Rear Brake Light Switch

[Bob_Roller]

Was working on the '82 LS this afternoon, I'm finally on vacation for 5 weeks and the temperature is finally pleasant in the garage, 94 F.

Question about the adjustment for the rear brake light switch, I have to adjust the nut at the rear brake lever almost to where there is no thread left, to get the brake light to stay off .

Anyone adjust the bolt on the rear brake pedal that activates the brake switch ?

Can it be done without pulling the whole assembly out of the bike ?

I plan on doing a trans spline lube in the not too distant future, I know I can do it then .

I can always disconnect the wires to the switch in the interim .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If you need a new switch, I bought one in haste.  I'll make you a great deal on it.

I don't know if the adjustment can be made with everything in place, or not.
Probably at least need to remove the rear wheel?

[Bob_Roller]

Thanks Rob I'll keep that in mind, but I don't think the switch is the problem, at least not yet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have to adjust the nut at the rear brake lever almost to where there is no thread left, to get the brake light to stay off .

I just figured out what you meant here.
You mean you have the wing-nut backed off nearly all the way?
If so, I would think you have no "pre-load" on your brakes, and they probably don't do anything adjusted like that.  Correct?

[Bob_Roller]

No, I have the wing nut all the way in, with 2-3 inches of thread sticking out the back side of the nut .

Definitely not right !

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Is it possible you removed the brake lever from the spindle (in the final drive) and got it back on in a different position?



http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/rear_brake/index.htm

[bruce_launceston]

The brake light switch can be adjusted with everything in place but it is a fiddly job and hard to see what you are doing!

[Bob_Roller]

The brake pedal wasn't right when I got the bike, with everything else that was wrong with it so far, I wouldn't be too surprised to find the incorrect brake shoes installed .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

In the link to Duane Ausherman's site (below the picture), he goes into some detail about the adjustment nut & bolt that may be helpful.

[Bob_Roller]

I worked on the bike about 6 hours today, found part of the problem with the rear brake light switch, the right foot rest was adjusted so it interfered with the rear brake pedal, there was about  a .25 inch/ 6mm divot on the bottom of the foot rest rubber, where the rear brake pedal arm contacted it .

Repositioned the foot rest, brake light switch works fine now .

But I think the wrong brake shoes are installed .