upon removal of the oe front sprocket, i noticed that it is encased in this rubber insert that will not come off (unless torn off).
the new sprocket has no insert.
is this a common issue others have run into?
does the new sprocket not need it?
thanks in advance

 

does not need, throw away

 

+1

I agree, it's not needed. I replaced my chain and sprockets a while back and ran across the same issue. The new sprocket with out the rubber part works just fine.

 

To be more specific, only the OEM sprockets have the rubber damper. Not to be used with aftermarket pieces.