Broken part of Shimano RX100 rear derailleur - does it matter?

[Aston]

I've managed to break a plastic part on my rear RX100 derailleur, whilst stripping the bike to clean, does it matter?

It appears to be a cover and not structural.

Any advice. Thanks

 

[fossyant]

Should be fine - I'd maybe glue it so it doesn't get worse.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Get a camera that can focus

 

[88robb]

Get a camera that can focus

Exactly my thoughts.

 

[FrankCrank]

My eyesight is not the best, but I can clearly see the cracked plastic in both photos, and without zooming.
Unable to comment on whether the damage is serious, other than I suspect not

 

[Ajax Bay]

Answering OP: I haven't got that actual RD in my 'box' but the plastic part on others of that vintage/hierarchy looks to be a 'seal' to keep cr@p out of the cage tension spring. RD will function fine but you may want to service it more frequently (with the hassle of taking that bit apart). This video gives a clear sight of your broken plastic bit's function.

View: https://youtu.be/aH9fd2fYGx4?si=niWo36hzI2eg-nsX

Get a camera that can focus

Suggest you are being harsh with no OP fault, 'Ming'. Appreciate you are looking through specs, but look again with care: the cracked plastic bit is in sharp focus - in my unaided view/sight.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Answering OP: I haven't got that actual RD in my 'box' but the plastic part on others of that vintage/hierarchy looks to be a 'seal' to keep cr@p out of the main spring. RD will function fine but you may want to service it more frequently (with the hassle of taking that bit apart). This video gives a clear sight of your broken plastic bit's function.

View: https://youtu.be/aH9fd2fYGx4?si=niWo36hzI2eg-nsX



Suggest you are being harsh with no OP fault, 'Ming'. Appreciate you are looking through specs, but look again with care: the cracked plastic bit is in sharp focus - in my unaided view/sight.
View attachment 795423

That’s not sharp focus.

 

[fritz katzenjammer]

Given that a good clean used one is $15 at the local bike co-op and a really nice one is under 50 on eBay I wouldn’t bother with it and would replace it.

if it does become a problem it’ll be when you are far from home with it so why take the chance.

 

[Bristolian]

@Aston : It looks to be a cover or maybe some kind of seal. Is it important? Who knows, but I doubt Shimano would have wasted their time designing and having it manufactured if it doesn't do something; even if that's just to keep dirt and muck out of whatever is behind it.