I have 3 shimano citicas that are smooth reeling, but when I cast them they sqwall. How do I stop the sqwalling. These have been my favorite reels.

Have you had them cleaned/Greased? If not try that a good place is www.fishermike.com they are a shimano service plus dealer. They have reasonable prices.

I have had them apart somewhat and squirted the bearings with oil. They will still sqwall, but only casting not pitching and they reel smooth .

you might want to remove the bearings and clean them and give them a spin to see how they do and then apply a good oil. One drop per bearing. If they do not spin freely, repeat the process. If you need some more help, just send me an e mail and we'll walk you thrur the process.conniek

You may try putting a very thin coating of oil on the brake drum. I know this sounds odd, but all of the Shimano reels I have bought come from the factory that way. Just don't get to carried away with the oil. It only takes a little. Also, on the bearings, too much oil is not good. Just a drop on each bearing is all it takes. Remember the old Brylcreem commercial? "A little dab'll do ya"

Most of the bearings are sealed bearings oil can't get in if you use oil inside it could mix with the grease and really slow it down. I remove the bearings and soak them in oil overnight. Most service centers will clean the brake drum with fine steel wool it needs to stay dry. If soaking does'nt work you might try new bearings. You could have a slightly bent spool as well. If you use braided line that may be the case. If I can help in any way let me know. Good Fishing Fisher Mike

if a bearing is SEALED, how does soaking it do anything..

Catchesbass, it sounds like you might be on to something because they only make this sound when I really lay into them while casting. Not a sound when I pick them 15 feet or less, but then again my spool is not traveling that fast.I will try this, not much to loose now anyway.

Thanks, Kenny

Well if you soak the bearing and it helps the seal may be out in the bearing you will need a new bearing, or soak the bearings again when they go dry. there is also a spool bearing/bushing if it is the plastic bushing it may need to be replaced try grease on it small amount. Good luck

I've heard that sound and found in some cases, it's the (mono) line whipping against spool barrel sides. Change line, it goes away.

I've had some new reels make a similar noise. They were over oiled from the factory & oil was on the brake drum. I cleaned the excess oil & noise was eliminated.

mike do you repair the shimano crestfires i have one that sticks real bad while cranking it or is it just cheaper to get me another real