hand break light switch life

[Wildman]

My Valkyrie hand break light switches do not last long.
I've tried spraying it with WD-40 but that doesn't seam to help.
I haven't had one last more than year yet.

What's the secret to hand break light switch life?

[Ricky-D]

I am not so sure wd-40 is a good choice for what you are trying to do.

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[Gryphon Rider]

This is the first I've heard of this being an issue.  I could be wrong, but this could be a case not of everyone else having a secret, but you doing something that most others don't, such as pressure washing the motorcycle, or using Simple Green or other harsh cleaner to clean the brake lever area.

Oh, I just had a thought.  Check for looseness in the pivot of the lever.  My experience with the clutch lever switch is if it's loose it will prevent the switch from operating properly.  It may be time to replace the pivot bushing (not shown, but pressed into 18) or the bolt (19) or the lever (18).

P.S. I wouldn't use anything but electrical contact cleaner to spray into a switch.

[Valker]

I agree with the past two posters. I have my original switch still on at 116,000. Works fine.

[Wildman]

I tried the WD-40 on the last switch only,(on advice from a friend) it failed in less than a year.
I only wax the bike, it never gets any water hose, or pressure wash spray.
I do ride in the rain once in a while
I do have an electrical connections rear blinker/ brake light set up that may draw a little more juice than stock but not much more.
The pivot is in good shape, lubed with a touch of waterproof wheel breaing grease.

[R J]

If you replace that bushing, leave the firkin wheel bearing grease off of it and use Vasline instead...........

Sounds like you got too much crap, wheel bearing grease, up in the push rod hole and in any other spots it shouldn't be...........

[Wildman]

The lever rotates very freely.
The switch makes the lick but does not complete the connection.

[John U.]

Can't hurt to try contact cleaner. CorrosionX is good. Radio Shack has a version of the same stuff.

[sheets]

A dab or squirt of Corrsion Block from a Marine type hardware store works for me. 
('99 model year with no switch failures). 

[R J]

The lever rotates very freely.
The switch makes the lick but does not complete the connection.

Brake light juice will not go through wheel bearing grease and make contact.

Clean it up and use Vaseline as I said just up a couple of posts.

[daytona]

The WD has worked 4 me on many diff bikes etc etc. Does this controle a relay?

[daytona]

Pull the two wires off and see how much of a draw it has when contact is made.