Brake Pedal Not Hitting Switch

[charliec]

While I have the pedal assembly out of the car (68 Dart), I'm checking condition of all components. I notice that the flat on the brake pedal arm doesn't make direct contact with the brake light switch. The switch is slightly off in the direction of the clutch pedal. I can see where it has made some contact with the plastic button on the switch, and over time it has sqared off one edge of the plastic. Right now, it would be a hit-and-miss whether it will contact the button and activate the switch or not. I don't see any adjustment mechanisms to align the switch with the pedal arm. Nothing seems to be bent; it just doesn't line up. The bracket holding the switch adjusts front to back to set the engagement point of the switch, but nothing side to side. What gives?

 

[Alaskan_TA]

It looks like the bracket got bent before, bend it back.

 

[CudaCraig]

Mine was exactly the same .. I took a small angle iron . ( L bracket ) bolted in place with brake pedal . now I have plenty of flat surface for the button to contact . Also got a new switch at Weaver's auto ...

 

[TrailBeast]

While I have the pedal assembly out of the car (68 Dart), I'm checking condition of all components. I notice that the flat on the brake pedal arm doesn't make direct contact with the brake light switch. The switch is slightly off in the direction of the clutch pedal. I can see where it has made some contact with the plastic button on the switch, and over time it has sqared off one edge of the plastic. Right now, it would be a hit-and-miss whether it will contact the button and activate the switch or not. I don't see any adjustment mechanisms to align the switch with the pedal arm. Nothing seems to be bent; it just doesn't line up. The bracket holding the switch adjusts front to back to set the engagement point of the switch, but nothing side to side. What gives?
View attachment 1715389410 View attachment 1715389411
View attachment 1715389416

Bend the bracket back up where it belongs and it will.
The button needs to come in contact up the flat farther, because right now it's pretty much at the pivot point of the pedal and that won't work too well.
Just pull up on it and it will put the button where it belongs.

 

[toolmanmike]

While I have the pedal assembly out of the car (68 Dart), I'm checking condition of all components. I notice that the flat on the brake pedal arm doesn't make direct contact with the brake light switch. The switch is slightly off in the direction of the clutch pedal. I can see where it has made some contact with the plastic button on the switch, and over time it has sqared off one edge of the plastic. Right now, it would be a hit-and-miss whether it will contact the button and activate the switch or not. I don't see any adjustment mechanisms to align the switch with the pedal arm. Nothing seems to be bent; it just doesn't line up. The bracket holding the switch adjusts front to back to set the engagement point of the switch, but nothing side to side. What gives?
View attachment 1715389410 View attachment 1715389411
View attachment 1715389416

Gee, is that a slot I see where the bracket is bolted to the frame?

 

[charliec]

Gee, is that a slot I see where the bracket is bolted to the frame?

Yes, there is a slot there to move the switch bracket forward and backward, but not side to side.

 

[69_340_GTS]

See the little rusty spot on the pedal arm? That is where the switch is supposed to hit it. You should be able to bend the bracket up to where it belongs. And then you can make the fine in/out adjustment.

 

[Slantsix64]

Bend it using a jack handle or a bar, little at a time cause it also can make your lights not go off until you really push the pedal down.

 

[TrailBeast]

Bend it using a jack handle or a bar, little at a time cause it also can make your lights not go off until you really push the pedal down.

Yep, and I like my brake lights to come on as soon as I even think about touching the pedal so drivers behind me get the "I'm stopping now" info ASAP.
It's also so I can flash my brakelights without actually involving the brakes.