ondavr,
Don't know what reel you have, but there is no plastic rods that kick the reel back in gear. The kick lever is engaged by the gear at the bottom of the reel shaft. The gear is made out of steel and that is why it wore on the lick lever made of pot aluminum. The gear is item #38 on this schematic:

http://www.abugarcia.com/sites/default/files/RVO3%20STX-L%2034-12899-2%2022%2000%201265420.pdf