How to install this tiny brake switch?

[gorrbert]

This is a brake switch from the right handlebar. How do I install this so that it will turn on and off? There doesn't seem to be a guide or channel for this to move in. The one that I took out had a little grease on it? what's the trick? Thanks Gord.

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

not sure why or how you got this part
is it new?
if so it has to be installed under the cap that holds two copper contact strips


look at the underside of the brake lever
you will see a plastic part held on with two screws
tyh epart goes under this and needs to be adjusted

an easy way out is an hydraulic switch which attached inline with the brake hydraulic hose

 

[hampshirehog]

If you look up inside the brake from below you will see a rectangular slot. Your part sits up in there, black part (opposite the copper face) up.

 

[Steve]

Easiest way to work on that is to make sure the master cylinder cap is on TIGHT, then turn it over so you are not working upside down.

.

 

[terrylee]

switch

switch

it seems easier to do if you can tilt handle up some, otherwise you have to try to hold that small part and put contact plate with wires attached to it up against this part and screw in the very small screws. terrylee

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, it's a lot easier to work on this switch if you can turn your controls upside down on the handlebars. Also, here's a guide with pictures that may help you (I found it on some guy's website)...

Front Brake Switch Repair
(by Mr. gravity tester)



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[twr1776]

I have just put a dab of dielectric grease on the top plastic part and a little bit on the copper part it sticks in the recess, put on the cover over the top and you are good to go. It is a bit of PITA but can be done. I am too lazy to loosen and roll over the handle.

 

[gorrbert]

What is dielectric grease, and where can I get some? Pep Boys?

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

What is dielectric grease, and where can I get some? Pep Boys?

a coating for electrical contacts that prevents corrosion lubricates and does not conduct and therfore short a circuit.

pepe boys should have it its pretty common stuff

 

[Guest]

I have just put a dab of dielectric grease on the top plastic part and a little bit on the copper part it sticks in the recess, put on the cover over the top and you are good to go. It is a bit of PITA but can be done. I am too lazy to loosen and roll over the handle.

Bingo!

......

 

[Steve]

What is dielectric grease, and where can I get some? Pep Boys?

As mentioned, it is a preservative to keep oxidation off your contacts.

Yes, you can get it a Pep Boys or Auto Zone or any of the auto parts stores. You can get a larger quantity, but if you don't mind paying a little extra, you can get more than enough for this job by looking near the cash register or the parts-ordering computers for a little pack that's about the size of a catsup pack at McDonald's. Usually about a dollar for the pack, but you might find a much larger quantity for just a couple dollars more, if you think you will need more in the future.

.

 

[tas850g]

i just worked on mine and i strongly suggest loosening the MC pinch bolts and rotate it so it is upside down as Steve indicated. I lost my spring and brass/copper??? piece a hundred times (not quite that many but too many to count) because it will fall out if/when you loose your grip on it.

I should have looked on "some guy's website" to have known how to do this before i did this.

It all worked out, eventually.

 

[Guest]

One can always cheat and replace the unit entirely for about $20.00. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...authkey=Gv1sRgCKTzwsyJve6w9gE&feat=directlink

 

[Steve]

One can always cheat and replace the unit entirely for about $20.00. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...authkey=Gv1sRgCKTzwsyJve6w9gE&feat=directlink

Yeah, but that's an upgrade.

A new direct-replacement unit is $18 from Cycle Parts Nation and Babbitt's.

.

 

[DanTheMan]

I had way too much trouble with that mechanical switch and replaced it with a pressure switch at the handle. Much easier and more reliable. A most definite good upgrade.

 

[jpaul]

Partsnmore has a replacement kit for the front brake switches for $6. I think it is superior to OEM since there are plastic nubs on that slide to hold it in the slot while you get the cover over it. Saves the effort of looking for the small spring when it shoots down onto the floor. The downside is that they have a $35 minimum; but I usually down't have a problem finding enough stuff to make an order. One time I did end up with a two year supply of oil filters, but since one filter is good for multiple models, I figure $3 a filter it's worth stocking up.

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=gs&category=electrical