E-Brake in Freeway traffic?

[Radshooter]

Let me start by saying I HATE the traffic here in Phoenix. Give me a dirt road anyday. Hopefully we will be out of here in January if not sooner. Now on to my question...

Going to and from work on the freeways, I am constantly slowing down and speeding back up to keep pace with the traffic. When I slow down, usually I can just let off the pedal and coast using the gears to slow me down (the benefits of a 6-speed!). Sometimes I need to ride the brakes a little bit. I thought about using the Jake instead of the brakes, but I would wear the switch out turning it on and off all the time. What would happen if I just turned it on and left it on, letting it self-activate when I let off the pedal? What problems would that cause? I don't want to create problems down the road and find out it would have been cheaper to ride the brakes. Would I have to worry about EGTs doing this? Typically they run around 600-650 to and from work. What else would it mess up?



Thanks. .

Steve

 

[Fireman]

I use mine all of the time. No problems.



Fireman

 

[Radshooter]

Fireman... do you mean you leave it on all the time? Even when accellerating?

I use mine a lot too, but I don't leave it turned on all the time.

Steve

 

[J&LRam]

Steve

I drive 110 mi a day and when in heavy traffic I leave mine on. It deactivates itself when throttle is opened or if stopped in traffic or idling at normal engine temps. Sure saves the brakes in heavy traffic... ... ... ... . JIM

 

[NIsaacs]

I don't think there is any fear of using your e-brake too much. Just turn it on and leave it on. The only time you really need to turn it off is when you are shifting or when you don't want it on. With the heavy traffic you drive in and the constant up & down shifting, you may want to invest in a clutch switch like your throttle has.





"NICK"

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks guys. I think I'll try it going home this morning.



Nick... . What is a clutch switch and what does it do? As far as turning it off while shifting, do you mean while I am getting up to speed? What if I have to drop from 6th to 5th and back?



Thanks again

Steve

 

[barbwire]

Clutch switch??????

 

[Prairie Dog]

Steve, as soon as you push on the accelerator the e-brake shuts down - no matter what position the cab switch is in.



Scotty

 

[NIsaacs]

Steve, the clutch switch is not offered as part of the E-brake kit on our pickups, however all big trucks have them. You can get one at most big truck dealers or big truck parts stores, like Automotive Sales Co. or Auto Safety House. They have a replaceable micro switch in a self-contained bracket for universal applications. They mount with screws to any flat surface with an adjustable arm about 6"long. The arm is about 3/16" in diameter and can be adjusted at the switch or you can bend it for exact contact of your clutch pedal. It is basically the same as the throttle switch you already have and interupts the power supply when you depress the clutch. They are very handy when you are in heavy shifting situations.





"NICK"

 

[mbadger]

I used my ebrake all the time on my 96, town, country or highway. Another good thing about using it is warming the enging when it is cold and here in Montana it gets cold. My pick-up is garaged but it does help in warm up. I know Phoenix wouldn't be concerned about it but you might move to somewhere cold.



Mike

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks Nick... That might be something to look into.



Mike... We were in Idaho when I had the ebrake installed, and used it a lot up there for warm ups. I really miss the north country, especially driving to and from work here in Phoenix. Never did take to the heat. Who knows... . maybe our next contract will get us there.



Thanks guys... its bed time for awhile.



Steve

 

[Fred Swanson]

Heck, this is time TO be in Phoenix. I use mine all the time, and even while driving to and from work on the 101. If I am under 20, I usually switch it off. I have a shifter switch. I know Pac offers a clutch defeat switch, to disengage the brake when the pedal is in.



So far 53K miles and the brakes are still looking fine.

 

[jelag]

I leave mine on all the time... and have learned to slow down with the exhaust brake... . if I'm slowing too much I rest my foot on the throttle and bring it off idle and the brake shuts down...



If you never come back to idle... . or what I should say is your foot fully off the throttle a clutch switch is not requried... there is a about a 2 sec delay built into the ECM..... You can shift up or down and if you do it quickly and smoothly the ebrake will not come on.....



Hope this has helped...



Jim

 

[MC-1]

does it hurt anything to downshift while exhaust brake is on?

 

[Schicken bone]

does it hurt anything to downshift while exhaust brake is on?

no. thats what it is made for.

 

[Mad Bomber]

E Brake

I use mine all day long everyday works great

 

[TRLRTRSH]

Steve, the only problem you might have is a rice rocket not paying attention and driving up your %$## :{



Bill

 

[Briman]

I have to believe that an on/off switch is less expensive than a set of brake pads. Use it.



Jelag, current trucks ('03 & after) do not have a delay. You either have to feather the throttle or turn off the switch. I turn off the switch after coming to a stop and turn it back on after reaching speed so that the brake will work when lifting off the throttle. I kind of like the interaction.



I use mine all the time.

 

[NIsaacs]

MC-1, if you down shift with the e-brake on, be sure you have the throtle depressed enough to shut the brake off as you let the clutch out. You do not want to let the clutch out with the brake on at idle speed. Always let the clutch out with matching RPM of the gear ratio and road speed that you have selected whether it be an upshift or down shift. A clutch disconect switch works great for down shifting.





"NICK"

 

[Briman]

NIsaacs, I like to have the brake on as I down shift for max effect. I've driven an ebrake around 200K this way with no problems. If the clutch can take it going ahead it can take it slowing down. IMHO.