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Front brake switch question

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by HeckticHaze, Aug 4, 2011.

  1. HeckticHaze

    HeckticHaze Member

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    I finially got the beast fired up this evening. I noticed when I apply the front brake lever it does not activate the rear brake light. The rear brake peddal does activate the brake light. Is this switch adjustable at the brake lever? Are the switch connection leads located inside the light housing? Should i just disconnect the two connectors and perform a continiuty check on the switch? I am just trying to figure out if I need a new switch. Thanks.
     
    HeckticHaze, Aug 4, 2011
    #1
  2. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    Check the switch with a meter. The connectons are in the headlight bucket. The switch is sealed and not repairable, sometimes you can spray contact cleaner in there to clean. It works sometines.
     
    mlew, Aug 4, 2011
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  3. bkerby

    bkerby Member

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    the only adjustment is on the brake lever itself, you might try taking in the bolt that pushes in on the master cylinder just a little to see it that will activate your switch. Dont go to crazy on this as it makes slack on your brake lever.
     
    bkerby, Aug 5, 2011
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  4. debelizmaj

    debelizmaj New Member

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    off the main topic but can you pls take few picture of that switch ...
    my bike do not have it ( :( ) and i wanna try to find it or some like it
     
    debelizmaj, Aug 5, 2011
    #4
  5. Metal_Bob

    Metal_Bob Active Member

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    A you may be missing the switch
    B you may have a replacement master cylinder w/o switch option
    C take a pic of your and ask in a new topic if it is OEM version

    I still have condition B but have a replacement OEM mc and new switch waiting for front brake line budget
     
    Metal_Bob, Aug 5, 2011
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  6. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Here's a pic of one unplugged from the perch. The little green arrow indicates the retaining tab; and the red dotted oval is the location of the hole, underneath, that engages the retaining tab. To release the switch, you press on the tab through that hole.

    NOTE THAT THIS ONLY APPLIES TO SOME MODELS. THIS IS A 550; some of the other bikes are the same; some have a rectangular body switch that's (I believe) held on with a screw.

    [​IMG]
     
    bigfitz52, Aug 6, 2011
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  7. debelizmaj

    debelizmaj New Member

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    A)no switch at all :) .. when i get bike ... it was like that :( ...
    will make picture next time i go to the garage :)
     
    debelizmaj, Aug 6, 2011
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  8. HeckticHaze

    HeckticHaze Member

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    I took the front light out and found the two leads for the front brake lever switch. I checked that I had 12Vdc on the correct connector. I did. I took the brake lever apart and did a continuity check by just pressing the pin in and out on the switch. It works. I put the brake lever assembly back together. Connected everything back up. Still did not work.

    I loosened the adjustment knob that takes up the cable slack and then it started to work correctly. Now I am out of spec on the cable slack. I think it was suppose to be 1-3mm? I resently rebuilt the MC, calipers, and installed new SS brake lines. I have a good tight brake. I do not need to pull in the lever very much to have full front brakes. The brake cable is original.

    Because I do not have as much travel on the lever I think this is not allowing the limit switch to disingage. I will have to adjust the cable slack again and see exactly where I loose the switch. The limit switch on the Seca is held in by a small screw.

    One other question. Should I relube the bolt that passes through the brake lever? Lithium grease, motor oil? Sorry i can't Show you pictures. Digital camera is busted and I have not replaced it.
     
    HeckticHaze, Aug 6, 2011
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  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Lithium grease. You will probably need to adjust the lever free play so that it pulls back further (thus activating the switch) before engaging the brake.
     
    bigfitz52, Aug 7, 2011
    #9

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