Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

changing rear brake switch

Old Feb 5, 2013 | 11:37 AM
  #11  
Artlee's Avatar
Artlee
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Default

I got a new switch, for my 2000 FXR, at Advanced Auto Parts for $9.
I pushed down gently on the brake peddle while swapping switches to get a little bit of brake fluid out instead of air in. Checked the master cylinder and the level was still fine.
Topped it off anyway.
 
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2013 | 06:54 PM
  #12  
Da-mack's Avatar
Da-mack
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From: North Central Indiana
Default

Originally Posted by Skeezmachine
New switch purchased at dealership $15 and installed by me in 15 minutes.

I bet that for that $39, the dealership did NOT bleed the brakes...
The only reason I took it to the dealer was I thought the recalled switch would have a warranty...silly me! WTF was I thinking. The kid at the service desk corrected me and said that HD does not warranty recall parts and handed me the bill...irritating little fvcker.
 
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2013 | 08:28 PM
  #13  
Tee&Vee's Avatar
Tee&Vee
Stellar HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
Default

Yes the light going out means it is in fact the switch.
 
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 01:11 AM
  #14  
thelawnmowerman's Avatar
thelawnmowerman
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 7
From: Liverpool UK
Default

Originally Posted by Tee⋁10872909
Yes the light going out means it is in fact the switch.
Thank you
 
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 08:36 AM
  #15  
Skeezmachine's Avatar
Skeezmachine
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by Benway
My switch is also out. Bought a new switch at the dealer, but I'll be damned if I can get in there to get any kind of a socket or wrench on the damn thing.
Originally Posted by thelawnmowerman
I just looked. Should be able to get a ring spanner on it, if not I have a pair of grips that I can use. But I still don't know if it's the switch that is the problem, like I said I pulled a wire off and it went out.
I have read lots of comments like this concerning the rear brake light switch. It makes me wonder how much difference there is from one Softail to the next because I had no issue at all getting a box wrench on my switch. I'd have to look again but is it possible for you guys to just cut some of the zip ties that hold your brake line to the frame and then pull the line away from the bike in order to be able to get a wrench on the plug? Again, it's been a while since I did mine so I don't remember if it is that simple or not. It also doesn't help me to recall since (as stated) I didn't have any issue getting mine on and off with a standard wrench and plenty of clearance.
 
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2013 | 03:08 PM
  #16  
thelawnmowerman's Avatar
thelawnmowerman
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 7
From: Liverpool UK
Default

Right
I've just done this job, Swapping out the brake light switch, easy job, took 10 mins and no probs getting in with a wrench, job done. many thanks guys
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Domestic Violence
Touring Models
11
Apr 24, 2019 08:54 AM
fradessa
Sportster Models
2
Dec 12, 2010 09:38 PM
Milwaukee 1
Touring Models
2
Aug 20, 2010 11:17 PM
Skidmark25
Softail Models
4
Jun 21, 2010 08:11 PM
Wally
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
1
Aug 12, 2006 08:16 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:30 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE