How to Replace Fishing Reel Bearings (Shimano, Daiwa, Penn)

Why Replace Your Reel Bearings?

Smoother casting and retrieval

Longer spin time for baitcasters

Reduced wear and corrosion in saltwater

Extend the life of your reel

Ceramic vs Stainless Steel Bearings

• Stainless Steel Bearings → durable, affordable, corrosion-resistant
• Ceramic Bearings → ultra-smooth, longer spin, high performance, prone to breaking as they are brittle
• Hybrid Bearings → ceramic balls + stainless races, prone to breaking as they re brittle

Shop our full range: Fishing Reel Bearings

Common Bearing Sizes for Fishing Reels

Some of the most popular replacement sizes include:

• 5×9×3 mm common line roller bearing
• 4×7×2.5 mm common line roller bearing
• 7×11×3 mm
• 9×17×5 mm common main gear bearing

Each reel model uses a specific set of sizes – check your reel’s schematic or search our Bearing Kits

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Bearings

1. Disassemble Your Reel
   • Remove handle, spool, and drag knob.
   • Keep parts organised (a tray helps).a small block of wood with a nail is great to keep your drag stack in order.
   • 
2. Locate the Bearings
   • Common spots: spool, handle, side plate, line roller.
3. Remove the Old Bearings
   • Use a bearing puller or carefully push them out.
   • Clean any dirt or grease from the housing.
4. Install the New Bearings
   • Press in gently, making sure they sit flush.
   • Add a light drop of reelx oil (not heavy grease).
5. Reassemble Your Reel
   • Replace parts in reverse order.
   • Check for smooth spin before fishing.

Reel Bearing Replacement Kits

Instead of buying single bearings, consider a bearing kit matched to your reel model. At GoFish we stock kits for:

• Shimano Stradic, Stella, Curado etc
• Daiwa Tatula, BG, Saltiga etc
• Browse Bearing Kits

Why Buy Bearings from GoFish NZ?

• ✅ NO1! our bearings are quality
• ✅ Over 700 bearings part numbers in stock – in stainless steel
• ✅ NZ’s largest range – Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, Abu Garcia & more
• ✅ Fast local shipping – no overseas delays
• ✅ Trusted distributor & retailer – buy direct from NZ

Final Thoughts

Replacing reel bearings is one of the simplest DIY upgrades you can make. Whether you want durability for saltwater, GoFish has you covered with New Zealand’s largest selection of fishing reel bearings.

👉 Shop Bearings Now: Fishing Reel Bearings – GoFish NZ

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Bearings

1. Disassemble Your Reel
   • Remove handle, spool, and drag knob.
   • Keep parts organised (a tray helps).
2. Locate the Bearings
   • Common spots: spool, handle, side plate, line roller.
3. Remove the Old Bearings
   • Use a bearing puller or carefully push them out.
   • Clean any dirt or grease from the housing.
4. Install the New Bearings
   • Press in gently, making sure they sit flush.
   • Add a light drop of reel oil (not heavy grease).
5. Reassemble Your Reel
   • Replace parts in reverse order.
   • Check for smooth spin before fishing.