Front brake switch question
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Dave, sounds like you may have the same crap chrome switches/controls that I got for my 94. I had problems lining that stuff up too. It helped to put a feeler gauge or something in between the switch and the lever that actuates it to depress the switch as you're lining them up. That insures that the switch isn't interfering with alignment. Also, I found that you can bend that little lever in or out as needed. Still doesn't line up perfectly on mine but it's been working for quite a while now. good luck
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
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From: SoCal
thanks creatv1
Actually, what I did was make the "paddle" bigger. I drilled it and put a small washer that fits inside the recess perfectly. Threadlocked a countersunk screw on there and good to go.
they are CRAP controls, yes. Came with the bike. Some day I'll get some PM controls or some other quality brand, but for now gotta make this work
Actually, what I did was make the "paddle" bigger. I drilled it and put a small washer that fits inside the recess perfectly. Threadlocked a countersunk screw on there and good to go.
they are CRAP controls, yes. Came with the bike. Some day I'll get some PM controls or some other quality brand, but for now gotta make this work
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: SoCal
I have a perfectly working front brake lever for the first time since I bought this beaut in 08!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
but I'm not sure which fix was the one because I did two things
1)I rebuilt my front master cylinder. It didn't have the correct return pressure and was only going back to "partially cocked" ie the lever wasn't returning all the way out. This would of course keep the brake switch tang from engaging the brake switch
2)I pulled everything apart, took the "tang" (I don't know the proper term, sorry), and drilled a small hole in the center. I then got a washer that fit inside the channel where the brake switch actuator ("tang") goes. I countersunk that washer hole and used a small machine screw and thin nut to keep that washer on the actuator. I used a drop of red threadlock to keep it from coming loose.
I also reassembled the controls being very careful to position the actuator over the switch.
It's yet another rather crummy design, but I improved it and I have a front brake that works and triggers my brake lights as it should.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
thanks
I changed out my controls over the winter, and things were working.
Likely one of the following-
-bare wire from internal wiring
-brake switch is gone
-contact with switch problem (like your issue) will look and try your suggestions.
Note, the brake light works with the foot pedal
I changed out my controls over the winter, and things were working.
Likely one of the following-
-bare wire from internal wiring
-brake switch is gone
-contact with switch problem (like your issue) will look and try your suggestions.
Note, the brake light works with the foot pedal
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
ok, based on your year, we likely have the same or similar setups
That switch isn't exactly sturdy. you need to make sure it doesn't get pinched when putting stuff back together.
Dan at badlands thought I might have a pinched wire, too, but I carefully inspected and nope.
Assembling the controls correctly is crucial. There's info out there about inserting something to keep the switch from popping out or getting in the way when reassembling, but I think that might be for more recent models?
is yours not turning ON or not turning OFF?
That switch isn't exactly sturdy. you need to make sure it doesn't get pinched when putting stuff back together.
Dan at badlands thought I might have a pinched wire, too, but I carefully inspected and nope.
Assembling the controls correctly is crucial. There's info out there about inserting something to keep the switch from popping out or getting in the way when reassembling, but I think that might be for more recent models?
is yours not turning ON or not turning OFF?
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
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From: SoCal
OK...mine wasn't turning OFF. The actuator has to fully depress the switch in order for the brake light to turn OFF. It's kinda weird.
take your controls apart again. Open the clamshell carefully. Inspect the switch and wires.
it should look like this:
the "nipple" has to go OUT to turn brake light ON, and IN to turn it off
perhaps yours is being kept from going IN?
IF you have the same style brake switch as I do
And now you're paying child support AND going to jail! You can't beat the system, dude!
That said, you could just have a broken solder or something. It can be re-soldered but do it right or you'll do it again.
take your controls apart again. Open the clamshell carefully. Inspect the switch and wires.
it should look like this:
the "nipple" has to go OUT to turn brake light ON, and IN to turn it off
perhaps yours is being kept from going IN?
IF you have the same style brake switch as I do
and no, I did not use the prevention techniques. Thought I could beat the system by using care and caution....DOH
That said, you could just have a broken solder or something. It can be re-soldered but do it right or you'll do it again.