Fitting the brake light switch

[poplars]

I think the image below is the right part to sort out my brake lights which have started to stay on. Checked by taking wire from existing terminals off - and lights went off.

Any advice on fitting this? What tools - what to be careful of etc etc.... Thanks as always.[frame][/frame]

[billymonkey111]

I imagine you will lose some break fluid I don't know weather it's nessecery to bleed them though. Try and keep the fluid off any paintwork under the bonnet, I'd surround the fitting with rag first.

I imagine it has come fitted with some sort of o-ring? If not it may rely on the taper thread fitting sealing. Either way I wouldn't want to do it up with too much gusto, last thing you want is to strip or cross thread the fitting.

[poplars]

Whenever I read all the things I can do wrong it scares the hell out of me

[poplars]

But I assume it just comes off anti clockwise and then if I have the new switch to go in quickly I shouldn't have too much trouble?? Famous last words...

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

I would attach a pair of vice grips to the union as it will more than likely start to turn and you dont want to damage any brake pipes, then use a socket with an extension bar that fits over the switch and turn it. Theres no gasket or anything, slighlty tapered and just screw in the new one!

[John Naylor]

Did mine a couple of weeks ago. As above, clean the area, restrain the union and pipes from moving and unscrew the switch. Screw new switch in and tighten, you should not need to bleed it. Remember though that brake fluid should be changed every 2 years so it may be time to bleed all round?

[poplars]

Well part is ordered so no turning back! Will let you know how I get on!

[bmcecosse]

Mountain and molehill come too mind.....

[charlie_morris_minor]

Mountain and molehill come too mind.....

once you have done it once then yes.. but "playing" with brakes for the first time it is a sensible question..and it is far better to get advice than do something and twist \ brake the pipes and find a small job becoming a lot larger.

[poplars]

I agree - it is better to get advice - hence I always ask. Some of us aren't engineers and have actually never done anything on a car. Better to ask than do something that could cause damage or even endanger passengers.

[dalebrignall]

just go easy undoing the switch clamp the union and dont snap the pipes be careful plus gas before you start