If you have EGR brakes, please lend me your comments

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,



When I loaded up the TDR this morning, I noticed the top headline about the new EGR web site. I have been very interested in EGR brake upgrades for a couple years now, and so I went to see what they are offering.



For the do it yerselfer, it looks like I can get Package "C" which is around $1100 per axle. Of course I would do both axles, so double the cost.



I have a couple questions for those of you who have the EGR brakes, and especially if you did the install yourself, as I know at least a couple of you have.



Please bear in mind that I have a 2001, which means I already have 4 wheel disc brakes, I would not need to do a rear wheel conversion from brake shoes.



1. Which type of rotor would be better: the slotted or cross drilled, and what are the advantages of each type of rotor?



2. In doing this yourself, are there any special tools needed that an average garage mechanic may not have in the old Craftsman toolbox? DO I need a wheel or bearing puller, for example? Any extra large sockets maybe?



3. I have replaced disc brake pads before, on other vehicles, but never anything as advanced as entire rotor replacement. Realistically, is this a job that I can do myself, or would it be at or beyond the limit or experience level of someone like me? I have changed my own lift pump, replaced the rear seal on my Xfer case, installed my DOR bumper and DSS steering stabilizer all myself. I just don't want to get in over my head and get the thing apart and not be able to get it back together. Kinda hard to drive to work that way...



Any other comments anyone would like to pass along would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Tom

 

[Oly]

I'm attempting to call tech support for my '01 ETH/DEE line upgrade kit. The rear line distribution block female fittings in the block are too small for the caliper line fittings.



No live tech support just an answering machine, (still waiting on the callabck).



I explicitly asked for a 2001 year when I ordered this kit. I'm not impressed with the fact that the rear distribution block is not the same size as OEM. This requires rebending lines to make it fit properly.



It would have been nice to have some type of attachment clips for the front ABS wiring included also ("just use ty-wraps").

 

[Oly]

Tom, look in the 2nd gen no engine/transmission forum for an update.

 

[TomGolden]

Bummer Oly... that doesn't sound too encouraging

 

[y-knot]

I too am interrested in the EGR brakes. The "C" package is not per axle, the c price is for the entire truck. You get the front rotor (I would get the slotted one, all the benifets no weakening) calipers, pads, rear shoes, wheel cylinders, new ss lines, fluid, ect. I called and ordered the kit, with a few options and i'll post latter, maybe much latter, not sure when i'll have time for the install.

 

[TomGolden]

I am only trying to clear up my own confusion, but since you have a 97 truck with drum brakes in the rear, you would only need the kit for one axle. Unless of course you are or have already done the disc brake conversion for your rear axle...



So, maybe when you called and ordered the kit the folks at EGR knew you needed only 2 rotors, 2 calipers, 2... of everything, so that was your price? If I ordered for my 2001 truck that has 4 wheel disc brakes, maybe the kit would indeed be $2400 as I guessed above???



On the new EGR web site, the picture the post with the descriptions of the A, B & C kits clearly shows 2 of everything, so that's why I made my statement that for my truck I would indeed need $2400 worth of everything. I hope I'm wrong. Or maybe I hope I'm right. If I'm wrong and it would only be $1100+ to do my entire truck... I'm gonna have a really difficult time NOT calling them to order this.....



My wallet is already :{ :{ :{

 

[scbrown]

I did the EGR upgrade last weekend. I do have rear drums so I can't help you with that.

I can tell you everything worked well, I did have a couple of problems but I got a fast reply from the tech at EGR.

First problem was the rear brake line that was supplied, I have that load sensing lever on the left rear so the brake line did not fit but they sent one out right away.

The next was a leak on the left front line, they told me to tighten, loosen and re tighten the fittings a couple of times so they seat right. This worked fine, no leaks.

I also installed the 1 ton rear wheel cylinders, I was told this would fix the problem with the rear brakes not staying fully adjusted.

I know this will give better preasure for the rear shoes, but I don't know how this keep the shoes adjusted properly?

Time will tell, so far so good!

MUCH better braking!!!!!!

Stan

 

[y-knot]

Just a few comments, I didn't think about the new trucks with dual disc, I guess I just figured someone needing brakes would have an older truck, sorry about that. I think you could just order two of the front kits (at least that should give you an ideal of the cost)? Also I was wrong in my post, the lines are an extra 179. 95 they are on sale right now, save 10 dollars. I needed 2" longer ones so i saved 30 dollars, good for me. Also if you need the seals they are 11 dollars. I ordered there pads, shoes, lines larger wheel cyl. , fluid, spring kit, paint, speed bleeders, and there power bleeder. I did not buy there rotors, or calipers. I went and order RAYBESTOS SUPER STOPERS, which are very nice HD rotors, cross drilled and gas slotted, cost $220. 00, saved $200. And I also bought RAYBESTOS SUPER STOP capipers, they came loaded, but thats ok, cost $130. 00, saved another $ 200. 00. And I took and $ 400. 00 I saved and bought my CENTRAMATIC BALANCERS, I'm happy!

 

[Bova]

Tom,



All I can add is - EGR performance. My wife has a 2002

Chevrolet Suburban, she was not happy with the braking power since day one, so I ordered a set of the EGR pads. Since the truck only had 14000 miles on it all I replaced was the pads.

After bedding the pads, my wife took it for a ride and came back to tell me there was a hissing noise when she hit the brakes.

I took the Suburban around the block and sure enough when you stepped on the brake you could hear the tires trying to get traction... (the hissing noise). There was a huge improvement in braking with only the EGR Pads. They definately are not cheap, but cheaper than rear ending somebody.



I plan on putting them on my truck soon so I'll be interested in seeing what others have to say.

 

[Bova]

My bad, on my truck I have the power stop sltted rotors, For trucks , I like slotted rotors, cross drilled are more prone to crack they both do the same job.



Steve