CQ51 thumb bar problem

[Tim Kelly]

My CQ51 thumb bar has become a little stiff, I took the side plate off and had a little look and flushed the area with meths and oiled it, quite a lot of black/grey stuff was flushed out. Took it fishing and it was only marginally better. I didn't fancy taking the thumb bar assembly apart as there are lots of little C clips (my nemesis!) to lose. Any tips what I might find and what to do once I do have it apart?

[LgMouthGambler]

It just needs to be properly serviced I'm sure. First thing I did with mine (or any used reel I buy) is take it apart and properly clean it and lube it. They are a butter of a reel, and doo much fun to fish with light applications.

[Tim Kelly]

I ended up being brave and stripping it down. Cleaned, lubed and re-assembled. Much better now, no clips lost and only one minor assembly error that was easily corrected. The chrome plating on the thumb bar where it makes contact with the gearbox has been worn away, so I expect it will get sticky again and I'll need to replace it, but for the moment it's perfectly useable again.

[LgMouthGambler]

I ended up being brave and stripping it down. Cleaned, lubed and re-assembled. Much better now, no clips lost and only one minor assembly error that was easily corrected. The chrome plating on the thumb bar where it makes contact with the gearbox has been worn away, so I expect it will get sticky again and I'll need to replace it, but for the moment it's perfectly useable again.

Usually put a thin film of grease on the sides of the thumb bar to help with that.

[Tim Kelly]

Done and done