How much work is involved in replacing the brake switch?

[MakoShark2]

Hello.

I've been having problems for a long time with a stuck brake switch (2018 F3) which is getting worse.

Tried spraying some brake cleaner and lube with not much success.

I've checked the maintenance manual and it seems there's some work involved.
The right footrest support should come off; the rivet which holds the switch should be drilled and replaced; and some special tool are needed when assembling everything back together to fine tune the braking rod position into the master cylinder.

Is there anyone who has successfully done this before?
Is it too hard to do? Do I really need this tool?

I've been doing all my own maintenance on the Spyder, oil change, brake fluid replacement, fuel filter, and spark plugs replacements... So I'm quite used to maintenance on the Spyder, still no special tools needed until now.

Thank you,
Daniel Santos.

 

[VitoNam]

Hello.

I've been having problems for a long time with a stuck brake switch (2018 F3) which is getting worse.

Tried spraying some brake cleaner and lube with not much success.

I've checked the maintenance manual and it seems there's some work involved.
The right footrest support should come off; the rivet which holds the switch should be drilled and replaced; and some special tool are needed when assembling everything back together to fine tune the braking rod position into the master cylinder.

Is there anyone who has successfully done this before?
Is it too hard to do? Do I really need this tool?

I've been doing all my own maintenance on the Spyder, oil change, brake fluid replacement, fuel filter, and spark plugs replacements... So I'm quite used to maintenance on the Spyder, still no special tools needed until now.

Thank you,
Daniel Santos.

Have you checked Youtube?

 

[MakoShark2]

Have you checked Youtube?

Oh yes... and found nothing for the F3s.

 

[VitoNam]

Oh yes... and found nothing for the F3s.

Have you checked to see if the RT has any info that can help you?

 

[Mikey]

Is it sticking on? Can you shut it off by applying up pressure with your toe? If so, have you tried putting a tighter return spring on the arm?

 

[Bangorbob]

How about looking at a possible recall?

 

[MakoShark2]

Have you checked to see if the RT has any info that can help you?

The brake switch assembly on the RT should be different, but I'll try to find some info about that.

Is it sticking on? Can you shut it off by applying up pressure with your toe? If so, have you tried putting a tighter return spring on the arm?

I've checked the brake rod/arm and it seems to operate normally. When taking my foot off the pedal, I don't hear the switch click and the light stays on. This happens especially if I remove my foot quickly. Afterwards, most of the time a slight touch on the pedal will deactivate the switch.

Which makes me think it might not be defective, but maybe have some dirt on it preventing it from operating normally.

How about looking at a possible recall?

I've checked and found no recalls for the F3S (there is one for the 2020 RT), although there are some reports of malfunctions due to accumulated dirt... In fact, it seems the switch is not efficiently protected against dirt.

 

[Mikey]

The return spring on the older bikes would get weak as time went on; the fix for them was to go to the hardware store and get a stiffer spring, then find something under there to hook it up to so that it helped the pedal return back where it belongs. Had to do it to mine years ago, when I went out and found my light was on in the garage. Just something to think about! Good luck!

 

[RayBJ]

I replaced the brake switch on my '20 RT. It is easy to do, but the RT requires removing the whole right side tupperware.
The F3 SHOULD be a simpler swap.

Edited to correct the switch is on the RIGHT side. DOH!