Exhaust Brake General ???????

[hammersley]

I've been told that if you have an exhaust brake you should routinely use it as it can become inoperable over time if you don't... . opinions please???? If true how often - like once a week/month day or whatever... . Likewise if running empty - is there any advantage of using it?

 

[QRTRHRS]

The carbon buildup is purported to make the butterfly stick. Danged if know. Between traffic and road conditions, I use mine constantly, loaded or empty. About the only time I don't use it is on glare ice which I try to avoid anyway. By the way, I have maybe 80-100k on my BD brake. Only thing I ever did was take the vacuum switch apart and clean it once.

 

[Nickaru]

The general rule is use it as often as you can. I love my BD and use it even when not towing. Just activate it as you come up to a stop. Word is, it keeps the deposits down and from sticking the butterfly. Some guys use them to warm their engines quicker on those cold mornings.

 

[HBarlow]

My Cummins-Jacobs e-brake has 147,000 miles of constant use, same as the truck. I use it continuously . . . well, except when I back out of the driveway. It has never been cleaned or serviced in any way. I think I remember reading something in the literature that indicated it was designed to avoid carbon build-up that could cause binding or other problems.



Harvey

 

[Rockcrawler]

The Us gear units which I have and sell (excuse the pimp) cycle on and of twice every time you start the truck for this purpose.



That said, even empty, I use it on steeper hills and scrubbing off 75 mph when I hit the off ramp.

 

[jelag]

Use the brake all the time... we often see motorhomes and pickups who don't use the brake except when they tow... and they will carbon up... the new Nitrite coating on the pacbrake has really helped this problem but it still there.....



If you have a pacbrake and any specific questions feel free to PM me...



Jim

 

[Fred Swanson]

All the time, everywhere. I get the strangest looks when I cut it off coming to a stop in town, that air release is loud.

 

[bombero]

HAMMER; Unless you are going to drag something around like a trailer, dont waste your money on a E Brake. Looking at your sig I dont see where you need one> JIM

 

[Mad Bomber]

I use it ALL THE TIME loaded empty and everything in between. It saves on the service brakes. BTW I've got the B-D

 

[BigMike]

My BD owners manual suggests operating it periodically. If you have one on your truck, don't think you need to worry about not operating it enough. I use mine all the time, towing or not.