Pinion BB on 308
The ball bearings on Mitchell 308 and 408.

Pinion BB BB on 308 was not the standard bearings but was made by Mitchell. There were 3 types. Although BB of 408 was same construction, the size of its ball races were different from 308.

Double thrust bearings on 70's models.

A : Rotor nut (chromed steel)
B : Key washer (thinner, steel)
C : Key washer (thicker, steel)
D : Adjust nut (steel)
E : Ball race (stainless steel)
F : Balls (steel)
G : Body (stainless steel)
H : Pinon (steel)

The rotor is assembled between B and C. D adjusts the clearance of BB.

Although the construction is similar to the hub of bicycles, D is not a screw.

Although its friction is very little, some of them are noisy.


Double thrust bearings on 80's models.

A : Rotor nut (chromed steel, some were brass)
B : Lock nut (brass)
C : Washers (brass)
D : Ball race (stainless steel)
E : Balls (steel)
F : Body (stainless steel)
G : Pinon (steel or brass)

The rotor is assembled between A and B.

B was locked to rotor and pinion. Owner cannot take apart.

This type was combined with beveled gears and face gears.


Single thrust bearing on 80's and 90's models

A : Rotor nut (brass)
B : Lock nut (brass)
C : Washers (brass)
D : Body (stainless steel)
E : Balls (steel)
F : Ball race (brass)
G : Pinon (brass)

The last type is this. D supports the shaft of pinion by its internal hole. D is "bushing".

The rotor is assembled between A and B. Some models have washer between the rotor and B.

This type is not pure "Ball bearing". But it is silent.

Body The body should be assembled like this picture.

The double thrust bearings of my reels are noisy. But only the 408 of 60's model is silent. Old model was good ? Or it has become silent ?

Although these are interesting, if I produce 308 now, I would use the standard bearings.

The enthusiasts of cyclists enjoy the greasing of the hubs on their bicycles. These bearings are similar to them. (2006/8/8)

MITCHELL spinning reels

Causion : You had better avoid taking apart the bearings. If the bearings were loosen by another owner, adjust carefully with the page of "The critical point of used MITCHELL".

Causion : Only 1st type can be taken apart. Don't take apart 2nd and 3rd type.