TLD 30 query
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Reel Questions!
Forum Description: Reel answers from a reel expert - Steve at Swordfish Marine
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=135078
Printed Date: 27 Jan 2026 at 8:20am
Topic: TLD 30 query
Posted By: Alan L
Subject: TLD 30 query
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 1:55pm
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Been giving my reels a bit of TLC. Well to be honest one was complaining, so one thing lead to another. Stripped the 2 spd TLD 30 down. No real issues - but it was a bit stiff on winding the spool with drag on. Thought was prob lack of use over winter months. Pulled it apart, re lubed everything, and still doing same. More drag I put on, the stiffness in turning the handle increases. I am guessing it is pulling the drag washer tight against the clutch plate, but can't figure why it would increase the resistance to winding. Anyone had this? It is only slightly stiff, but on a decent fight it would be a PITA. A shim issue? Thanks Alan ------------- Legasea Legend member |
Replies:
Posted By: Tzer
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 3:17pm
Al, had similar issues with some lever drag reels before but for life of me I cant fully remember the cause, someone may correct me but I think you will find its a bearing issue. Most likely the bearing that is in the side plate housing.
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Alan L wrote:Posted By: Alan L
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 4:00pm
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Hi Craig - the bearings are pristine - clean and free as. But I am thinking you are thinking of something loading the bearing up - some sort of side thrust? Makes sense. Thats the track I am thinking down. But not sure where to start. Will look at what shim arrangements are in there. Has to be a spacer issue. Regards Alan
------------- Legasea Legend member |
Posted By: OuttaHere
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 4:02pm
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I'd almost guarantee it will be the right side plate pinion bearing. They just eventually get squashed because the whole spool shaft and drag system compresses against them when you push the drag lever forward. Only way around it is thrust bearings which a small number of reels have. It will only be getting stiff under axial load so is kinda hard to replicate. |
Posted By: Fish Addict
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 4:05pm
| Alan google 'TLD reel stiff to wind'. There are a number of posts on different forums where people describe the same problem as you are experiencing. Unfortunately there are a number of suggestions with respect to the solution, good luck. |
Posted By: MATTOO
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 4:07pm
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Alan, Contact swordfish Steve. I service all my reels. Including all my vintage. Issues I have had in the past is incorrect reassembly. Spools have distorted under load and are rubbing. Bearings mis seated or worn. That all I have to offer. Which is why I use Steve, his head is in the game daily. ------------- Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0! |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 4:54pm
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There were a couple of posts hidden there from Rozboon & Fish addict. I dont know what happened there so I have unhidden them
------------- Best gurnard fisherman in my street |
Posted By: Tzer
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 5:28pm
Al, I think Rozboon is correct the pinion bearing is what I was trying to recall.
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Posted By: MATTOO
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 6:08pm
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Smudge, Don't need to reply here. But what happened to be hidden. M ------------- Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0! |
Posted By: MATTOO
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 6:09pm
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Rozboon seems on the right track. M ------------- Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0! |
Posted By: Alan L
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2021 at 6:53pm
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Thanks guys - I will pursue. I did do a 'TLD stiff to wind' search. Just not on the forum. Used Google. Didn't help much - but I will follow these leads. Yes Mat - I could send to Steve. I have bought plenty off him - about 7 game reels and a few rods. Just that I like to do my own stuff if I can. If it beats me, it will go to Steve. Thanks All. Alan ------------- Legasea Legend member |
Posted By: Alan L
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2021 at 5:22pm
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Was hoping to post some progress. Been waiting for parts. Now replaced pinion bearings and drag washer and a spring. Still same problem. Reconfigured the tension washers. No difference. Could/may send to Steve. just not sure how much a TLD 30 is worth these days. Spent about $100 in parts so far. Alan ------------- Legasea Legend member |
Posted By: Catchelot
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2021 at 5:46pm
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The standard retail is $339, so you decide mate.
------------- "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." - Jacques Cousteau |
Posted By: Alan L
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2021 at 3:34pm
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OK - taken about 5 weeks - but success. Stop/start and wrong bits sent (twice). I did it in stages - rather than throw a whole bunch of new bits. Trying to find where the issue was. Started with the pinion bearings, as originally suggested. Nope. Ordered new drag washer bits. Nope. Finally replaced the large bearing by the handle. Bingo. So I am guessing it is accumulated wear in the bearings - side thrust. Basically my suggestion would be to replace all 3 bearings. Prob around $60. I don't feel bad spending a bit of money on it and new drag system. Had it about 20+ yrs at a guess. Don't remember replacing anything previously. Got it 2nd hand and it is the 90s version. Alan ------------- Legasea Legend member |
Posted By: Skoti
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 12:19pm
Word for word Tzers post above . ------------- COVID is no joke ! One former patient was so brain damaged after , he thought he won an election he lost by 7 million votes . |
Posted By: smudge
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 2:49pm
I saw that this morning Skoti, and thought it was a dodgy member profile. Well spotted. And he's just been fried ------------- Best gurnard fisherman in my street |
Posted By: Skoti
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:09am
------------- COVID is no joke ! One former patient was so brain damaged after , he thought he won an election he lost by 7 million votes . |