Pflueger Trion Reels

So, wasn’t sure of the proper place to post this on here, but any of you guys have experience with Pflueger Trion 20b reels? The two I have owned both got really wet while fishing in the rain and instantly became hard to reel. Feels like the bearings are bogged down. I’d like to save them, if I can, otherwise I’ll be tossing them in the scrapper. These are the only reels I’ve had this issue with. My Daiwa reels all do fine as long as I wipe them down and dry them out when I get home.


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I have several of the small Trion reels. Certainly can't hurt to open them up and give them some reel butter

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Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

I have several of the small Trion reels. Certainly can't hurt to open them up and give them some reel butter

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Thanks, Jack! I’m gonna open em up this week and check them out.


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The nylon bushings have gotten wet and swollen. This is a common problem on lower end reels…and sometimes even mid priced reels. It became so bad on some models of Shimano reels that they came to be known as “Shibindo”.

Regards


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That explains it! Thanks a bunch. Shi-bindo! Haha.


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I was not aware they had nylon bushings. Haven't been inside the ones I have.

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Originally Posted by DockShootinJack

I was not aware they had nylon bushings. Haven't been inside the ones I have.

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The overwhelming majority of spinning reels have some bushings. Even some of the more expensive reels have them. I have seen reels with metal bushings but most reels have bushings that are made from nylon, and they are the ones that can give you problems if exposed to water.

Regards

I owned 3 or 4 and they all did that after getting wet. I could never get them back.


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The Trion's unfortunately, have unsealed bearings inside from the factory, not a well thought out part insertion in my opinion.
My Trion TR130 got wet and the bearings had some rust in them..used a micrometer to find the mm size of the bearings and found replacements on Amazon for $8.99 for 10 bearings. Replaced the bearings and the Trion is working good as new ever since.

I'll post the link to the bearings that I ordered for my TR130 but you need to check the size of your bearings with a micrometer to be sure you get the correct replacement bearings.
Amazon.com

You can also have a look here and find your parts diagram for your model Pflueger Spinning reel.
Scroll down this page to see the list of reels to chose from..
Pflueger Spinning Reel Parts & Models - eReplacementParts.com

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Originally Posted by stickum

The Trion's unfortunately, have unsealed bearings inside from the factory, not a well thought out part insertion in my opinion.
My Trion TR130 got wet and the bearings had some rust in them..used a micrometer to find the mm size of the bearings and found replacements on Amazon for $8.99 for 10 bearings. Replaced the bearings and the Trion is working good as new ever since.

I'll post the link to the bearings that I ordered for my TR130 but you need to check the size of your bearings with a micrometer to be sure you get the correct replacement bearings.
Amazon.com

You can also have a look here and find your parts diagram for your model Pflueger Spinning reel.
Scroll down this page to see the list of reels to chose from..
Pflueger Spinning Reel Parts & Models - eReplacementParts.com

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This is super helpful. Thank you for this info.


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Originally Posted by Pistolcreek

This is super helpful. Thank you for this info.


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Great, glad it is useful for you. Hope it helps you get the reel back going.....You're welcome.

That explains why my reels that got wet went to pot after they got wet. Good info, thanks.

I’ve exchanged phluger reels at Walmart before because they gave me trouble while new. I’ve considered looking at that insurance Walmart offers when you buy a reel

Found the old bearings that I took out of the Pflueger Trion TRI30, so I took this photo to post so you fellas might can repair your reels also.
The original bearings (left), only have metal covers on the bearings, no rubber seal, water can get inside and cause rust as it did in mine.
The new bearings that I installed have double rubber seals so no water can get in.
Part number for the double sealed bearings for the Trion TRI30 is MR148-2RS.
Common sense would prevail in the design process, that this type of bearing should have been used in the reel at the factory.

Attachment 479429

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stickum

Found the old bearings that I took out of the Pflueger Trion TRI30, so I took this photo to post so you fellas might can repair your reels also.
The original bearings (left), only have metal covers on the bearings, no rubber seal, water can get inside and cause rust as it did in mine.
The new bearings that I installed have double rubber seals so no water can get in.
Part number for the double sealed bearings for the Trion TRI30 is MR148-2RS.
Common sense would prevail in the design process, that this type of bearing should have been used in the reel at the factory.

Attachment 479429

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There's bearings...and then there is bearings. One is not going to get good bearings in a 59 dollar spinning reel. Many high end reels do not have sealed bearings either. But they do have bearings that have been treated and will not rust. All of my reels are in the medium to medium-high category. All of them have rust proof bearings. Some are sealed dry...some have sealed oil filled beings...some are open oil bearings, and some are open dry bearings. Good bearings are not cheap. Here is some info if interested. You will also get varied opinions on bearings if they should be lightly lubed....oiled...or dry.

