Does this part have a purpose?

[Jim Williams]

Hi. I just started out cycling and bought myself a new Specialized Allez from my local bike shop. Cycled it home and noticed a constant rattling noise in my left brake/shifter. Took it back to them and the guy in the workshop said the noise was just the orange pointer on the top and there was nothing they could do to stop it. Went on another ride and I had had enough. I got home and thought I would look myself as it didn't sound like the plastic pointer. It sounded like metal was rattling in the top. I managed to get the cover off and found the part as pictured. It was loose on the top of the threaded bolt that's in the system. It's got no thread on it itself. I took the part to the bike shop and asked if the knew what it did and did it have a purpose. They got a exploded diagram up and couldn't find the part and didn't know if it did have a purpose but stated that people had been complaining about the same rattle on the bikes. The bike is bliss to ride now as no rattle. The brake and gears all still work too. Does anyone know on here what this part is and it's purpose? If it does have a purpose then I will have to put it back on. I have Shimano Claris 2400 system. Thank you

 

[PaulSecteur]

Hi Jim, Welcome to the forum.

I cant say I have seen one before. Could you do a few more photos possibly with a coin next to it for scale, and one of where it was inside the lever so the experts on here can have a better chance of helping you out?

 

[Andrew_P]

Hi. I just started out cycling and bought myself a new Specialized Allez from my local bike shop. Cycled it home and noticed a constant rattling noise in my left brake/shifter. Took it back to them and the guy in the workshop said the noise was just the orange pointer on the top and there was nothing they could do to stop it. Went on another ride and I had had enough. I got home and thought I would look myself as it didn't sound like the plastic pointer. It sounded like metal was rattling in the top. I managed to get the cover off and found the part as pictured. It was loose on the top of the threaded bolt that's in the system. It's got no thread on it itself. I took the part to the bike shop and asked if the knew what it did and did it have a purpose. They got a exploded diagram up and couldn't find the part and didn't know if it did have a purpose but stated that people had been complaining about the same rattle on the bikes. The bike is bliss to ride now as no rattle. The brake and gears all still work too. Does anyone know on here what this part is and it's purpose? If it does have a purpose then I will have to put it back on. I have Shimano Claris 2400 system. Thank you

At a guess it looks like an entry/exit cable housing

 

[Leaway2]

It sits in the front of the shifter brake lever. There is a recess in the plastic it sits in there.

Edit. I have just taken my shifter apart. Here are the pics of it in place.

Well that's my theory

 

[Pale Rider]

Secure it with a tiny bit of blu-tack around the flange.

 

[ngm82]

Did you ever find out?
'Cos I've just done exactly the same thing. Didn't look like it was doing anything, and it's good to get rid of the rattle!

 

[Cuchilo]

Secure it with a tiny bit of blu-tack around the flange.

 

[Leaway2]

I think it is there so the metal screw has something solid to rest against, otherwise it may "wear" out the plastic.

I have edited my picture above.