13 replies to this topic

[PaulColeman]

My Daughter's Mini 1000 has a pressure switch in the brake lines to activate the brake lights. The problem is they're not very good and unless you almost stamp on the brakes the brake lights don't come on. So I was wondering how difficult it would be to convert it to a 'normal' brake light switch on the pedal box. Has anybody done this and can offer an opinion?

Thanks, Paul.

[nicklouse]

I would just change the switch for a new one.

[mister bridger]

The hydraulic ones have a habit of failing and I got fed up with replacing them, so bought a generic push button switch type one and made a bracket to attach it to the steering column. The pedal acts on this and it has worked fine for the past two years. Just a case of extending the wiring from the hydraulic one into the cabin.

[Spider]

The hydraulic ones have a habit of failing.

 

 

Yeah, this is a pretty common theme these days. Hella still make a decent quality switch, be sure though it does come in a Hella packet.

 

Hella P/N 4565.

Edited by Moke Spider, 29 December 2014 - 08:24 PM.

[dklawson]

In addition to the Hella switch, there are hydraulic switches for Harley Davidson motorcycles that are sometimes used.  However, if the car has been converted to use DOT-5 brake fluid, you are better off replacing the hydraulic switch with a pedal actuated one.  

 

As others above, I adapted a mechanical switch to the pedal box and ran its wires to those of the hydraulic switch.  The appearance is "normal" until you crawl under the dash or start tracing the extra wires going through the firewall.

[PaulColeman]

Thanks all for the replies/info. I have changed the switch a couple of times but it's just not a very good sytem imho.

 

I'll look to fit a mechanical switch - sounds like a job for when the weather's warmer though!!

 

Cheers, Paul.

[nicklouse]

In addition to the Hella switch, there are hydraulic switches for Harley Davidson motorcycles that are sometimes used.  However, if the car has been converted to use DOT-5 brake fluid, you are better off replacing the hydraulic switch with a pedal actuated one.  
 
As others above, I adapted a mechanical switch to the pedal box and ran its wires to those of the hydraulic switch.  The appearance is "normal" until you crawl under the dash or start tracing the extra wires going through the firewall.

Why the hell would anyone use that crap. Just about the only people using it are the US forces and they are trying to go away from it due to the problems it creates.

If you mean DOT 5.1 then there is no convertion needed just use it.

[dklawson]

There are plenty of reasons to use DOT-5.  I won't open the argument or discussion here.  There have been plenty of threads on the subject on this board and others.

[gazza82]

But if the seals have already been used with dot 3, 4 or 5.1, DOT5 will damage them. I prefer a synthetic DOT 4 or 5.1 like Castrol Response.

[dklawson]

This thread does not need to take a complete detour to debate DOT-5 fluid.  Suffice it to say that you are correct, if a brake system has been used with DOT-3, -4, or -5.1 fluid you should not introduce DOT-5 into the system.  You should only make major fluid changes when ALL the rubber in the brake system is changed at the same time and all the metal parts have been flushed.

 

Returning to my original point, I brought up DOT-5 only to stress that there are known issues with the hydraulic brake light switch and DOT-5 fluid.  IF this car has been switched to DOT-5 fluid already, then replacing the hydraulic switch with another of the same type is likely to be an exercise in futility.

Edited by dklawson, 02 January 2015 - 08:40 PM.

[gazza82]

In UK Dot5 isn't so common so we're less likely to use it.

But people could confuse 5 and 5.1 ... What numpty decided on that clever numbering?


But converting to a mechanical switch is a good move. I fitted one back in 70's to my A35 when original failed. Can't remember what make or type but I made it adjust so I could refine the point where brake lights would come on.

Edited by gazza82, 02 January 2015 - 06:15 PM.

[PaulColeman]

I haven't got DOT5.1 it's DOT4 I believe.

 

Is there a later pedal box which will fit and already have the mounting for the brake switch?

 

Thanks, Paul.

[Spider]

 

Is there a later pedal box which will fit and already have the mounting for the brake switch?

 

 

When they went to Tandem Circuit Brakes they all got Mechanical Switches, however you also need to check that your and the replacements have the same steering column as there were some small changes to that end of the pedal box too.

[PaulColeman]

Okay, I'll just modify what I've got then.

 

Thanks, Paul.