What size of socket on brake light switch?

rnln · 01-30-2006, 12:51 AM

Hi guys,
Thanks for comming in.

Does anyone know what size of socket wrench I should buy for the brake light switch? I know the socket need to be the long type.

Open end wrench won't work for me. Don't know why it works for other people. Probably the previous owner mod those little metal brake hoses around the switch.

Thanks.

Oh Haha · 01-30-2006, 04:34 AM

I ended up using a crow's foot with a short extension on my ratchet.. It's a PIA but it can be done. I dont' recall the size ,though. Have someone hold the brake pedal down as you replace the stitches. You will not need to bleed the brakes that way.
Hope this helps.

rnln · 01-30-2006, 10:50 PM

Is this called the crow foot?

AFJuvat · 01-31-2006, 04:32 AM

22mm long

Oh Haha · 01-31-2006, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rnln
Is this called the crow foot?

Yup, that's a crow's foot. Looks like a pretty expensive one, BTW.
Mine don't have the hooks on them.

vash · vash's Garage

i just did this. i used a standard sears 15/16th socket. 6 point. with a u-joint. the ujoint cannot be pushed all the way into the socket so apply even pressure and go slow, and you will have to place the socket on the sender first. oh, i used a really long extension so i could stand on the passenger side and reduce the angle.

rnln · 01-31-2006, 10:54 PM

umm.. someone on the other board said 24mm, now I got 22mm umm..
Anyway, thanks guys.

Oh Haha · 02-01-2006, 04:49 AM

Sorry for the confusion.
Seeing as how AFJuvat runs a Porsche shop I would go with his answer.

scottb · 02-01-2006, 06:12 AM

AF Juvat is a pro, but if you want to be extra certain, go to you local AutoZone. They sell the the brake swtiches (with a VW number). Ask the counter guy if you can take it out of the box so you can fit a proper socket. Take it over to the sockets, find the right sized socket, buy it, and you'll be good to go.

Oh Haha · 02-01-2006, 12:39 PM

Good answer, Scott.
I already have the tools so I just went and got the right size. I guess I misunderstood what he was asking. It would be worthwhile for him but a whole set of crow's feet anyway. they sure come inhandy on these cars.

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by scottb
AF Juvat is a pro, but if you want to be extra certain, go to you local AutoZone. They sell the the brake swtiches (with a VW number). Ask the counter guy if you can take it out of the box so you can fit a proper socket. Take it over to the sockets, find the right sized socket, buy it, and you'll be good to go.

What's the VW part number? Or do you just ask for one for a certain model VW? If so, which one, which years?

scottb · 02-01-2006, 08:33 PM

Ask for the part for the 911. When you get it, it will probably have a VW part number, but it will fit your car.

rnln · 02-01-2006, 09:42 PM

ho haha,
Thanks much.

scottb,
very good idea.
Anyone know the VW part#?
I asked for my 911 part#, it turn out that the sprongs are spread apart much wider. How can they sell it?
I asked for "how about VW switch?". He asked "which year?". I felt like an idiot :lol:

Oh Haha · 02-02-2006, 04:45 AM

I bet Pelican has some of these for sale.

(hint hint)

I needed mine immediately so I went to my Car Quest store. They had them in stock.

Oh Haha · 02-02-2006, 05:23 AM

Check out the master cylinder section in the Pelican catalog.
There are different versions based on manufacturer and the year of your car.
I tried to post directly but it didn't work.

rnln · 06:57 PM

Finally I bought those (wide apart 2 prongs). Connect another 2 short pieces of wire and plugs between the OEM socket and the Autozone switch. Work like a charm BUT... I will need to bleed soon.
My brake was PERFECT. A hard stop would only take me proximately an inch or so (maybe I exagerate a little bit) but now my brake pedal is soft just like my other cars (camry and lexus)

crying big time. I hate this job since I am too busy and also this can't be a one man job. Anyone is S. Cal want to do this job for 2 cars together?

My wife comment "your brake is better now. I like it" :lol: She couldn't move my brake pedal more than 1/2 inch. Now she feel it's better just Because she can make it move when she step on it :lol:

HarryD · 02-04-2006, 09:34 PM

One guy can bleed his brakes. Two ways to do it Gravity bleed - slow but effective; or Get a Motive Bleeder and Pressure Bleed - fast but effective.

rnln · 02-05-2006, 02:42 AM

I kind of know the Motive Bleeder. What are the 2 ways of Gravity bleed?
Thanks.