Lews 2nd Gen SD1HF SD1SHF SD1XHF

Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance Guide: Team Lew’s SuperDuty (Gen 2)

Models: SD1HF, SD1SHF, SD1XHF

The Second Generation SuperDuty is the cornerstone of Lew’s "workhorse" lineup. This reel is built on a compact LFS (Lighter, Faster, Stronger) aluminum frame but is internally reinforced with a Solid Brass drive train. It is specifically designed to handle the shock loads of braided line and heavy-duty "frogging" or flipping.

Series Specifications

• SD1HF: 6.8:1 Gear Ratio

• SD1SHF: 7.5:1 Gear Ratio

• SD1XHF: 8.3:1 Gear Ratio

Step 1: External Disassembly

1. Handle and Star Drag: Unscrew the handle nut retainer and the 10mm handle nut. Remove the 95mm handle arm. Lift away the star drag and the two curved spring washers. Note: Arrange these washers "belly-to-belly" ( ) during reassembly to maintain tension.

2. Palm Sideplate: Flip the locking lever on the bottom-front of the reel and rotate the palm sideplate to remove it.

3. Spool: Slide out the high-capacity, braid-ready aluminum spool. Inspect the spool shaft for any bends or debris near the pinned bearing.

4. Gear Sideplate: Remove the three screws from the gear side housing. Gently pull the plate away. If it sticks, ensure the thumb bar (clutch) is in the "up" position.

Step 2: Internal Cleaning and Gear Service

The Gen 2 SuperDuty utilizes a heavy-duty brass main gear and pinion. Brass is durable but attracts more "sludge" as grease breaks down over time.

1. Degreasing: Remove the main gear and the drag stack. Soak the brass components in a parts cleaner or Isopropyl alcohol. Use a stiff brush to scrub the teeth until the metal is bright.

2. The Drag System: This reel features a Rugged Carbon Fiber drag system.

   • Inspect the washers for scoring or flattened fibers.

   • To maintain the 20 lb drag rating, ensure the washers are free of oil.

   • Pro Tip: While these can be run dry, a "whisper-thin" coat of dedicated drag grease will prevent "chatter" when a fish makes a sudden run.

3. Anti-Reverse Clutch: The large roller bearing in the sideplate (one-way clutch) should be cleaned with a cotton swab and alcohol. If the reel is slipping in cold weather, this bearing is likely over-greased. It should remain nearly dry or have a single drop of very thin oil.

Step 3: Braking System Maintenance

The Gen 2 series features the MCS (Magnetic Control System).

• Cleaning: Use a dry cloth to wipe the magnets inside the palm sideplate. Ensure no metallic particles are stuck to them, as this creates friction against the spool.

• The Spool Flange: The flat, non-handle side of the spool is the braking surface. It must be perfectly clean and smooth. Any scratches here will cause a "whirring" noise during the cast.

Step 4: Lubrication Protocol

• Gears: Apply a medium-weight synthetic grease to the main and pinion gears. Because the SuperDuty is used for high-torque applications, ensure every tooth is coated, but not dripping.

• Spool Bearings: These are high-speed stainless steel bearings. Flush with solvent and apply one to two drops of medium-viscosity oil.

• Worm Shaft: Apply a light grease or heavy oil to the level wind. Check the Line Guide Pawl (the small tooth inside the level wind nut). If the tip is rounded, the line will stack unevenly; replace it immediately.

Step 5: Reassembly and Fine-Tuning

1. Yoke and Pinion: Place the pinion gear into the plastic yoke and seat it on the guide posts. Ensure the two yoke springs are standing straight.

2. Sideplate: Align the gear sideplate and tighten the screws. Ensure the Lube Port screw (located on the bottom of the plate) is snug.

3. Centering the Spool: Reinsert the spool and sideplate. Turn the tension knob (the small knob next to the handle) until the spool stops moving side-to-side, then back it off a fraction of a millimeter.

Guide de Maintenance (Français)

Entretien des engrenages: Le SuperDuty utilise des engrenages en laiton massif. Nettoyez-les avec de l'alcool et appliquez une graisse synthétique fraîche.

Système de freinage: Nettoyez les aimants du système MCS avec un chiffon sec. Ne mettez pas de graisse sur la bride de la bobine.

Roullements: Utilisez une seule goutte d'huile pour les roulements de la bobine afin de maintenir une distance de lancer maximale.

Troubleshooting Checklist