Front Brake Light Switch repair...

[Guest]

The front brake light switch on my '82 GS1100E decided to quit working. After taking it apart and cleaning, following the proceedure found here at GSR, it is working again.
However when it was apart, I found that the little spring that puts pressure on the contact has rusted and is on its last leg. Searching the usual parts suppliers, it appears that it is not available. Any suggestions as to finding a replacement/substitute?

[Steve]

Some have had luck with a ball-point pen spring, but I can never find the right size.

I just order up a complete replacement assembly for about $10.

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[D Icard]

Thanks Steve...I assume you have had good luck with this and am going to go for it. Can't hardly go wrong for $10...

[rwnielsen]

Those cheap replacements work great. Put a dab of grease on it before you bolt it up, just to hold it together

[Steve]

Also, be sure to assemble the plunger before inserting it into the handle (from the bottom). The copper "U" will straddle the spring, which then goes into the plastic piece. There are tabs on the sides of the "U" that will catch in the holes on the sides of the plastic thing to hold it all together. It then slides into the bottom of the brake lever as one piece. As rwnielsen mentioned, a dab of grease will help hold things in place. You will want to put some dielectric grease over the contacts the copper "U" slides on, anyway, just use a little extra to hold the plunger up inside the brake handle.

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