Leaking brake switch
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Senior User
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Leaking brake switch
I get a very small leak ( a few drops) of brake fluid from the brake switch each time I drive the truck. Its just enough to notice when you run a finger below it, but nothing below on the engine bay.
I put a new brake switch in and have it pretty tight and this still occurs. I have the disc brake upgrade, and a dual master cylinder with proportioning valve if it matters. Brake switch is connected to front which is drum brakes.
Prior owner had plumbers tape on it, but not sure this is a good idea.
When it sits it doesnt leak at all, only after driving.
Does anyone else have this happen?
How have you fixed it?
I put a new brake switch in and have it pretty tight and this still occurs. I have the disc brake upgrade, and a dual master cylinder with proportioning valve if it matters. Brake switch is connected to front which is drum brakes.
Prior owner had plumbers tape on it, but not sure this is a good idea.
When it sits it doesnt leak at all, only after driving.
Does anyone else have this happen?
How have you fixed it?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
If tapping an early model switch onto a later model proportioning valve I believe the thread counts are different; if so, suggest pull the valve and check the threads, if a regular tap was used then perhaps re-tapping using a bottom tap will clean the threads? I used a T fitting and tied into the rear brake fitting but I could not find a T with the correct threads for the switch so I tapped the T using a bottom tap. Anyhow, had an urge to chime in?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
I bet if you look closely it is not leaking from the threads but from the switch body.
This is a issue with this type of switch even on non-Ford cars & trucks.
The fix if factory stock is not an issue is to replace the switch with a modern plunger type all electric one mounted under the dash and uses the pedal arm to work it.
You will most likely need to make a mount for it and extend the wires inside to the new switch.
Early AMC cars this was also an issue and the factory had a kit to do just this. You cant get the kit any more, AMC went belly up in 1988, so guys make their own mount and get the switch from a JY car or truck.
Dave ----
This is a issue with this type of switch even on non-Ford cars & trucks.
The fix if factory stock is not an issue is to replace the switch with a modern plunger type all electric one mounted under the dash and uses the pedal arm to work it.
You will most likely need to make a mount for it and extend the wires inside to the new switch.
Early AMC cars this was also an issue and the factory had a kit to do just this. You cant get the kit any more, AMC went belly up in 1988, so guys make their own mount and get the switch from a JY car or truck.
Dave ----
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FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
And what do you do when it leaks again in 6 months to a year?
Replace it again at $20 or little more now?
How many times before you do the switch swap to the pedal?
Each their own but I have seen too many post of the leaking brake light switches on other forums to even try the $20 switch.
BTW I think it is Speed Way Motors has the better switch if you want to go back stock.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/...itches~8-10474
Dave ----
Replace it again at $20 or little more now?
How many times before you do the switch swap to the pedal?
Each their own but I have seen too many post of the leaking brake light switches on other forums to even try the $20 switch.
BTW I think it is Speed Way Motors has the better switch if you want to go back stock.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/...itches~8-10474
Dave ----
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
LOL someone has done this for you already
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...c-65-f250.html
Dave ----
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...c-65-f250.html
Dave ----
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 469
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From: TN.
And what do you do when it leaks again in 6 months to a year?
Replace it again at $20 or little more now?
How many times before you do the switch swap to the pedal?
Each their own but I have seen too many post of the leaking brake light switches on other forums to even try the $20 switch.
BTW I think it is Speed Way Motors has the better switch if you want to go back stock.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/...itches~8-10474
Dave ----
Replace it again at $20 or little more now?
How many times before you do the switch swap to the pedal?
Each their own but I have seen too many post of the leaking brake light switches on other forums to even try the $20 switch.
BTW I think it is Speed Way Motors has the better switch if you want to go back stock.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/shop/...itches~8-10474
Dave ----
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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@robertrpeak Not sure if you read post #1 but I bought a new switch at beginning of thread to replace a leaking switch.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
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I've never had the pressure switch fail on any of my cars, but I always swapped them for the peddle switch because the pressure switch doesn't always light the brake lites if you break easy. And it doesn't let the guy behind you know if you're resting your foot on the brake peddle because your expecting to have to stop.
Eric
Eric
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 469
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From: TN.
@robertrpeak Not sure if you read post #1 but I bought a new switch at beginning of thread to replace a leaking switch.
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