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Hydraulic Brake Switch

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 11:19 pm
by KitchenSync
Rear brake switch has failed so I reckon I'll fit a hydraulic banjo replacement.

Any idea what the measurements for the original master cylinder banjo bolt are? Such a pain to remove it just to measure it.

Ta

Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 12:16 am
by D-Rider
Can't answer on the size - it's just the normal banjo size for Brembo kit.

I am using a hydraulic switch - I don't have the option for anything else with my radial master cylinder.
It does have a disadvantage - unless you are squeezing the brakes quite hard, the brake lights don't come on. Gentle braking (or even reasonably rapid braking without too much pressure - as the brakes are pretty good) is often not sufficient to light the brake light.

brake switch

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2014 11:20 am
by davebms
hello all i got a REAR switch from GRIFF , the switch is built into the banjo bolt
just un-do the existing bolt, thread the switch in wiv new copper
washers

davebms

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2014 11:14 pm
by KitchenSync
Yup - just bought one from CMC in Nottingham..

FYI it's M10 with a 1.0mm thread pitch NOT 1.25mm

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 5:24 pm
by Falco Frank
Some have to be wired the 'other way around'...

So dont worry if it does not appear to work without swapping cables over...

or making sure the brake is well bled.

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 7:02 pm
by KitchenSync
iconic944ss wrote:Some have to be wired the 'other way around'...

So dont worry if it does not appear to work without swapping cables over...

or making sure the brake is well bled.
Glad you mentioned that... I checked it out and indeed the banjo switch contacts are 'closed' by default - so the wrong way round.

No mention of these things working any other way - I can't imagine how it can wired in without having it supply power to a relay which then operates the brake light.

Any ideas?

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2014 10:14 am
by davebms
the one i got from GRIFF i think is the standard part for RSV MILLE

its the normal way round

davebms

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 2:33 am
by Falcopops
KitchenSync wrote:
iconic944ss wrote:Some have to be wired the 'other way around'...

So dont worry if it does not appear to work without swapping cables over...

or making sure the brake is well bled.
Glad you mentioned that... I checked it out and indeed the banjo switch contacts are 'closed' by default - so the wrong way round.

No mention of these things working any other way - I can't imagine how it can wired in without having it supply power to a relay which then operates the brake light.

Any ideas?
To reverse the operation you'd need to use the banjo switch to apply a voltage to the coil on a relay that would light the brake light when the voltage was removed by opening the switch with the brake pedal. Simply enough done, but the coil would be energised most of the time and will get hot.

TBH I'd be looking at getting a switch that does what you need it to do, but this pic is how it can be done with the switch you have.

Image

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 9:30 am
by KitchenSync
Falcopops wrote:
KitchenSync wrote:
iconic944ss wrote:Some have to be wired the 'other way around'...
Thanks for that - what a guy!

I took that banjo switch back yesterday and will prowl around on eBay for a replacement mechanical original - I don't like the idea of them not being very sensitive. I've yet to be tailgaited and would generally like to avoid it.

Ta

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 2:03 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
coughs quietly

as most of us tend to use the front brake and rear brake combined, then the risk of being rear ended is reduced - the front brake switch works well :)

i have fitted the hydraulic one - being a pessimist I did not use a plug, but had two separate connectors to connect - that way I could change them over easily.... old ducati electrics do that too a chap....

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 2:10 pm
by KitchenSync
What?

There's a FRONT brake too?

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2014 2:12 pm
by D-Rider
KitchenSync wrote:What?

There's a FRONT brake too?
I would hope so - given that there isn't much of a rear one!

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:07 am
by D-Rider
Doh ..... would you believe it .... my brake pressure switch has just failed :smt090

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:19 am
by Falcopops
I've used them in the past on an old Suzuki front brake and they would only last about a year. it was a daily commuter bike into London so got plenty of use, but still not very donkey

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 11:34 am
by D-Rider
Mine was second hand when I got it and has lasted somewhat longer than that.

TBH I'd prefer a standard switch but that's not an option with my radial master cylinder.