| Author | Message | ||
     Dhays1775 |
i've been having a problem lately with the rear brake. the only way the brake light will come on when i use the rear brake is if i practically stand on the pedal. light braking of the rear will not turn on the light. could it be the switch or something else? i was looking at the American Sport Bike website and it shows they have them. i love working with Al and Joanne, great people. what are some ways i can check and or test it? | ||
| Canucklovingbrit |
I have the exact same problem. It will work with a relatively normal amount of pressure one time, then subsequent times, it requires a heavy stomp on the brake pedal. Got me stumped. I tried adjusting the brake itself, which made no difference. Since the brake light does work, albeit with a heavy foot, I'm assuming the switch is functioning still. Are these things actually adjustable? The switch seems to be an internal part of the brake mechanism, and out of reach. Any help much appreciated! | ||
| Terrys1980 |
Mine is doing the same thing but I never got around to troubleshooting it. The rear brake switch is a pressure switch so an air bubble or low brake fluid could be the cause.  | ||
| Dhays1775 |
brake fluid is fine and i know there aren't any bubbles in the lines. i went ahead and ordered this from American Sport Bike: http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/17515.html along with some new crush washers. as soon as he gives me a call, i'll go pick them up and put them on the bike. i'll keep you updated on the outcome of the switch switch. hahaha, couldn't help it.  | ||
| Tiltcylinder |
The switch is a 'mechanical' part, over time, wear and tear or corrosion will require more 'push' to have a good electrical connection. The contacts can also become 'burnt' from repeatedly not making full contact, IE light taps to the pedal and lightly applying the brake (sounds like the way most of us use the rear brakes). Pressure switches will also leak internally, requiring increasing pressure to make them operate. The fluid that leaked into them is actually preventing them moving and making the contact. Though they usually begin to leak past the crimped end soon after. Chop it open... let us know what went wrong | ||
| Tailspining |
Or they will just crack like mine did this weekend in the mountains.  | ||
| Dhays1775 |
well, i got my new switch and crush washers from American Sport Bike today. they are awesome!!! i also got a can of graphite colored paint to touch up some spots here and there. i might be able to do the switch tomorrow if time permits. i'll keep everyone posted pith pictures and such once i'm done. | ||
| Tailspining |
I should get mine this Friday. Hard to believe brake fluid was squirting out of that crack. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. | ||
| Dhays1775 |
i finally got to install the new switch. instant lights now! totally worth it! also, i bled the brakes MOSTLY. i wanted to see how it would feel with a little air in the line. honestly, i like the feel of the rear brake more with air in the line. i'll bleed the brake completely this weekend. i'll post a couple pictures shortly. | ||
| Dhays1775 |
  | ||
| Canucklovingbrit |
OK, my switch must have known that I was talking about it, because it has started to work perfectly again! First time in months. The only thing I did was slightly adjust the brake pedal, but that didn't seem to make any difference to the operation of the switch, at least not at first. Anyway, I'll keep an eye on it, but for now it seems OK. |
