I have just bought a new Shimano Aerocast 300XH Rod. Battling to assemble the three parts. Very very tight and stiff, and i do not want to force it! Any advise on what to do?

This belongs in Fishing Reels, but why not either Google "Shimano Reel parts" or just buy a new one?

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/donald_f2ed37026a3ac881

If you can't find with a search for st-ef40 diagram or on the Shimano site then it does not exist. Although not identical carefully disassembling the other shifter may give you enough insight.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/donald_f2ed37026a3ac881

Shimano Tourney parts are one of their lower end component groups and as such are not really designed to be serviceable. Shimano uses a system of "controlled obsolescence" so that their components cannot be repaired. they are inexpensive enough to just replace them, and with all of the plastic that they use these days it's not worth the effort when a new derailleur can be had for $30.

If you have the part already first you need to push out a small hinge rod from the side of the latch. Be careful may take a little force to get it out part way then grasp with a pliers to pull it the rest of the way out. To reinstall the new latch push the rod back in through the latch the same way you took the old one out.

Could be just an over-tight cable.. or the limit screws at the gear end over-tightened so that the selector does not transverse the full width of the gear cluster cassette...

It is hard to tell via the Internet. I suggest that you take it to a bike shop. They will get it shifting smooth, and, if not tell you what is wrong.

The ball joint of a new end will be tight, but it will rotate if you push it hard enough. After screwing it onto the tie rod, you will have to force it into the hole on the steering knuckle of the hub. It will rotate as needed when you tighten the castle nut onto the end. If you are/were careful not to move the locking nut on the tie rod, you may be able to avoid getting an alignment, but it's always best to get an alignment after doing suspension work. If the ball joint has a grease fitting, make sure you grease it up with a grease gun. Sometimes the grease fitting is not installed, so you have to screw it in yourself. Please let me know if you have more questions.

Real simple, assuming you know how to take the outer tie rods off. You have to take the clip that holds the plastic boot on off, then slide back the plastic boot, and you'll be able to unscrew the whole inner tie rod assembly. The hardest part of the whole process is installing the new ones to the exact settings of the old ones

The drag is set by turning the knob which secures the spool to the reel.

To cast, hold the line against the rod with index finger on right hand. Then flip the bail open which frees the line to come off the spool. The bail, when it gets to a certain point will lock open. When casting, release your finger on the line when the rod gets to 11 o'clock.

Flip the bail back by turning the reel handle -- the bail will pop back over the reel -- then you're ready to reel it in.

The bail is the wire-like device on the top of the reel.

There is probably a button/switch for turning anti-reverse on & off -- when on, this keeps the reel from turning backwards when force is applied to the line.

I think those are the highlights.

Charlie

What has worked for me on this vacuum is once the handle is off and the on-off switch is visible, work it back and forth manually.  Mine was very stiff and it did not get any better.   I went to radio shack and bought a spray can of Control/Contact Cleaner and Lubricant. It comes with a small piece of tubing.  I put the tube into the top edge of the switch and pushed the button FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND and then did the bottom edge of the switch.   I worked the switch manually a couple of times.   I repeated the spraying one more time and the rocking.   I put it all back together and has been working fine for me.   This stuff is made for electrical contacts...  HOWEVER, use it very very sparingly!!!  ALSO, a new can has a bit of pressure so watch out that you don't blow some back at you.   JOE