Brake switch nightmare

[EwenCameron]

I have had to buy a new brake light switch as my brake lights have stopped working. Tested the bulbs and they work. Tried to remove the existing switch tonight but it will not budge. Took about 30 minutes to get the grips in position but just could not get the switch to move. Any ideas as I do not want to snap any of the cables near the switch. Put loads of WD40 on but not helping.

[simmitc]

Soak threads in plus gas for a day. Put mole grips on the union body below the switch in order to stop the union and thus brake pipes twisting. Use a socket with extension bars so that you can operate a T-bar above the level of the radiator - this should provide sufficient effort to turn the switch.

You can try using a hammer on the T-bar or an impact wrench if you have one. I would avoid using heat as any flame is liable to damage local electrical cables, and who knows what it will do to the brake fluid.

[mike.perry]

If you can get a socket on the bolt underneath it may help

[EwenCameron]

Thanks for the advice. I even called out the AA this morning to see if they could fix as it was such a sunny day and I wanted to get out for a drive. They have advised that the switch is on so tight that they would break the pipes if they put too much pressure on. Will try again this evening if not will be visiting my garage in the morning. Fingers crossed I dont need to but new pipes aswell.

[Jefftav]

I didn't think the AA would come out for faulty brake lights - learn something new everyday.

If the switch is so tight that it won't come out then you will have to undo the brake pipes, then unbolt the union (bolt is underneath the tie plate. This will let you take the union out and get a socket on the brake light switch and mole grips (be careful no to tigthen it too much if you use a bench vice) on the union and it should turn and come out OK.

When fitting the new switch use a small amount of grease on the threads so that should you have any problems in the future it will come out a lot easier.

[Budgie]

Had the same problem some months ago had to resort to useing a stilson in the end and slightly bent the brake pipes it was so tight ,so take your time and follow whats been suggested good luck

[Alec]

Hello Ewen,

good luck trying all that has been suggested, just don't tighten the replacement to that extent.

Alec

[rayofleamington]

It probably wasn't overtightened - I expect that being in situ for 56 years is why it doesn't want to come out of the T-piece!

One alternative if it REALLY won't budge is to buy another T-piece and replace both.

[mowogg]

I had a similar issue -mine had been on 47 years i reckon.

I put some packing against the brass union and the radiator to stop the union from turning when applying tuyring pressure (i have subsequntly doen the same to a friends car with spanners). Once the union cannot turn, you can apply as much pressure as you need by using the appropiates sizd socket with an extention from the top. Once it moves, it came off quite easily.

You cannot hold it from below as susggested- the bolt in the bottom secuire it to the car -it does not stop it turning