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Hydraulic Brake Light Switch Failure - Again

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by CJMark, Feb 18, 2019.

  1. Feb 18, 2019
    CJMark

    CJMark Jeeper

    Spearfish, SD
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    Hey guys, my hydraulic brake light switch quit working again on the ‘46 2A, it was replaced a little over a year ago, not very many miles too.

    I dissected the switch and here’s what I found, no surprises.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I replaced it with another switch, brand Standard T-Series SLS27T, product of Mexico, but I have no faith this one will last either. The previous switch came from a highly respected supplier which is known to have better than average quality products; I think this switch type is a poorly engineered system design due to arcing and carbonization of the contacts especially with the early cj single master cylinder and small brake shoes where you have tendency to be a little extra careful with speed.

    Anyone else have a solution that’s worked for you?

    My grandson rides a Chinese ATV Quad 110cc Taotao piece of plastic which has a pretty simple electrical switch for foot brake, I would image some motorcycles and snowmobiles have something similar that would work. The plan is to fab a simple bracket above brake lever return spring with a parallel circuit to new electrical switch as a long-term solution.

    Here’s a good read on hydraulic brake switch failure investigation

    Thanks for any ideas on long-term solution.
    Mark
     
    Hellion likes this.
  2. Feb 18, 2019
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    I've been converting my jeeps over to a mechanical brake light switch after those stupid things fail. I'll have to get a picture of what I did, but it is really easy. I use a 1955-59 Chevy truck brake light switch and bolt it to the master cylinder cover. Then space it accordingly so the arm hits the brake pedal arm. Just need some extender wires and boom, done in two minutes.

    1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 CHEVY TRUCK BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEW ** USA MADE ** | eBay
     
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  3. Feb 18, 2019
    fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    High Desert AZ
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    Did the above with mine after the same problem. All good now
     
  4. Feb 19, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    I had several of these pressure switches fail. I made sure when I put in swinging pedals, they had provision for the brake light switch. Zero problems since. The Chevy one Nate has used looks to be the answer for stock type pedals.

    Its cool that you cut that switch in half for us to look at.
     
  5. Feb 19, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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  6. Feb 19, 2019
    CJMark

    CJMark Jeeper

    Spearfish, SD
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    Thanks, that’s the switch I’m going go with, the Chevy truck mechanical one. I had seen that solution before on one of the Jeep forums, forgot about it.
    Thanks again
    Mark
     
  7. Feb 19, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    holy carp my son in law has a whole bunch of these nos from a chevy dealer ….never thought about what they fit.
     
  8. Feb 21, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    T series is Standard's "economy" line. Not a good choice IMO. $6 for their quality offering: STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS SLS27 Brake Light Switch | RockAuto

    Usually the T series part has a gray box, and the regular Standard is red.

    I'd also name and shame your "quality" supplier without any reservations.
     
    dane71 likes this.
  9. Feb 21, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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  10. Feb 21, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    I guess I have lived a very sheltered life for the last 74 years.I have not encountered the failure rate of the little hydraulic brake light switch that has been around since the beginning of hydraulic brake systems. Don't get me wrong ,I have replaced several over the years that failed after many years of service.Just wondering if it truly is the quality issue or a change in brake fluid itself. No problems here with any of my classic vehicles so I guess that's a good thing. Such a simple switch ,seems like a lot of trouble to convert to mechanical switch. mike
     
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  11. Feb 21, 2019
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    For a while, I replaced one every year on my '53 3A that barely gets used. After the 3rd one went, that when I converted.
     
  12. Feb 21, 2019
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    This took me about five minutes to put in my jeep.

    And for what its worth, this switch is off my parts 55 chevy truck. If you can take an original switch out of the junkyard and it still works, its a better design.

    [​IMG]
     
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  13. Feb 24, 2019
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
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  14. Sep 25, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Well, no brake lights again. I change these switches more often than I change my oil. I have tried the low pressure one referenced above, Ive tried ones from Painless wiring, AC Delco, & Standard. I give up. I'm going to convert to a mechanical switch like Nate did.
     
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  15. Sep 27, 2019
    fourtrail

    fourtrail Built not Bought

    Carlinville,...
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  16. Sep 27, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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  17. Sep 27, 2019
    45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I think garage gnome's option is the better option as appose to '76 CJ switch. Simpler installation. JMO
     
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  18. Sep 27, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Interesting thought. My Harley switch lasted 25-plus years, and uses DOT#5.
     
  19. Sep 27, 2019
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Thanks for the link--I wasn't quite sure how these worked or exactly which parts moved and why.
    Good read :study:...and that animated GIF is amazing.
     
    Last edited: Sep 27, 2019
  20. Sep 27, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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