Fireguy , you probably are getting no where with Abu Garcia servicing the Mag Elite reel cause its shipped in from Australia. Local people don't have the parts. You can probably get it serviced at
www.hatterasoutfitters.com in North carolina. Tres Irby there sells the reels and I believe he has a service package where he'll go over the whole reel for a price. I think he has all the parts in stock.
Go to his site and get a phone number or post on his message board.