Stella SW10000 loose crank

Here's new case file for my reel repairs and servicing. A very well seasoned Shimano Stella SW10000 that has battled countless GTs and other big bruisers off shore. As a result, somewhat, there is now an excessive amount of freeplay on the crank handle.

It's definitely not the anti-reverse (one-way) bearing failure as you can see from the video below, while cranking, I gripped the rotor preventing it from rotating. Upon opening the crank case, the issue was obvious on the main gear.

Loose screws. These screws usually come properly thread locked but I suspect this reel has battled far too many big bruisers resulting in loose screws on the main gear. If this is left as per, it will never be able to survive another battle and more severe and permanent damages will be produced inside the crank case.

All the screws were easily undone with little to no traces of thread locker in place. Odd. Also note some of the off coloured gear tooth on the upper right, typical wear and tear.

A thorough degreasing and contact cleaned is necessary for this rebuild in order for the thread locker to properly adhere to the threads. Only a thin coat of thread locker is needed to secure the gear to the shaft.

Note the thin coat of thread locker on screws, excess can be absorbed using paper towels.

As usual, the insides of the crank case is bone dry, possibly never been serviced the day it's out of the box fishing. A complete marine grease rub down as well as bearing checks is done as a routine maintenance. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Nice rub down. Excellent inner condition with some signs of gear wear and tear but isn't a deal breaker.

Line roller has seen some serious battle with some light damages sustained possibly caused by binding washers. Thorough clean up and marine grease packed into the entire assembly to prevent water intrusion. Bearings are also in excellent condition.

Early detection of a loose crank handle is key to preventing gear failure. Luckily, this is in between off shore trips and a quick fix is done before it starts to really destroy the gears or any other internal parts.