Brake light switch

[jackkelleher]

My brake lights have died on me, and I suspect the brake light switch. Is the brake system airtight, and if so will removing the switch mean the system has to be bled or even drained? Is it likely that I could compromise my brakes dangerously if I do this at home?

[Willie]

The fluid will leak out when you remove the brake light switch but, if you have the new one ready it is easy to fit it without much trouble. Since the switch is at the top of the junction any air will come out before the final tighten of the thread. You must be careful when removing the switch as it will tend to tear the whole junction out of its mounting on the floor pan.

[Rob_Jennings]

I have heard it said that if you 'fill' the brake switch before replacing and get a friend to very slowly press the pedal as you refit you can minimise the air at that point. But really you will need to bleed the system to be sure.

[bigginger]

Do what Willie says, and only bleed if there's a problem. There never has been for me, and yes, I have done a lot.

[jackkelleher]

Sorry people, it was a false alarm due to one dodgy connection and one misleadingly half-dead bulb ...
Well, thank you anyway for the tips. I am planning to clean stuff up in that area anyway...

[pim123]

Don't worry ! My break lights have also died on me just before the car went into winter sleep. And thanks to your post I've learned a thing or two about the switch !

[bigginger]

You must be careful when removing the switch as it will tend to tear the whole junction out of its mounting on the floor pan.

I've just done yet another one, and it's reminded me - the best way, I've found, is to grip the union with the switch using mole grips to stop it rotating and hold things steady while you unbolt it, FWIW.

[jackkelleher]

All right, thanks... Is it advisable to switch to servo, by the way?

[bmcecosse]

Only if you have weak legs!! Small car like Minor doesn't need a servo. If the brakes are in good condition they will lock the wheels. Servo only reduces the leg load - doesn't make the brakes work any better.

[minor_hickup]

Or get some hefty boots, they make the pedal feel lighter

[jackkelleher]

Thanks, I didn't really want to change to servo, people have just told me in the past that it's better and safer... In my personal opinion, the brakes on the Morris Minor are perfectly consistent and strong enough!

[minor_hickup]

Where did you get the brake light switch from? They are horribly unreliable, or the ones from minor suppliers have been, I'm trying one from Quinton Hazel....the same sort as a Series Land Rover.

[Willie]

Minor Hickup, if the alternative switch proves reliable then it will be worth
posting that for future reference on this board.

[minor_hickup]

Ive had more than 2k miles off it, so it is more reliable so far. I hope this one lasts, its my 6th in 2 years! See my thread in useful tips.