How do I replace brake switch?

[4spdragtop]

Dad and I were having tail light/4 way issues and got it narrowed down to the brake switch that mounts on to the brake pedal assembly. The switch is the push in style. It looks like there is a little bracket that mounts to the assembly that the switch pushes into. Does the mount have to be removed to gain access to the switch?? Oh, dads brake lights were always staying on and we noticed that the brake pedal had to be lifted up to get them to shut off. The switch may help, but I read somewhere on here that lifting the pedal up may be a sign that the master cylinder is pooched?? Standard brakes, front disc, rear drum if it matters

Any ideas on both questions?

Thanks
Steve

 

[BillGrissom]

I base this on my 64 & 65 A bodies. You must remove the bracket to change the switch. It is held by a single small bolt. The bracket is adjustable (bolt goes in a slotted hole), so try adjusting it first. If you must change the switch (unlikely), it is just pressed into the bracket hole. Mine was a bit loose, so I used Superglue Gel to secure it.

I doubt your MC is bad. It has a fairly strong spring to return the piston. I don't see the spring failing, but your piston and seals may be gunked up with rust. I use silicone brake fluid so don't have that problem anymore. Usually, the problem is that the piston seals wear out and the pedal goes to the floor when you push it. If so, pump again quickly, shift to 1, and pull the e-brake.

 

[4spdragtop]

Thanks Bill, yep there is a slotted hole beside the bracket, so maybe simply adjusting the bracket/switch might work.

As for the MC, its weird as the whole entire brake system is new, maybe it is just a seal and or piston. Pedal is good n firm, it doesnt go straight to the floor

Thanks
Steve

 

[TrailBeast]

Things change, especially when you have a new brake system.
Thats why they made them adjustable:violent1:

Thanks Bill, yep there is a slotted hole beside the bracket, so maybe simply adjusting the bracket/switch might work.

As for the MC, its weird as the whole entire brake system is new, maybe it is just a seal and or piston. Pedal is good n firm, it doesnt go straight to the floor

Thanks
Steve

 

[jimjimjimmy]

this is an easy fix ..i had the same prob i just moved the switch i little and it still works good and bill is right on on this

 

[4spdragtop]

Thanks everyone, will give the switch a tweaking and try to figure out why the pedal doesnt fully return.

 

[Rocky_JS]

Steve the switch is adjustable just need to pull or turn it down a few twists so it makes better contact but not so much that you have to press the pedal hard to make them come on and that should take care of the issue.

 

[4spdragtop]

Hey John, the one dad has is the "push in" type, there is also a thread in, but dads was push in. We got the new one in what a pain in the arse!! Removing the bracket was painful to say the least. Then when we get it out and the new switch in, it still had some play in it...and when you pushed and released the brake, the plastic button on the switch slid off the arm of the pedal!! So we fixed that by drilling a hole in a small piece of aluminum and removing the nut from the bolt that goes thru the pedal arm. It gave the switch a little more material to rest on, its all good now!