If it grinds it could be a few things:

1) Bad yoke or yoke springs not allowing the pinion gear to completely disengage on a cast. When you remove the spool look at the spool shaft and spool surface for signs of metal shavings. That will tell you if the gear is not disengaging correctly.

2) Clutch/ Thumb bar not aligned correctly or worn thumb bar not allowing clutch to properly disengage (rare)

3) On the spool assembly where the brake weights are the brass pin could be pulling out of the plastic housing. Check on the black plastic piece that holds the 6 pins is not craked or crooked. If so call Shimano and they'll hook you up.

4) Bad spool bearing maybe. But usually it will have a dry sound to it. If it is a "grinding" noise then it's not likely you have a bad bearing.

5) They can make a screaming noise on a cast that would be best described and a squeal. Apply a drop of the Shimano oil to the bushing on the spool shaft. Not on the spool but just a SMALL drop on where the bushing meets the shaft and rotate the busing with your fingers to work it in.

6) Dry brake weights or worn brake weights. Use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol to clean the raceway (brass ring where the spool rides). Then apply some Shimano oil to another Q-tip and wipe a light film on the raceway. If the brake weights look worn or dirty then call Shimano for some new ones (Green).


All of this can be done while the spool is out of the frame. If you check all of that and it looks good and no easy solution then send it into Shimano. I think they started to catch up a little now with a 2-3 week wait time. I hope this helps and if you have a question just ask and I'll do my best!