid, soak the line roller bearing. The bearing should spin easily and freely.

Step 12: Reassemble the Line Roller and Bail Assembly

Step 13: Oil the Bail Assembly

Oil the hinge points and line roller.

Cleaning the Shaft Assembly

Step 1: Remove the Top Plate

Remove the 3 screws cover the top plate to expose the shaft bearing.

Step 2: Remove and Clean the Shaft Bearing

Remove the shaft bearing. Soak and agitate the bearing in lighter fluid.

Step 3: Remove the Anti-Reverse Spring

Carefully remove the anti-reverse spring using precision pliers. You don’t want to shoot this across the room..ask me how I know.

Step 4: Remove Remaining Shaft Components

Pay close attention to the orientation of the plastic bearing housing in the newer baitfeeders. There are typically small marking indicating orientation. If you misalign, the anti-reverse will not work properly.

Step 5: Oil and Grease Appropriately

Replace grease on gold gear shaft. Oil inserts in the plastic bearing housing.

Step 6: Reassemble Shaft Components

Replace parts in the order of removal.

Step 7: Oil Shaft

Place two drops of oil on the shaft.

Cleaning the Housing

Step 1: Remove the Handle

Unscrew the handle screw and remove the handle.

Step 2: Remove the Drag Cap

Step 3: Remove the Baitfeeder Lever

Remove the bait feeder lever screw. Pull the lever off the notched tab and remove.

Step 4: Remove the Sideplate

Remove the three screw securing the side plate and the sideplate to expose the inner reel housing.

Step 5: Remove and Clean the Bottom Drag Assembly

Loosen the bottom drag and remove the retaining clip. Clean any sand or debris and replace the stack and retaining clip.

Step 6: Remove the Anti-Reverse Lever

Paying careful attention not to lost the spring, remove the anti-reverse lever.

Step 7: Remove the Side Bearing

Remove the side bearing and clean using lighter fluid. Add two drops of oil. Remove the washer under the bearing to ensure it isn’t lost.

Step 8: Remove the Shaft Retaining Clip and Shaft

Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry the shaft retaining clip out of the grooves of the shaft.

Step 9: Remove the Main Gear

Pull the main gear and clean any debris and old grease. If a newer Okuma reel with an oval shaped gear, pay careful attention to the orientation and plan to replace in the same orientation.

The older circular gears are easier to position (given its circular).