Something rattles in my carbon rim

[vanniri]

I solved this successfully, the solution might come in handy for a fellow cyclist.

My S/Cruz Reserve rim (carbon) had something rolling inside the rim, clearly audible when rotating the wheel, not so much during riding. Rim holds air, runs true and no issues other than the rattle. Slightly less than two yrs old. Trail riding only.

I removed the wheel, tyre and valve stem. A small little something could be spotted rolling past the valve hole. Unable to identify the little something and no way of removing it by shaking or using a small set of pliers. Considered inserting some expansion foam, but really last option. 

Decided to call for backup from the vacuum cleaner. Sucked the little sucker from the rim tape side, plugging the top hole with my finger and using an appropriate nozzle adapter for the job. Worked like a bomb.

 

In the interest of full disclosure - found the option via Google.????

 

Some fine print: I am ashamed to say the solution came from a roadie. ????

 

[Delta Bikes]

Do you know what it was? 
I had the same issue and seemed I cracked one of the outer parts that the hold the nipples, not sure what its called.

[Jbr]

when the spoke adjusters get old and rusted they can break. I had in the past a little piece that broke and fell into the rim. Bit it wasn’t rattling that bad it must have gotten stuck eventually… or the shop that rebuilt the wheel just got it out ????

[guidodg]

often they are small balls of oxidized spoke nipple residue ...happens with tubeless sealant leaking past the rim tape or infiltrations from the outside [rain etc]

Usually harmless and you definitely cannot hear them while riding 

[vanniri]

6 hours ago, AkwA said:

Do you know what it was? 
I had the same issue and seemed I cracked one of the outer parts that the hold the nipples, not sure what its called.

No idea. Small and probably light since it got sucked very quickly. 

Edited October 23, 2021 by vanniri

[Delta Bikes]

12 hours ago, vanniri said:

No idea. Small and probably light since it got sucked very quickly. 

Ah ok, just check your spokes though