Brake Pedal Return Problem

[TheMonzta]

The brake lights on my 318i are staying on occasionally even when my foot is completely removed from the pedal resulting in me getting a few angry flashes from other drivers.

I've had a look at the switch on the pedal and it looks fine and certainly doesn't seem to be sticking. The problem seems to lay with the pedal itself.

After depressing the pedal it doesn't seem to be popping back entirely all the way as if perhaps the spring that provides the return tension isn't taut enough. I find I have to keep hooking my toe under the pedal and pull it forward manually.

Is there any adjustment in the mechanism to allow it to 'ping' back to where it should?

[Brianmoooore]

Pull rod that goes across the car from the bellcrank at the pedals to the bellcrank behind the glovebox needs lengthening slightly.
It has a RH thread on one end and a LH thread on the other, so turning it adjusts its length.
Slacken the locknut, and turn the rod, using the two flats on it near the clutch pedal, until the pedal just lifts up to its stop. Tighten the locknut, and job done!

[TheMonzta]

Thanks for that info Brian. I'll have a crack at the pullrod on Thursday afternoon when I finish work.

[Jookeone]

Hi, just digging up this old thread as it's relevant.

When lengthening the pull rod "until it just lifts up to its stop" would that be the bracket with the brake light switch on it? I'm assuming I want a small gap just 1mm or so?

Thanks.

[Jookeone]

Anyone?