Handbrake Help

[CG901]

As I am reassembling my S3, having totally removed the handbrake components over a year ago, find I may be missing something. The arrow in the photo may have retained a ball bearing which made a successful escape during the removal. Not sure its function other than to hold it secure.
I have the workshop manual and looked for similar posts but most don't visit this part of the handbrake.
Anybody knowledgeable here than can offer some advice?
Thank you.

[oldelanman]

The hole locates the spring clip which prevents the ratchet pulling right out of the tube. It's a piece of spring steel about 20-30 mm long with a "button" that locates in the hole - maybe it's lurking in your box of bits ?

Edit: Just found this image - not an Elan but much the same - it shows the clip.

[CG901]

Thank you Roger - not sure that was in place when it all came out. I don't have one in all my meticulously saved small parts. I assumed it had 'sprung or rolled away'.
In the likely event it is not recovered, are these still available, or is a new handle assembly required?
Reading the old post, the purpose of this button is to prevent the handle from pulling out of the outer sleeve.
It won't pull out with the cable properly attached to the rear brakes, and it needs to come out to replace the cable, so what is the risk of running without? Thanks

[oldelanman]

It's not essential, the ratchet will work perfectly well without it and I doubt you will find spares or a replacement anyway. I wouldn't worry about it.