U-shaped thing??
I'm thinking that's either a foreign body picked up in the 69's travels over the years or something that fell off of the switch assembly itself. Let's hope it is the former.
The speed switch assembly consists of six components. See the following parts schematics and wiring diragrams for a "visual."
• Part 29 = Fiber speed control switch insulator. This lives between the switch and the metal main casting of the cleaner
• Part 30 = The speed control switch as shown in your photo. Connect the wires, then cover with . . .
• Part 31 = Speed control switch housing (black plastic or Bakelite). Top this off with
• Part 32 = Patent plate. Attached with two
• Part 33 = Screws
The worst that can happen if you do not connect the wires correctly is either nothing (no power) or the motor will run on high when it should be on low and vice versa.
Hope this helps.
Marty