Brake lights staying on?

[slicknapier]

So when I take the 51 out and about I've noticed my brake lights will stay on. When I first get out of the car they are not on. Come back out 5 minutes later and they are on. Is there some sort of residual pressure staying in the system possibly. Just some history, I bought the car about a month ago and have no real info on the cars history. Looks like it has sat a while at one time or another. I replaced 2 leaky wheel cylinders on the drivers front. They were pretty nasty and gunked up. I haven't checked the others, so I'm assuming they are the same. Would some crud in the wheel cylinders possibly be causing my problems. Maybe getting stuck and keeping pressure in the system? Cleaning everything out is on the list of things to do. Also, I took the car out for about a 40 mile cruise the other day and my front brakes tightened up on me. I had to bleed the front passenger wheel cylinder to relieve the pressure. Since then they have been fine. Any suggestions or experience is appreciated. thanks, andrew

[Young Ed]

My car had the light staying on too-just needed a new switch.

[greg g]

Assure the return port inthe bottom of the MC reservoir is clear. Shine a flight into the filler you should be albel to see two holes inthe bottom of the reservoir. If you can't see two use a piece of wire to find and clear the other. They are about 1/4 inch apart in line withthe frame. If both holes are visible and open thne the switchis the likely culprit.

[Norm's Coupe]

You can check the things Greg & Ed mentioned. They are the most common reasons for the light to stay on. However, it sounds like your brake system is not properly bleed, if your brakes locked up. That could also cause a problem with the switch. Might want to bleed the brakes again either way.

[Robin (UK)]

My guess is that the shoes are slightly too tight, so will heat up due to friction when you drive.

Everything expands with the heat and that's why your brake lights go on.

You'll probably find that the hubcaps are warm when you park.

If you drive longer distances, the brakes will bind and you can boil the brake fluid and cause the rubbers to perish.

Worth re-adjusting the set-up to avoid future problems.

[Plymouthy Adams]

as Enzo was known to say, brakes just slow you down...!

[slicknapier]

thanks gents, I will do all of the above..