Avet SX Reel Help!

I just thought I'd try to get some help here before I send it in for repairs. 

The reel was working fine all day Sunday, but when I decided to reel in my line as I was heading in, it was really rough and I couldn't crank the handle.  Had to freespool it and reel in the line by hand. 

So I took it apart today and cleaned everything out, didn't seem too dirty anyhow and no noticeable salt built-up.  Put it back together, but still the same problem!  So in freespool, the handle will turn perfectly fine.  Only when the drag is set to  near full strike it will be very hard/rough to crank the handle. 

Anyone have any ideas??       

Did you clean your drag washers?

From what I've been reading at 10 pounds of drag, it starts putting lateral load on the right side plate bearing.  The handle becomes increasingly difficult to crank. 10 pounds is about the maximum drag setting that you can use.

I've been researching the Avet SX and SXJ.  The above was from Alan Tani's website.  He also says that damage to the pinion bearing can happen because of the excessive lateral load.

That's most likely it, if you have the drag set close to or beyond the spec...which I thought was 9# the handle gets loaded. Check that you have the drag less than 9#.....with just the reel and a weight.

That little reel is amazing and 9# is plenty for everything (almost) that swims around here. Worked for my 60# rooster in baja...

I haven't messed with the drag settings unless that knob came loose.  So here's the thing, I did take everything apart minus the drag.  It was so tightly stuck to the side of the spool, I didn't want to risk damaging it as visually it seemed to be clean.  Maybe that's the issue??  Anyhow, when I have the drag set to about 9lbs, its still rough as heck to crank.  Any less than that, it won't even reel up 5lbs.  Should I be taking a closer look at the drag washers?

Definitely pull the drag stack apart, clean and grease (or replace) as needed.  While its open its a good idea to hit the bearings with a shot of corrosion x. 

sounds like it...

Alantani has a great tutorial on the whole take down...might just do a full reboot

Just curious, does the drag act like up like this all of a sudden often?  The reel felt fine all throughout the day, then bam on my hail mary troll when I decided to reel in my line it was a pain to crank the handle.  BUT, I did kind of notice that my drag wasn't holding as well where I normally have it set so I suppose it was on its way to going crappo on me. 

Thanks for all the input fellas, I will be taking a closer look at the drag washers and will update here.

when you pull the sides apart the drag washer is looking right at you.    the handle turns fine in free spool corect?
does the spool spin freely ?

when you pull the sides apart the drag washer is looking right at you.    the handle turns fine in free spool corect?
does the spool spin freely ?

The handle turns fine in free spool as well as the spool.  Only when its approaching full drag it starts to get really rough and hard to crank handle. 

i am by no means a reel expert.
i run sx reels and love them, i tear them down about once a month. and thinking of a way to isolate your issue.
i run 6pounds of drag  i have played around with a lot higher poundage and not have the issues your having.
the alan tani has a sweet tutorial on his sight;
its a simple reel dont be afraid to tear into it.
as things come across my mind ill blurt them on here.

one thing that comes to mind is the plate with the notches in side the lever may not be seated correctly
or upside down , ive done that before and that causes all sorts of probs