Banjo brake light switch... Junk.

[Chuckwagon]

Recently purchased a Mike's banjo brake light switch. Since I was replacing the line and fittings, I figured I'd throw one on. Turned out not to be a good choice.

First suspicious thing, I kept finding air in the line. I knew there would be a lot, but I was bleeding that thing off and on for a full day and a half. I used the method described on this board to let the air pass into the reservior. I repeated that process more times than I can recall.

Once I got that done, the switch wouldn't initiate until significant pressure was on. Not good for "signalling" followers early that you're slowing.

Now, tonight I find brake fluid seeping out wiring boot of the switch. That sucks... not only did I waste a lot of time bleeding air out that was constantly leaking in from a bad switch, I've got to bleed the system all over again when I get that dumb thing out. Hopefully I can minimize the mess and air.

That's my story of the $11 switch that is way more trouble than its worth. I bet I won't even get a refund, because of the "no-return" policy for electrical parts.

I rant, but hopefully others can benefit by avoiding this product.

[ShakerNorm]

Chuck - all you can do is send them an email and explain - who knows? Maybe the new owners will cut you some slack for a defective part.

[Chuckwagon]

Yes, I will shoot them an e-mail.
The last return experience for much more expensive part was a real heacache. Two months of back and forth, checking accounts for refunds that weren't there, waiting at the post office for half an hour for a delivery receipt, more e-mails. I did eventually get my refund.
I know those guys are working on it, so I shouldn't bash.

Bottom line, I can't recommend that brake light switch...

And so the story continues... the next problem/leak I found was at the caliper (brand new MikesXS caliper). The bleed screw looks like it is leaking around the threads. Can I use something like teflon tape to fix that?

[xsleo]

I have one of mike's banjo bolt switches on the rear master cylinder of my bike. Been working good for two years now.
It the beeder is leaking around the threads I would say there is a burr on the point of the screw or in the hole the point of the screw goes in. Thats where the screw seals to the caliper.
Maybe just a bit loose, Telon tape should work. I use teflon tape not to prevent leaks but to help seal the threads while bleeding.
Leo

[Chuckwagon]

Good deal, I'll check it out more closely. Yes, I was having problems bleeding the brakes... the threads of the bleed valve were leaking, so I couldn't get good suction with the vacuum tool I use.