ivmachine

I have a Bendix treadle vac power brake unit in my 57 olds. I just had the unit rebuilt, installed, and bled the brakes. The problem I’m having is the brake lights are always on. The switch will turn off the lights when the button is pressed in and the brake pedal is not being pushed in. The piece that is screwed into the brake pedal to push in the brake switch doesn’t touch the switch even when I’ve screwed it out the whole way. Has anyone else had this issue before? What am I doing wrong?

Yellowstatue

I had that problem also but would work with the switch screwed all the way out. So I think maybe something was bent or not assembled correctly. I put some sealer on the threads so it would not move after adjustment.

ivmachine

I don’t think there is any adjustment on the switch itself. Only the threaded bolt on the pedal with a flat head to push in the button. I adjusted the bolt all the way and still too far away from the button to make contact.

Yellowstatue

How about sticking a pad on the end of the bolt to make up the difference.

ivmachine

I can do that, but I’m wondering if I don’t have something installed correctly.

Yellowstatue

I was playing with my signal light switch yesterday and had my face right there looking at my switch and wondering why the bolt was threaded all the way out too. So I am going out to the garage right now and have a closer look with my brain fully engaged.

OLDSter Ralph

Sounds like wires need changing....brake lights should be OFF til switch button is pushed in. Are there alternate mounting holes for the treadle vac ?

Yellowstatue

So I removed the switch and the button has a hole in the middle and I am wondering if there is supposed to be a rubber nib or pad that fits into that hole that might be a quarter inch thick or so. ???

Yellowstatue

The switch works opposite to a sixties car. The switch is riveted to a bracket that only fits onto the pivot in one location.

Yellowstatue

I'm back. I took the switch out and found a hard plastic piece (anchor) that presses firmly into the hole and sticks out about 3/8" and now my adjuster bolt is at about mid travel. Problem solved.