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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 05:43 AM
  #1  
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Default rear brake

Hello,

My bike is a '87 Softail.
My problem, I have mounted a hydraulic banjo bolt switch (goodridge) and is not working, brake light is not coming ON.
What I did:
1. I primed the rear brake system, as per manual. I didn't ride the bike, due to winter time, but the pedal is very firm and strong, and I suppose the brake is working (the system is primed) => but brake light is not coming ON.
2. With the pedal pressed, I unscrewed the hydraulic banjo bolt until brake fluid flowed out, past the bolt seals, to prime the bolt only => brake light still not working.
I have tested the banjo bolt by applying a pressure inside of it, using an allen key, and connect the cables to a multimeter => banjo bolt is working.
I'm thinking that the bolt is not properly primed...
What are your toughts?

Thank you
Marcel
 
Attached Thumbnails rear brake-goodridge-banjo-bolt.jpg   rear brake-capture.png  
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 07:06 AM
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From: Honah Lee
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Does the front brake lever activate the brake light?

 
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Jackie Paper
Does the front brake lever activate the brake light?
The front brake doesn't have any switch, it's not connected to the rear brake light.
But, the rear brake bulb is ok.
 

Last edited by marcelm; Dec 20, 2025 at 07:41 AM.
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 07:59 AM
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Problem might not be at the switch. Check voltage at brake light. Running light voltage AND brake light voltage. It could be a loose connection. I also check voltage at the switch, input and output when key is ON.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 09:05 AM
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From: poway
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You probably need to generate more pressure in the system. Press harder on the peddle.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by marcelm
The front brake doesn't have any switch, it's not connected to the rear brake light.
But, the rear brake bulb is ok.

I would trace the wiring back. When new, both the front lever and rear pedal had hydraulic brake light switches in the hydraulic lines.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Jackie Paper
I would trace the wiring back. When new, both the front lever and rear pedal had hydraulic brake light switches in the hydraulic lines.
Why not simply disconnect the switch and connect the 2 wires going to the switch together?
 
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 09:44 AM
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I have connected the two wires coming from the hydraulic banjo bolt, to the multimeter, then pressed the pedal. Nothing happened. Means the switch from the bolt doesn't close.
But when I remove the hydraulic banjo bolt, connect it, again, to the multimeter and push inside it with an thin allen key, the switch closed (as in the picture).
Maybe not enough pressure in the system, or some air bubbles inside the hydraulic switch, I notice the hole inside of it is quite deep.. air can be trapped there... just thinking
 

Last edited by marcelm; Dec 20, 2025 at 09:50 AM.
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 11:41 AM
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From: poway
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Does the rear wheel stop spinning?
Add:
How hard are you pressing on the pedal?
 

Last edited by Max Headflow; Dec 20, 2025 at 11:54 AM.
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Max Headflow
Does the rear wheel stop spinning?
Add:
How hard are you pressing on the pedal?
Yes, the rear wheel stops immediately when I press the pedal. But, I didn't ride the bike yet, to see how stops when running, due to winter time.
I press hard, and the pedal stops firmly, it is not flexible. But, the switch still does not close.
As I wrote above, if I remove the switch and press inside it with a thin allen key, it closes...
I do not understand...
 
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