24 Tatula Full Bearing Tune Part 4: Spool Bearing Diameter Reduction

Now for the assembly. Regarding the spool bearing on the cap side, it is a 1030 bearing, which becomes a dual-bearing setup consisting of 1060 + 630 bearings. While the original bearing had a 4mm width, the outer diameter becomes 3mm and the inner bearing becomes 2.5mm. Even with the retaining pin inserted, both the outer and inner bearings are quite loose laterally and might even move. However, what matters is keeping the spool shaft concentric, so this should be fine.

As for the mechanical brake on the opposite side, this can also be replaced from the outside without removing the handle or other parts.

Since an outer bearing of the exact ideal size didn't exist standard-wise, I found a well-fitting bushing and tried combining them. For this side, there is quite a bit of clearance between the bearing and the spacer, making it rather loose. Dimensional-wise, the inner diameter probably has some tolerance rather than being a strict 6mm to make it easier to insert something.

That's all for the photos, but there are two problems. This spacer didn't fit into the reel properly. I haven't put it in because I'm afraid that if I force it in, it will get stuck and won't come out. Looking closely, there are burrs on the surface—they probably machine it fixed right there, and that spot is likely slightly raised. The question is whether to file that down and install it or not; I haven't done it yet.

Also, while I was trying it out and thinking 'it won't fit,' the inner bearing was so loose that it fell out and dropped inside the reel. After going through all the trouble of assembling it, I had to take the side plate off again and retrieve the lost bearing.

I lost my motivation a bit at this point, so I called it a day. I put the mechanical brake side bearing back to stock. I will consider whether I can remove the burrs and install it next time.