Anyone know why the shop manual suggests to put a piece of cardboard in between the housing and brake lever when removing it?

 

I think it is so you don't break the brake light swtich

 

To prevent damage to the switch and not lose the little piece that goes in there. I have done it without cardboard and as long as you don't lose the little piece of metal in there it's not a huge deal.

 

I did it with cardboard and the crap fell out. So, I did it without it both times. Just be careful.