E-brake (Pacbrake) installation

[HGreen]

Just installed a Pacbrake on my 2006 6 speed and need some ideas. The brake is activiting everytime I put in the clutch to shift. The hiss of releasing air is driving my wife crazy. I know that Pacbrake offers a clutch switch, but is there other alternatives that you may have used to create a delay longer than the ECM is providing?



I have thought about buying a pair of lever actuated switches and mount them off the clutch petal, use one for the Pacbrake and the other for the fast idle modification.



Any other thoughts? Thanks

 

[mattymac]

Mines just wired direct from the switch to the brake, not trough the ECM. Its got its advantages and dissadvantages because I have to hit the switch on and off when I need it but there is alot less delay waiting for the air to pump up after rail pressure has dropped. I would think if you installed a microswitch on the pedal somehow and wired it through it that would be the cheapest easiest fix.

 

[RMachida]

I've thought about adding a switch but after driving it for a while, I got used to not releasing the throttle pedal fully (keep pressure on the pedal) between shifts and the e-brake rarely ever engages while shifting. Also the engine is usually going about the right speed for smooth shifts.

 

[Hercules130]

I got there shifter switch, works great. mine also came with an air tank and i never have any delay, the brake comes on instantly.

 

[jelag]

RMachida has the right approach to what we suggest to our customers... the other option is the shifter switch... and leave it off when you don't wish to use it.....



Leave your foot lightly on the pedal and you won't have the brake engage...



Also... . On the air cylinder is a large silver valve... this is a quick dump valve... to allow for rapid air dumping when the brake is turned off... . I can't hear this... nor can my wife... . you might look at it... and turn it 90* or so... . this might exhaust the air in a direction that makes less likely she can hear it... . with all that engine noise... this is the first time I've heard this...



2 other thoughts... . 1 - recheck the connection between the turbo and brake and make sure that the clamp is correctly aligned... and 2 - when the brake has 500 or so miles on it... retighten the clamp between the turbo and brake... . you only need to check this ONCE... . but it needs to be done.....



Hope this helps...

 

[HGreen]

A little more info. The PacBrake is the PRXB model with the air tank, thus it does not have the quick release solenoid. I do have the shifter switch, and have turned it off when shifting, but I'm lazy. I like the idea of keeping slight pressure on the accelerator when shifting, tried this on the way home, will take a little getting use to. Really considering the clutch switch.



Thanks so far for the suggestions, any others?

 

[JRMora]

Frankly, I hear it, but have gotten to the point where it is just another noise. It's never bothered me or my wife.



It is amusing, though when it dumps at a stoplight, especially when I pull up next to someone with their window down. They look all over the place for the source of the noise. I'm amazed someone hasn't tried to tell me I "sprung a leak"!



Love the brake jelag! Just came back from 9 days (and 2000 miles) around the southwest and So Cal. Never had to use the service breaks at 22,000# going down the 7% grades. Boy, what a joy!



Juan

 

[JHofmann]

Yep... just keep very light pressure on the accelerator pedal, works well for me. I have the PXRB also..... love it!! Not using the service brakes gowing down hill is awesome.

Thanks Jelag.

 

[TCDiesel]

We always recommend wiring around the ECM,The switch we used on the pedal has been in used for over three years and only ONE was replaced. Even though your wiring is according to the the same spec"s as the authorized Jake,this removes ANY warranty issue"s that may develop,Also you can wire up the ramp idle with your remote stater. So you can sit in your living room start your Vehicle engage your Brake, and ramp your Idle to the pre-set RPM,and have a toasty warm truck in Minutes,and still have a nice Brake...

 

[Hercules130]

Maybe it's just me, but i shift fast enough so my brake doesn't come on during the upshifts.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Maybe it's just me, but i shift fast enough so my brake doesn't come on during the upshifts.

Me too. I suspect theres a problem some place in the truck if the computer is not providing the two or three second delay it's supposed to.



Scotty