Shimano Cardiff 201

Servicing a Shimano Cardiff 201

Technical Specifications

The Shimano Cardiff A Series casting reels have all the great features of a round reel without sacrificing the benefits of a low profile design. The recessed reel foot allows the reel to sit close to the rod, allowing you to palm like a low profile reel. The only difference is that the spool still has the high line capacity you would expect from a round reel. You get the best of both worlds. The Shimano Cardiff pairs perfectly with a big bait rod. You'll have enough capacity for lots of heavy line, the power to crank big swimbaits and fight big fish. Not to mention the larger spool diameter that is necessary for casting big baits a long way. The Super Stopper instant anti-reverse, the VBS anti-backlash system, the solid one-piece aluminum frame and deep anodized sideplates make the Shimano Cardiff reel a winner!

The Shimano Cardiff A Series casting reels have all the great features of a round reel without sacrificing the benefits of a low profile design. The Super Stopper instant anti-reverse, the VBS anti-backlash system, and deep anodized sideplates make the Shimano Cardiff reel a winner!

- A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings)

- One-Piece Diecast Aluminum Frame

- Handle Side Variable Brake System (VBS)

- Super Stopper with Assist Stopper

- Non-Disengaging Levelwind System ( 400 & 401 only)

- Recessed Reel Foot (Except on Models 400A & 401A)

- Three Post Quick Take Down (except on 2-post models)

- Rubber Handle Grip

- Aluminum Sideplates and Spool

- Clicker (400A and 401A only)

- Metal Series

- Approved for use in Saltwater

Here is the Shimano Cardiff 201 round baitcast reel.

I had to opportunity to use this reel twice, one in Laiya and the other at Pantabangan.  

I wanted to clean this reel without taking pictures and rely on memory on re-assembling this reel.  Some mistakes where made along the way but were corrected while testing each part.

After opening this is what i found.  Dirty grease.  Two bearings are corroded, the spool bearing and the cast control bearing.

Here are the parts ready for cleaning and assembly.  All parts are cleaned in lighter fluid and bearings are lube with Corrosion X, other parts were greased.

Here is the levelwind re-assembled.  The e-clip is a pain to remove and re-attach.  Since i didn't have any pictures as basis, i had the metal guide attached the wrong way and because of this, i had a hard time attaching the e-clip.  Well, lesson learned.

Right side plate.

 Clutch plate place on the set which was lightly greased.

 The clutch cam has a groove underneath where the clutch plate should rest.

The clutch cam retainer screwed.  

You'll notice that the yoke springs are not sitting properly because i had the yoke inverted which i later corrected.  The anti-reverse pawl and ratchet were installed underneath the drive gear.  The drag washers are already upgraded to carbontex drag washer.

Cast control bearing showing some signs of corrosion.  Cleaned with a carb cleaner.  The anti reverse bearing with the bearing retainer shown.

Here is the corrected yoke position.  After this, the springs are set upright.

Handle side plate assembled.

All the three main parts.  Again the spool bearing is showing signs of rust.  Sprayed with Corrosion X since i can not remove them yet without the spool pin bearing remover.

Here is the completed reel.

Completed Shimano Cardiff 201 Reel

Thanks for looking.