Triumphrat

Wombat · 01-22-2009, 01:05 AM

While giving the TBS a check over before taking it in for its annual safety check I noticed that the rear brake switch was operating oddly.

When I operate the rear brake, the brake light initially dims and then gets brighter but not fully bright.

If I operate the front brake at the same time as the rear, the brake light comes on at full brightness.

I checked the wiring to the rear switch and if I short out the terminals, the light works fine and when I put the multimeter across the switch terminals, it appears to be ok.

I can only assume that there is some issue with the switch itself.

Has anyone observed this problem before?

Are there any replacement switches that can be used other than OEM?

Greaser · 01-22-2009, 01:24 AM

I replaced my switch at 20-30,000km. With 77,000+km, it is starting to act strange again. I don't know if you could take it off and try cleaning it with brake clean. I never tried that.
I also don't know if there is a substitute switch for it either.
Not much help, SORRY!

Wombat · 01-22-2009, 01:33 AM

I did give it a good clean on the outside with brake clean ( in case of corrosion etc on the terminals) but did not take it off as I figured I would need to bleed the brake if I did and did not have the time at the time.

The bike is due for a major service (replace all fluids) so I will just replace the switch when I flush the brakes.

Magilla · 01-22-2009, 11:10 PM

In checking mine last night, the rear brake will not illuminate the light but the front does, so appears I have a switch issue also. All wiring appears intact. Going to pull it off and if I see anything obvious I'll post.

patrol21 · 01-23-2009, 04:34 PM

I ended up replacing the switch on my 95 bird a year or so ago. It's a 2 minute job. It's a Triumph OEM part and from what I can remeber it wasn't cheap but I have a 95 so I'm getting used to it.....