Reel question

[MississippiBoy]

I have an Abu Black Maxx reel that I used for the first time Sunday, and had some issues with it. On an average of about 3 out of 4 casts, the retrieve wasn't smooth; it would "catch" a little. It's not grinding or squealing, and it casts fine. It felt almost like there was a hump that it would have to get over as I turned the handle. Resistance would increase, then after the "hump," it would be back to normal. And it was very quick, I could move the handle maybe an inch or two between "humps." It felt similar to having a huge Colorado blade spinnerbait tied on, feeling the thumps of the blade, but worse. I swung at phantom strikes a lot that day...

I meant to ask earlier, since I'm going to give it a look tonight. What am I looking for as far as problems? Any help is appreciated.
I might ask how to take the stupid thing apart later, too. We'll see how it goes...