|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154 |
Hi, 1954 Bel air 3 speed here.
My brake light stays on about 50% of the time. I replaced the brake pedal return spring with a new one hoping that would solve it, but it didn't.
There is less than a quarter inch of play in the brake pedal, meaning I can pull it up from the inside of the car and the brake light goes off.
I can see the brake light switch and the arm that contacts the brake pedal under the car. When I push the arm toward the body of the car, the brake light will go out.
I do not see where the brake light switch arm is adjustable. It is just a straight arm riveted into the body of the switch. If I could adjust it I could solve the problem.
I have manual brakes.
Do I need a new switch or is there away to adjust this that I can't find in my manual.
Thanks!
Last edited by DSVW; 02/26/21 06:29 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Slip a piece of rubber tube over the arm where it contacts the pedal and see if that helps.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154 |
That is a brilliant idea, worth a try. Didn't even think of that possible fix. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,294
ChatMaster - 1,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,294 |
Had the same thing with my 52. A new switch solved the problem.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99 |
I agree with Gene. A piece of vacuum hose works great to “adjust” the switch.
Rusty
VCCA #44680
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26 |
The pedal should return all the way back to the stop and not have a 1/4" of travel when returned. Genes idea should help but you should look further for a permanent repair-possibly worn pivot bushing or other reason the pedal does not return fully. Also check the arm on the switch for looseness.
Steve D
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,024 Likes: 99 |
I thought I was having an episode of “deja vu”. It turns out I was.
DSVW took us through this same problem starting on 23 January this year.
I suggested that the bushings in the pedals are dirty or worn, and therefore sticking.
I agree that the return springs should take the brake pedal all the way up.
Rusty
VCCA #44680
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154 |
Wow, my memory is starting to go. I don't even remember posting about this issue. I should have searched my postings. It has been an intermittent problem that went away and then came back. I am going to try the vacuum hose fix to see if that works, while I look into the bushings.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
This w was done even when car was almost new due to lack of adjustment range.
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 154 |
Reporting back. The vacuum hose did the trick. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