DAIWA Line Roller 2 Bearing upgrade Kit [RG] (For 17 THEORY, 16 EM MS, 15 LUVIAS, 14 CALDIA, 14 X FIRE, 14 EMERALDAS MX, 14 PRESSO)

Regards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

There's bearings...and then there is bearings. One is not going to get good bearings in a 59 dollar spinning reel. Many high end reels do not have sealed bearings either. But they do have bearings that have been treated and will not rust. All of my reels are in the medium to medium-high category. All of them have rust proof bearings. Some are sealed dry...some have sealed oil filled beings...some are open oil bearings, and some are open dry bearings. Good bearings are not cheap. Here is some info if interested. You will also get varied opinions on bearings if they should be lightly lubed....oiled...or dry.

DAIWA Line Roller 2 Bearing upgrade Kit [RG] (For 17 THEORY, 16 EM MS, 15 LUVIAS, 14 CALDIA, 14 X FIRE, 14 EMERALDAS MX, 14 PRESSO)

Regards

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Thanks for the info.
While what you say has merit... you have to remember that some people can't afford high class or medium high class reels but they still enjoy fishing or need to fish to feed their families. So what you see as a cheap $59 reel, is a substantial investment to some and the option to repair with new bearings at a much lower cost is a blessing.

good information on this thread thanks. I have a couple that need caps only.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stickum

Found the old bearings that I took out of the Pflueger Trion TRI30, so I took this photo to post so you fellas might can repair your reels also.
The original bearings (left), only have metal covers on the bearings, no rubber seal, water can get inside and cause rust as it did in mine.
The new bearings that I installed have double rubber seals so no water can get in.
Part number for the double sealed bearings for the Trion TRI30 is MR148-2RS.
Common sense would prevail in the design process, that this type of bearing should have been used in the reel at the factory.

Attachment 479429

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This is super helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to post this. I’d decided to gift my two Trions to another fisherman. I’m going to upgrade the bearings like you did here before doing so. That way he won’t run as much risk of it bogging down when he gets it wet.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

There's bearings...and then there is bearings. One is not going to get good bearings in a 59 dollar spinning reel. Many high end reels do not have sealed bearings either. But they do have bearings that have been treated and will not rust. All of my reels are in the medium to medium-high category. All of them have rust proof bearings. Some are sealed dry...some have sealed oil filled beings...some are open oil bearings, and some are open dry bearings. Good bearings are not cheap. Here is some info if interested. You will also get varied opinions on bearings if they should be lightly lubed....oiled...or dry.

DAIWA Line Roller 2 Bearing upgrade Kit [RG] (For 17 THEORY, 16 EM MS, 15 LUVIAS, 14 CALDIA, 14 X FIRE, 14 EMERALDAS MX, 14 PRESSO)

Regards

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I have wondered about bearings before. Even in a relatively inexpensive reel like the Daiwa Regal LT, I’ve been impressed with how smooth the bearings are. I’m guessing biggest difference in the higher end stuff is lifespan and durability?

Many moons ago, as a young man, I was into skateboarding as a hobby. I remember the wide variety of and heated discussions people would have over bearings. Much like fishing reels, bearings make or break the experience there. Another thing I remember from those days was that the Swiss seemed to make a lot of the better high end bearings, ceramic and the like.

I have always thought it would be fun to take a cheap reel and swap the bearings out to see how much it could be improved. Lo and behold, of course, Victor over at i_Fish has already been there done that. I really enjoyed watching him overhaul some cheap reels.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pistolcreek

I have wondered about bearings before. Even in a relatively inexpensive reel like the Daiwa Regal LT, I’ve been impressed with how smooth the bearings are. I’m guessing biggest difference in the higher end stuff is lifespan and durability?

Many moons ago, as a young man, I was into skateboarding as a hobby. I remember the wide variety of and heated discussions people would have over bearings. Much like fishing reels, bearings make or break the experience there. Another thing I remember from those days was that the Swiss seemed to make a lot of the better high end bearings, ceramic and the like.

I have always thought it would be fun to take a cheap reel and swap the bearings out to see how much it could be improved. Lo and behold, of course, Victor over at i_Fish has already been there done that. I really enjoyed watching him overhaul some cheap reels.


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I used to tune reels all the time. My eyes and fumble fingers have put a stop to that. The biggest improvement that you will be able to actually feel is to put bearings in your handle knob and take out the bushings. It really makes for a much smoother feeling. Of course spool support and drag support bearings makes the inner workings of the reel much better. I’m a huge fan of reels that have 2 line roller bearings. When one uses very thin lines in the .085 mm range that break at 1.8 pounds you need all the smoothness you can get….LOL. I’ve always said one does not need high end gear to catch fish. But if you ever use high end gear you won’t want to go back. For the past 17 months I had in my possession a Shimano Stella, Daiwa Exist, and a Shimano Vanquish. I had to send them back to the man they belonged to and man did I hate to see them go. While I do not own any of those flagship reels I would love to. But they are costly. Whether one chooses to buy them is another subject altogether but when you pick one of those up you will be blown away by the craftsmanship in those reels. Another place to get some pretty good bearings outside of Japan is on EBay. HPR Bearings sells a good product. I’ve bought from him several times.

Regards


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