Guys,
How do you service the drag on a second generation ZB? I got it serviced last year for an unrelated problem and the drag was always smooth as silk. The last couple trips out its very sticky. I took the spool and cap off and cleaned it externally, amazing how much crap gets in there, but don't know how to get inside. I didn't see any videos on YouTube which i was really hoping for. Any help would be appreciated.

I can send you a schematic in the morning that should explain it. If you don't think you can tackle the job, I can service it for you.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

The drag washer is in the bottom of the spool. Just grab the top and bottom section and twist the top right. I would check there first to see if there is any junk in there. If there is you probably have a bad seal.

The spool cap also is serviceable and should be cleaned out as well.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

My schematics are on my other computer that is giving me trouble right now and I was unable to retrieve it. There is a schematic on the ZB website though. As mentioned earlier, the base of the spool (the skirt with all the holes around the diameter) unscrews from the rest of the spool. That's where you'll find the main drag. The thing is, unless the drag washer was burned, this area generally sees no sand or water.
What a lot of people don't realize is that there's a secondary drag on the top of the spool. This is where you'll find seals get compromised and debris gets in that area. So that and the springs in the spool cap are usually the areas of concern and need servicing.
And when you take these areas apart, be very careful to not loose the small springs and clicker detents. They're a little tricky to re-install too. It just takes patience, it's not difficult.
This is generally what I've found on all the reels I've serviced for folks.
Here's the schematic link;

https://www.shopzeebaas.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=41003-A

I appreciate the help. Im heading out to fish now, hopefully to test the drag. I cleaned it as best i could without taking it apart. If its still sticky i will take it apart CAREFULLY when i get home.

Feel free to PM me if you have trouble and need assistance. :wave:

How'd you do with the drag?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Well it didn't get much of a workout but it did work. The fish were marginal keepers and only 1 pulled a bit of drag. I wanted to hook into the 10lb+ blues and albies that were marauding but couldn't hit there hangout with the wind cranking. Fun but frustrating evening of fishing. Will play around with the drag some more today.