Lost the rear brake

[Greenman]

On my V-Rod. It looks like the brake light switch blew out. Went from working perfectly to nothing in about half a second, and squirted brake fluid everywhere. I'm going to wait till it cools off before I start taking things apart. I hope it is just the switch, Harley parts are stupid expensive.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

A switch wouldn't cause brake fluid to leak. You lost a seal.

 

[Greenman]

A switch wouldn't cause brake fluid to leak. You lost a seal.

Just pulled it apart, the switch was cooked, the wires burned, and it was leaking. It appears that the after market exhaust is to close to the switch. I'm going to have to find a way to shield that switch.

 

[Zenmervolt]

A switch wouldn't cause brake fluid to leak. You lost a seal.

The rear brake light switch on a Harley is a pressure sensor. It reads the system pressure of the rear brake hydraulics and if it fails fluid can leak through the switch.

Greenman: I know Harley had a recall on the FL models for the rear brake switch:

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Manufacturer:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY
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Mfr's Report Date:
OCT 19, 2011
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NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
11V506000
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N/A
NHTSA Action Number:
N/A

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Component:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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Potential Number of Units Affected:
250,757

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Summary:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

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Consequence:
THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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Remedy:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

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Notes:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 0145. CUSTOMERS OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV

I believe the VRSC models used the same switch, so you might check with the dealer to see about an updated design.

Some riders report having better luck with a Duralast switch (part number RB401) from AutoZone.

ZV

 

[twinrider1]

I remember Harleys when if someone said they lost the rear brake, they meant it literally...as in it fell off and I can't find it. 🙂

 

[Greenman]

The rear brake light switch on a Harley is a pressure sensor. It reads the system pressure of the rear brake hydraulics and if it fails fluid can leak through the switch.

Greenman: I know Harley had a recall on the FL models for the rear brake switch:



I believe the VRSC models used the same switch, so you might check with the dealer to see about an updated design.

Some riders report having better luck with a Duralast switch (part number RB401) from AutoZone.

ZV

I didn't know about the recall, thanks.
I ordered an after market switch the guys at the V-Rod forums have had good luck with.

 

[Greenman]

I remember Harleys when if someone said they lost the rear brake, they meant it literally...as in it fell off and I can't find it. 🙂

Those were the AMF days. They pretty much drove Harley into the ground with shoddy parts and poor workmanship. Leaks were the biggest problem, nothing on those things fit right. Those were bad years for HD, I'm glad they turned it around.