Notices
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Leaking brake switch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 08:42 AM
  #1  
Benny123's Avatar
Benny123
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
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?
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 09:03 AM
  #2  
ibuzzard's Avatar
ibuzzard
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,935
Likes: 699
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Club FTE Gold Member
Put some plumbers tape on it.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 11:45 AM
  #3  
User 71024's Avatar
User 71024
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 64
Any pipe fitting needs teflon tape. It doesn't have a seal just a tapered thread.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 12:20 PM
  #4  
Benny123's Avatar
Benny123
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
thank you guys. I guess I was concerned the brake fluid would just dissolve it
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 01:58 PM
  #5  
daveengelson's Avatar
daveengelson
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Club FTE Gold Member
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?
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2020 | 03:32 PM
  #6  
Benny123's Avatar
Benny123
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
No problem threading in. Correct model for year. Switch not in line with proportioning valve (separate), threaded smoothly until tight for what its worth.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 07:29 AM
  #7  
FuzzFace2's Avatar
FuzzFace2
FTE Legend
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Club FTE Gold Member
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 ----
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2020 | 07:37 AM
  #8  
robertrpeak's Avatar
robertrpeak
Tuned
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 469
Likes: 60
From: TN.
new switch about 20.00 bucks.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jan 12, 2020 | 01:04 PM
  #9  
FuzzFace2's Avatar
FuzzFace2
FTE Legend
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by robertrpeak
new switch about 20.00 bucks.
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 ----
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2020 | 01:09 PM
  #10  
FuzzFace2's Avatar
FuzzFace2
FTE Legend
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Club FTE Gold Member
LOL someone has done this for you already
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...c-65-f250.html
Dave ----
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2020 | 02:03 PM
  #11  
robertrpeak's Avatar
robertrpeak
Tuned
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 469
Likes: 60
From: TN.
Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
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 ----
Did mine 25 years ago. Just letting him know thats what they cost!!!
 
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2020 | 05:01 PM
  #12  
Benny123's Avatar
Benny123
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
@robertrpeak Not sure if you read post #1 but I bought a new switch at beginning of thread to replace a leaking switch.
 
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2020 | 05:29 PM
  #13  
User 71024's Avatar
User 71024
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 64
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2020 | 08:18 AM
  #14  
robertrpeak's Avatar
robertrpeak
Tuned
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 469
Likes: 60
From: TN.
Originally Posted by Benny123
@robertrpeak Not sure if you read post #1 but I bought a new switch at beginning of thread to replace a leaking switch.
Sorry, please forgive...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
63' f100
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Nov 25, 2011 08:35 AM
cdposey
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Jul 5, 2010 09:17 PM
fun98
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Apr 15, 2006 03:24 AM
53Merc
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jun 30, 2004 10:14 PM
ddurant
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 19, 2003 05:49 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:46 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE