"BRAKE-GUARD" Has anyone heard of this product?

[tschwab]

My uncle just had the "Brake Guard Safety System" installed on his '94 CTD. It looks like two small valves installed onto the brake lines near the master cylinder, which is supposed to make the brakes much more efficient and spread the breaking power evenly between front & rear.



Cost was about $425. 00 installed and the braking action feels similar to air brakes and after driving his truck, I've got to say it is pretty impressive... . stopping the vehicle in a much shorter distance with a really strong brake feel, which these vehicles seem to lack from the factory.



According to the sales materials, the benefits are:

Faster stopping with less pedal pressure.

Reduced stopping distance both towing and solo.

Shorter, straight ahead stops.

Improved stopping power and control.

Extended brake life.

Pre-set, pre-sealed, zero maintenance.

Compatible with all ABS systems.

10 Year warranty.



I like the fact that this puts no strain on your tranmission (automatic) like an exhaust brake could.



What problems could a product like this cause? We both tow 5vr's around 10k+ lbs and any additional stopping power is welcome. Any feedback, comments welcome. Thanks - Terry

 

[dmurdock]

i just looked at a website selling them, basically they are "snubbers" for the brake system (air charged dampeners which cushion the pulsation caused by the high & low spots found on drums/rotors).



Personally, i'd spend the money on an exhaust brake... but then again, i haven't driven a vehicle with these so I don't have anything to compare them too. However, they don't reduce heat buildup which is what gets you on those long downhill grades... .

 

[NVR FNSH]

I thought these guys were charged/convicted for false advertising. I remember seeing something a while back that was not very positive. I just can't remember what it was or where I saw it.



You might try a search on google or something.



Brian

 

[illflem]

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION UPHOLDS CHARGES AGAINST BRAKE GUARD

"The Commission concludes that there are no competent and reliable scientific data to support the respondents’ advertising claims. "



http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/9801/brake.htm



Surprised to hear they're still in business. Their pitch before was that their product was add-on ABS for non-ABS brake systems. I have no personal experience with them, could be good but I sort of doubt it.

 

[HC]

At most, it could change the way the brakes "feel", or as suggested maybe dampen some pulsations. But you're still running the same drums and/or rotors, same pads, same wheels - a simple add on is not going to make your brakes more capable of stopping these rigs. Too many key parts are still "factory".



Those without an exhaust brake need to hook up with someone who has it, and go for a test drive. They don't throw you through the windshield; they come on "gentle", but, properly used, they reduce the use of the regular brakes by an incredible amount. As I've said before, they also make the rig more fun to drive, and don't forget winter warm-up / extended idle benefits.



No, I'm not selling them in my spare time - just a happy BD customer!