Front brake lever loose

[diggers]

Hi folks , I need some advice about my loose front brake lever.  I can flick it with my finger and there is some play there.  When I need to use the brake, I can pull the lever in slightly before I actually engage the brake.  The brake still seems to work fine, but the brake light is on most of the time, and it won't pass a Warrant of Fitness check like that.  I took the lever off and it doesn't appear to be worn out or broken etc.  Is the fault with the brake system?  Any suggestions?

[nhmaf]

When this happened to me, it was that the piston in the M/C was no longer moving back all the way to where it is supposed to stop.
It could be corrosion in the bore, it could be that the tiny (TINY) little hole that is supposed to allow the brake fluid to bleed back
after being squeezed is partially plugged, or the piston is binding up on the rubber seal.   In any case, it is likely time for a
clean/flush/rebuild of the M/C.   With the lever "floppy" as it is, the switch contact is staying "on".    If the M/Cylinder hasn't been
given attention in a few years, try to drain/flush/refill it first - if that doesn't work, it is time to get out the wrenches.

[MrRiden]

Yes! what nhmaf said! Master Cyl rebuild time! I regret I still haven't spent time looking up the generic rubber bits. Pull the master & lets have a look.
rich

[scuba]

it is time to get out the wrenches.

Do you REALY ever put 'em back?  

[Justin B.]

He didn't specify year so if he has a '79-'80 the brake light switch is hydraulic.  So, if the light is on most of the time in this case...

[diggers]

Thanks for the advice men.  I'll bleed/flush/clean etc and see if that does the trick.  Cheers!