i want to try and fix this during lunch break if anyone knows if this rubber spacer is the problem or not

 

It's not a problem, but if you have the bolts too tight, it will compress and push down on the reverse-lockout mechanism.

 

I have one of the first AxialFlow shifters and don't have any rubber; I love it that way, but if you take the rubber out entirely your shifter migh buzz sometimes. Some get the buzz and some don't. Anyway, either way, do what SC Highlander suggested and loosen the bolts or remove the rubber entirely, and that should solve the problem.

 

ok, i loosened the allen bolts and now it works fine, but i dont know if all the bolts are set at an even torque against the shifter. they all looks to be at the same level/height. should i worry about this? if so, i dont know what to set the torque wrench to cuz i set it to 7.2 in/pds last time and it was too tight. anyone know?

 

anyone?