Sticky Turn Signal

J-Bog

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Hey Guys!

My 82' XS400's turn signal switch is VERY sticky. I have to force it over to activate it, then force it back to its starting position to cancel the signal. I'm not sure what's going on with it. I just purchased this thing the other day and I am trying to get these little quirks smoothed out.
 
Should I really use WD40? Should I be using something like graphite to lube those kinds of things up with?
 
Should I really use WD40? Should I be using something like graphite to lube those kinds of things up with?

use electrical contact cleaner, take the switch housing loose from the handlebar so you can see inside to spray it while working the switch back and forth, WD-40 is a water dispersant not a cleaner or a lube, graphite conducts electricity, it would short out the switch contacts to each other (both sides on?) use a light oil or chain spray to lube
 
jayel is right, definitely bad to use graphite based lube. And a light oil or chain spray is best, but WD40 also works for me. Very old discussion about this product, it's just about right for everything and also not exactly right for anything. But I'm a big fan.
 
I'm taking it apart on Saturday. I'm hoping it's just a little dirty inside, but I'll let you guys know.
 
I got the whole thing apart. The screws were stripped to the housing, which turned out to be a pain to remove. Once inside, there really was just a ton of black tar-looking stuff (maybe someone was just spraying WD40 in it over the years). I used some 99 percent pure alcohol and cleaned the entire inside. Once it was clean, I sprayed some teflon lubricant inside and now the signal moves and snaps back on its own nice and smooth. It worked out very well.
 
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