Welcome to the FLORIDA SURFCASTERS forums.

hmmm, lots of great feedback.... THANKS guys!

Lately I do both my reels at the same time, but I do keep track of which parts go with which reel.  (kind of one at a time, but side by side)  However, I never gave thought to trying to keep track of which bearing came out of which side.   And, I do always lube all 4 bearings.

I 'spose I'll try lubin' them one more time, and look for anything that may be contributing to it, and make xtra sure all is seated well.  (I don't hear the "scream" on test spins... only when actually casting with at least a little bit of ooomph.)  And, I'll make xtra sure they dry out after the lighter fluid... I've been leaving them on a dry paper towel about an hour, and moving them around every 10 mins or so.  I figured they were dry, but who knows?  I suppose if not real dry, maybe he fluid is inhibiting the lube from adhering to the surface of the metal bearings. ???  And, I'll put a very light coating on the spindle as Jeff mentioned.

Let you know how it goes...