Brake pedal adjustment - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

vectorit · 04-03-2010, 01:40 AM

Been working on my brake lights, and after adjusting the depth of the switch contact point today - engine off, brake lights working when pressing the pedal.

Go for a drive, pull into the garage and notice the brake lights are constantly on even after I turn the engine off.

After looking at the switch, and seeing that it hasn't readjusted itself I just so happen to lift on the brake pedal. It came up about an inch or so, looked over at the wall and see that there is no red light reflection...

So, this is what I figured so far.

Engine off - pressing the brake pedal just as one would be by applying the brakes, the brake lights go off and on as they should.

Engine on - pressing the brake pedal just as one would be by applying the brakes, the lights go on but stay on after pressure to the pedal has been removed.

Simple question I guess... Am I to adjust the brake switch while the engine is running, or does the brake pedal have to much slack in it for the spring to pull it back up?

If the pedal has to much slack in it, what is the rule of thumb to adjusting the pedal?

I've been looking through my documentation, and there is nothing specifically noted about what I am asking above in the books I have.

Thoughts?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 04-03-2010, 05:54 AM

Did you check the spring to make sure that it is good?

JIm

50mercfan · 04-03-2010, 09:54 AM

should be a return spring on the brake pedal arm.

rusty baker · 04-03-2010, 11:30 AM

Better hope that spring is good. GM doesn't make them anymore. None of the aftermarket suppliers had any. Had to buy a universal and cut it to fit. And they are a bear to install.

04-03-2010, 01:40 AM	#1
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Brake pedal adjustment Been working on my brake lights, and after adjusting the depth of the switch contact point today - engine off, brake lights working when pressing the pedal. Go for a drive, pull into the garage and notice the brake lights are constantly on even after I turn the engine off. After looking at the switch, and seeing that it hasn't readjusted itself I just so happen to lift on the brake pedal. It came up about an inch or so, looked over at the wall and see that there is no red light reflection... So, this is what I figured so far. Engine off - pressing the brake pedal just as one would be by applying the brakes, the brake lights go off and on as they should. Engine on - pressing the brake pedal just as one would be by applying the brakes, the lights go on but stay on after pressure to the pedal has been removed. Simple question I guess... Am I to adjust the brake switch while the engine is running, or does the brake pedal have to much slack in it for the spring to pull it back up? If the pedal has to much slack in it, what is the rule of thumb to adjusting the pedal? I've been looking through my documentation, and there is nothing specifically noted about what I am asking above in the books I have. Thoughts? __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

04-03-2010, 05:54 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Brake pedal adjustment Did you check the spring to make sure that it is good? JIm __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

04-03-2010, 09:54 AM	#3
50mercfan Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: henderson ky Posts: 196	Re: Brake pedal adjustment should be a return spring on the brake pedal arm.

04-03-2010, 11:30 AM	#4
rusty baker '70 C-10 Primer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nevada,missouri Posts: 117	Re: Brake pedal adjustment Better hope that spring is good. GM doesn't make them anymore. None of the aftermarket suppliers had any. Had to buy a universal and cut it to fit. And they are a bear to install. __________________ "The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein



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