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Hydrolic brake switch
bluephil19781 - 14/10/12 at 03:03 PM

My kitcar has a hydrolic brake light switch off a T piece in the brake line, mounted connectors facing down. Problem is that you have to literally stamp two feet on the pedal to get any sort of brake light, never comes on when driving normally. Bit worried really beings in sat about 6" from the fuel tank and there's not much protection from a rear ender! Do these switches come in varied sensitivity, are some better than others? or are they just crap? If I change it for another one and bleed the system is it likely to be any better?!?

flibble - 14/10/12 at 03:05 PM

Didn't notice any sort of sensetivity rating when I bought mine and it works well, mine faces (nearly) down too.

Chippy - 14/10/12 at 04:02 PM

As you say its close to the fuel tank I assume that you have put it in the pipe to the rear brakes, I think the usual place is in the pipe to the front brake to get the extra pressure. Also I understand that the switch should be mounted facing down so that an air lock doesn't occur over the switch. I personaly dont have one just have the bog standard pedal operated type, much simpler and less hassle IMHO. Cheers Ray

britishtrident - 14/10/12 at 05:07 PM

Pressure is pressure. upside down inside out air or liquid.

The problem is that on our type of car the hydraulic line pressure is less than half that of a 1960's tintop and a lot off the aftermarket switches aren't triggered.
Surest way round is fit a mechanically operated switch at the pedal and wire this in parallel with the existing switch.

bluephil19781 - 14/10/12 at 05:13 PM

Thought someone might say this, kinda knew it was the best way to sort it but can't be arsed with the agro!

watsonpj - 14/10/12 at 05:48 PM

I had the same issue, I moved it into the front circuit and the problem went away as with the bias there s more pressure there. The surest way of fixing it is the mechanical switch but it was easier for me just to swap it on to the other brake line.

beaver34 - 14/10/12 at 06:21 PM

quote:
Originally posted by watsonpj
I had the same issue, I moved it into the front circuit and the problem went away as with the bias there s more pressure there. The surest way of fixing it is the mechanical switch but it was easier for me just to swap it on to the other brake line.


Any pics of how you did this?

I have the same issue