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Brake Switch Advice Needed

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Rich Cain, Nov 11, 2023.

  1. Rich Cain

    Rich Cain Member

    I am in the process of rewiring my 65 CJ5.
    Should I use the stock "in the master cylinder" switch or put in a pedal position activated switch setup?
    Thanks in advance!
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2023
    Dwins1 likes this.
  2. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Pedal position activated switch setup. No question.
     
  3. supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    I had bad luck with the inline sensors not lasting and switched to a pedal activated switch with a universal switch and a simple bracket. Been reliable for several years.
     
  4. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    All the replacement pressure switches I've found are crap. I have to replace mine t least once a year. I always keep one or two extras on hand. Go with the pedal operated switch if you can.
     
    dnb71R2, vtxtasy, Fireball and 2 others like this.
  5. Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    I too have found the "replacement" / reproduction pressure switches to be of poor quality. So far I have found NOS originals to use on two of my Jeeps, but those are getting hard to find, and I am going to try a mechanical, pedal operated switch. There is a thread on this forum or on the CJ2A Page Forum which details the modification mounting a mechanical switch to the underside of the MC cover in the floorboard. That is what I am going to try.
     
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  6. Rich Cain

    Rich Cain Member

    Thanks for the info.
    I will check out that thread!
     
    Dwins1 likes this.
  7. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    I use NOS pressure switches right on the master cylinder. No problems.
    Yes I also keep a couple spare NOS switches on hand.
    They don’t last forever, but often last 100K or so.
     
    Rich Cain, vtxtasy, PeteL and 2 others like this.
  8. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have heard, but can't prove, that the pressure switches from Harley Davidson are/were good quality.

    My '91 H-D's unit has lasted thirty years. The OEM on my '56 CJ5, even longer.
     
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  9. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    I”ll use these on my flat fenders as long as I can find them.
    I’d do these long before I would start to modify anything that’s workable.[​IMG]
    Depending on the year and model of your rig you may want a slightly different switch having somewhat different terminals and retainer clips.
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2023
    vtxtasy, FinoCJ and Rich Cain like this.
  10. jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Motorcycles use a pull style switch for many brake applications. These are easy to install as they can be mounted anywhere behind the pedal and attached with a spring. This is especially convenient for early CJ's with the pedals under the floorboards.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  11. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor


    Despite differing part numbers, many hydraulic switches used for numerous makes and models for over half a century are identical except for the terminal connection type. Easily adapted.
     
    vtxtasy likes this.