How To Upgrade Abu Bushings To Bearings

[RamRod]

Hi Ryan. The only difference I can see in the upgraded bearing, red 6000 vs the silver 6500c3 is the 6500c3 has a better clicker design with a clicker plate while the 6000 only has a thin copper strip that makes the clicking sound. The newest model 6500c3 has a much better drag than the 6000 Abu

Abu, what kind of drag washers does the 6500c3 have? Should I go ahead and change them out to extreme smoothies? What washers would you prefer?

[kyjake]

Bearings give better cast than bushings but I like the bushings.Years ago I went saltwater fishing for two weeks and all bearings in my newer abu's were ruined.I swaped the c models 5000 and 6000 to older bushing models and still use them but they are needing new bushings and I havent able to find them.May be that someone could tell me where to find new ones or sell me good ones that have been exchanged for bearings.
This is one of the best forums I have found on the web.

[Hannibal Mike]

I know that this may sound funny, but extreme distance casting is seldom needed and probably a function of the rod, line, weight as much as the bearings. Is that the reason for installing an additional bearing? I like my abu's as they are. I have not worn out a bushing yet and I use one 6500 rocket for snagging each year and catch a lot of 20 - 40lb fish (mostly bighead carp). Is the improvement mostly theoretical? What do you think? Hannibal Mike

[lakemoultrieblues]

I changed the bushings in my 6000s to bearings. Man these things will cast now. Thanks for the info.

[MilitaryCatfish]

I realize you posted this last year but I am having difficulties with my 6000.

I can not seem to get the sleeves to slide anymore towards the center of the spool and they are causing friction.

What in the world do i have to do to get these things to go more towards the center of the spool?

Thanks

[drpepper]

read this last night and used it on my 5000 and 5600.... thanks....

[CATMAN1979]

I have been asked this question several times so I put up a web page with how to instructions and photos. Hope this helps and post any questions you may have. Click Here To Go To The Upgrade Page.
Abu

Will those bearings you speak of work in a 7000? :embarassed:

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[Katmandeux]

^^^Here's a great source for information and bearings, including ceramics.

http://www.bocabearings.com/main1.aspx?p=docs&id=10

[drpepper]

^^^Here's a great source for information and bearings, including ceramics.

http://www.bocabearings.com/main1.aspx?p=docs&id=10

Very nice thanks for that link.:wink:

[Ken D]

Bearings give better cast than bushings but I like the bushings.Years ago I went saltwater fishing for two weeks and all bearings in my newer abu's were ruined.I swaped the c models 5000 and 6000 to older bushing models and still use them but they are needing new bushings and I havent able to find them.May be that someone could tell me where to find new ones or sell me good ones that have been exchanged for bearings.
This is one of the best forums I have found on the web.

Hio....I come to the party late, and this thread is quite long and serpentine. Your question could have been already answered..but better to know twice than not at all.

RE: bushings: Abu made 3 sizes, with 3 bore diameters, and two profiles.
The OD and the thickness are the same for all.

Your post does not indicate how old your reels are. The first Abus used an offsize bushing bore, about 3.3 millimeters. Just a hair fatter than 1/8" inch old measure.

As soon as the C models came out, Abu went to a standard 3mm bore, as metric bearings were not made in off-sizes. To make them would have cost a bunch, so they went to a standard 3 x 10 x 4 ball bearing. Bushed reels went the same, so they could keep spools and axles common.

Next came the ultra cast style reels, with the bearings in the spool. these are 4 x 10 x 4

The first generation bushings were radiused like donuts, not square shouldered like present day. The first generation ball bearings were also radiused. As were the bushings of the period. Radiused bushings and bearings are no longer available. Unless you want to go to France, and spend about 30.00 a bearing.

Your query could be read as asking about the very first bushings, no longer available. Unless you buy a few parts reels from somebody out there, or eeb, eh?

Your only other option is to get your spool axles turned down to 3mm, to take today's bushings/bearings.

The Japanese are doing this as I type, and marketting a lot of the older nostalgic reels with today's technology.

With such a wide readership on this forum, there very well could be a retired machinist out there, looking to make some side coin, modifying Abu spool axles.

Hope this helps. Best, KD
RE: bearing and bushing nomenclature: example sidzed 3 x 10 x 4 is always standard format:
bore, OD, width, in millimeters.