help me understand that question. if a normal SS spool or handle bearing is bit corroded you can clean it, lube it and it can be used it like that as long as it still smooth when rolling.oo of course the best way is to replace the SS bearing. but why the anti-reverse bearing is totally trashed when has a bit of corrosion?
An AR bearing is very different though, it could be argued that your analogy holds in that the bearing will turn if a little corroded, it simply will lose it's perfect anti-reverse function. The mechanism is complex in detail but simple in basic function in that the rollers when spun one way function like a needle bearing, when you try to turn it the other way the rollers are forced by the cage to make a smaller diameter. They cannot make a smaller diameter so they bite the pinion or handle shaft etc. The surface that does this has to be immaculate (ie no pits of any kind) for max surface contact to grip properly. Also the needles have to move perfectly freely back and forth for all of them to engage properly all at the same time. Both are ruined by corrosion. And if one needle doesn't work perfectly, none of them will do the job. They are finicky, but generate great force when they bite. ps. Arguably your standard bearing is toast when it gets corroded too. You may think it's ok when it's a little rough but it is slowly destroying the shaft and anything the shaft acts on (like gears) when it is not perfectly functioning.
