This article describes in detail the steps to disassemble and service you Shimano Cardiff series reel (100,200,300,400 and left hand equivalents).  Keeping your reel clean and well maintained will ensure that the reel will perform properly when you need it most.  The Cardiff is designed for both fresh and salt water, however heavy use in salt water requires more frequent maintenance.  At a minimum, this service should be performed on an annual basis to ensure peak reel performance. 

Shimano parts referenced in the article can be ordered by calling Shimano directly at 1-877-577-0600.   These instructions are valid for the original Cardiff as well as the A series Cardiff. 

List of tools that may be needed for service:

1. Small Phillips screwdriver
2. Q-tips
3. Shimano oil part number BNT1445
4. Towel or rag
5. Shimano grease  part number A-dra1/4  ( ¼ ounce size will do around 10-15 reels)
6. Schematics of the reel
    [ cdf100 | cdf101 | cdf200 | cdf201 | cdf300 | cdf301 | cdf400 | cdf401 ]
7. 10mm wrench or nut driver or  the Shimano tool that came with the reel
8. Small flat head screwdriver
9. Toothbrush
10. Rubbing Alcohol

1) Remove the handle side plate assembly from the frame. This is done be removing the 3 side plate screws. (See fig 1)

2) Remove the handle nut, handle nut lock plate and Phillips head screw (See fig 2)

3) Remove the drag star assembly

4) Remove the drag pressure washers (4) Pay attention to the arrangement of the washers (See fig 3)

5) Remove the 2 Phillips head screws from the side plate assembly (See fig 4)

6) Remove the side plate assembly from the set plate (black plastic assembly housing the gears and clutch) See fig 5

7) Remove the 2 yoke springs

8) Remove the pinion gear and yoke assembly (See fig 6)

9) Remove the main gear assembly

10) Remove the anti reverse ratchet and assist stopper pawl. Inspect assist stopper pawl for damage. If damaged the anti reverse bearing has failed and will need replacement. (See fig 7)

11) Clean the set plate assembly of all excess grease and dirt. (See fig 8)

12) Remove all the drag washers paying attention to the order they are stacked. (See fig 9)

13) Using an old toothbrush clean all grease from the teeth of the main gear.

14) Apply Shimano grease to approximately one half of the teeth on the main gear.

15) Carefully wipe all excess grease from the drag washers. Apply a light coating of grease between your thumb and index finger. Lightly (emphasis on lightly) apply grease to both sides of the drag washers.

16) Using the toothbrush clean the teeth of the pinion gear.

17) Remove some cotton from one end of a Q-tip and dip in alcohol. Run it through the middle of the pinion gear to remove all oil/grease and dirt. (See fig 10)

18) Clean all excess grease from the yoke assembly

19) Using Q-tips and alcohol clean the spool shaft and spool lips. (See figures 11 & 12)

20) Using Q-tips and alcohol, clean the spool raceways on the frame (See figures 13 & 14)

21) Apply a small drop of oil to the spool shaft bearing.

22) Clean all excess grease from the worm gear (level wind gear) See fig 15

23) Clean line guide eyelet with a Q-tip and alcohol. (See fig 16)

24) Apply oil to the worm gear. One drop at each end and one or two drops in the middle.

25) Clean all excess grease from idle gear and bearing. Apply one drop of oil to the bearing. (See fig 17)

26) Reassemble the reel and check performance. Tip When installing the handle side plate back onto the frame make sure the thumb bar is in the up position. If not the clutch (thumb bar) will not work correctly.