Rattling part in headset, what's it for?

[richie55]

Hi,

I bought a Bianchi intenso 2014 and loving the bike. But over rougher road there is a chattering noise coming from the headset. Everything is tight with no play. I have located the source of the noise which is a spacer type thing inside the headset under the top cap that is rattling around as its not fixed to anything.

If I take it out the noise is gone.

My question is what is this part for? It has to have a reason for someone to make it and but it there... Why? Is it OK if I take it out?

Thanks for the help.

The component in situ, in the headset under the top cap.
https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/94x94q90/c/r/537/VGznfq.jpg

Better views of the component.
https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/94x94q90/c/r/913/PJF4D2.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/94x94q90/c/r/538/F4Ftke.jpg

 

[raleighnut]

Looks a bit like a spacer for the 'Star Fangled Nut' which holds the top plate on (its what the bolt screws into) possibly used to set it, I'd remove it for now but don't discard it you may need it to adjust the races or if you change the stem to set the bearings correctly

 

[Old man on a bike]

I am having the same problem. I thought it might be the cables in the frame. My trusted mechanic has checked the cables and said the chattering noise stopped when the cables were removed. He also says the cables are sheathed but the noise is still there. As for the spacer for the SFN theory, I can't see why you would need one?

 

[raleighnut]

I am having the same problem. I thought it might be the cables in the frame. My trusted mechanic has checked the cables and said the chattering noise stopped when the cables were removed. He also says the cables are sheathed but the noise is still there. As for the spacer for the SFN theory, I can't see why you would need one?

I meant an installation spacer that somehow got left in but I may well be wrong.

 

[Old man on a bike]

that make more sense. I'm getting the mechanic to have a look and i will report back.

 

[badgeronabike]

Had the same problem. 2014 Bianchi Intenso on test ride was rattling/buzzing on rough road surface. Mechanic took out the offending item and replaced with grease - no more noise. Appreciate this is an old thread but thought it worth pointing out that the problem isn't confined to you, richie55. Might help others, as the thread did me - thanks.