Front brake pressure switch no longer working

For about the past year my front brake will not trigger the brake light at all anymore, even if I pump up and hold the brakes. On my 79 KZ1000, it has a pressure switch threaded into the brake splitter, so one day I removed it and cleaned both the splitter and switch with brake parts cleaner. Some crud came out, and I hoped it would at least work afterwards. After getting everything bled, I still have no luck. I jumped the two wires that connect to the switch together and the brake light does come on, so it is not a wiring issue at least.

Is there a way to disassemble this switch or should I look for a new one? I tried searching the forum, but couldn't find much for some reason. I swear there have been plenty of topics on this that I have read in the past, but I can no longer find them. I actually wouldn't mind putting a newer master cylinder and brake handle setup that has the switch on the lever. Has anyone done this recently?

Thanks for any help, as usual!

Try here for replacement pressure switches:

www.redlinecycle.com
www.sudco.com
www.kandstech.com
www.reproductiondecals.com

I replaced the front master cylinder on my 79 750 twin with one from a 96 GPz1100 that had a mechanical brake light switch.
Same master cylinder is used on lot's of Kawasakis.

toadson wrote:

For about the past year my front brake will not trigger the brake light at all anymore, even if I pump up and hold the brakes. On my 79 KZ1000, it has a pressure switch threaded into the brake splitter, so one day I removed it and cleaned both the splitter and switch with brake parts cleaner. Some crud came out, and I hoped it would at least work afterwards. After getting everything bled, I still have no luck. I jumped the two wires that connect to the switch together and the brake light does come on, so it is not a wiring issue at least.

Is there a way to disassemble this switch or should I look for a new one? I tried searching the forum, but couldn't find much for some reason. I swear there have been plenty of topics on this that I have read in the past, but I can no longer find them. I actually wouldn't mind putting a newer master cylinder and brake handle setup that has the switch on the lever. Has anyone done this recently?

Thanks for any help, as usual!

Z1E carries [click on each following link]:

Oem type pressure switch

switch cover

Z1E also carries an alternate style "banjo bolt" switch:

banjo bolt brake switch

another size banjo bolt switch

I would replace the oem switch, and be done with it.

Good Fortune!

Thanks all, just ordered a new switch from Z1E, so I hope that will cure the problem!

I got one from Z1E, excellent value, less than $20
ED

Installed the new switch, brake light worked before I even bled the brakes! Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions!