How often are you replaceing them? Its not like fish are smokin my washers and I know what reels seen more action then others....even then I examine the washers and they look ok.

Other then castability, is rust or corrosion from salt the only time bearings need changing?

I'm a tight a$$:hee:

Take the bearings out and soak them in a cleaner ( i use brake cleaner) then put them back on the shaft and spin them. Use your finger to get some speed up. When you lift your finger off, the bearing should spin on its own for about four or so seconds. If it doesn't then repeat the soak/spin thing. If it still doesn't spin freely then I'd think about getting a new set. As for washers if they look good then I'd say they are good.

aaaw yeah, roger that GF. Thanks Dude!