Installing a Cummins Jake Brake

[HGreen]

I tried the search feature and came up empty. I am considering getting a jake brake off ebay, stopped by my dealer to check their price. The parts guy says that the PCM needs reflashing for the brake to work. PCM need to know that the jake brake was installed. Is this true?



Truck is a 2006 6 speed.



Thanks for the help

 

[RankRam]

My 06 with the 48RE didn't need to be flashed when I installed my Pac-Brake.



6 Speed or auto shouldn't matter, I think the parts guy is full of it!

 

[ENafziger]

A few months back I read the pdf file on the cummins website for installing the jacobs exhaust brake, and don't recall anything about a reflash. I was planning on doing the install myself, and I think something like that would've jumped out at me.

 

[JERRYKAM]

I have also been contemplating the installation of a Jake brake. Initially, I considered installing the brake myself. My dealer quoted me $1200 and some change for the parts, and approx $1600 for the complete job (parts + installation.



Now the dilemma, my dealer (my business link rep) told me that even if I buy the parts directly from Dodge or Cummins, and install it myself my warranty is placed in jeopardy. An incorrect installation mechanical or electrical that causes a malfunction would not be covered. Nor would any failure of the brake itself.



I have yet to speak with the service manager but I suspect I will get the same party line. DIY and place your warranty in jeopardy.



I can purchase the parts on Ebay for approx $1000 give or take a few bucks. Looking at the brake installation manual, it is not simple install. My time is money and there is always the risk of making a mistake. Take a look at the installation manual and draw your own conclusion as to whether or not you want to undertake a DIY install before you purchase the parts.



There is a good article in the most recent TDR mag that addresses the issue of aftermarket components and warranty coverage. Obviously, the dealer wants your business and they do charge more than the aftermarket suppliers.



In comparison to the purchase price of my truck, the $600 for installation and piece of mind that goes with a dealer install puts the $600 in the chump change category.



With all that said, I'm not totally convinced to go with a dealer install, but I am leaning heavily in that direction.



JerryK

 

[ENafziger]

The dealer had quoted me $1350 for the brake and $150 for the labor to install. After reading the installation manual and realizing how much was involved, I decided the $150 was worth it to have everything warranteed. It ended up taking them alot longer to install than they thought, but they stuck to the original quote. I have no regrets having them install it.



An interesting side note however... I just installed a sps66 turbo, and as a result had to manipulate the jake brake a little. After adjusting the actuating rod, the brake works better than it did after the dealer installed it. I'm not sure the new turbo would have affected this; rather, I believe the adjustment was off a little from the dealer. If you remove the inner fender and look at the vacuum pod, you'll see the adjustment that can be made. Might be worth checking it for yourself if you do end up having it dealer installed!

 

[ox1]

OK - I admit - I am not a true follower of fassion or Cummins toys here - but you guys are talking aboot an honest to goodness Jake Brake? Not an exhaust brake like has been available forever?



If so - then I would assume that Cummins modded the motor at some point to accept this?



I have been wondering if the new '07 motor was gunna be made for a Jake or not - but maybe I'm just behind the times?

 

[jelag]

Guys... . when you connect to the ECM with either the PacBrake or the Jacobs unit and turn the switch on... the ECM see's the exhaust brake and functions without a reflash...



We only reflash the Allison's when an exhaust brake is installed on some motorhomes and trucks... . all the late model stuff will see the connections... its like a plug and play...



Your parts guys and service guys are giving you a bad time... two of the largest Dodge dealers in the country install more pacbrakes than the jacobs units because of the lower cost... . and sell numbers with no problems with warranty... .



If any of you wish more information give me a shout... . we install one or two a week...

 

[ScottLewis]

ox1

The JAKE brake sold by dealers is an exhaust brake manufactured by Jacobs Brake company and uses the name "JAKE BRAKE". The dealer even installs a "JAKE BRAKE" plaque when they install the brake. It is not an engine brake like they have on the big rigs.



Dan

 

[RankRam]

I posted earlier in this thread that I had installed my Pac-Brake on my 06 and it works without the dealer flashing my ECM.



I was just informed by a buddy of mine (he's too cheap to join the TDR :-laf ) that he installed his Jacobs E-Brake and it worked without a flash from the dealer too.

 

[TowPro]

Same here, my 06 did not need a reflash. Way back in 1998 you did need a reflash to make them work because the Jake came out after the 24v motors (if I recall). But once they started doing the every 2 month reflashes we had on the 98's, the correct code got added automatically.



Interested in the part about being out of adjustment. Where did you find the adjustment information (or did I forget to read that section of the manual?)

 

[ENafziger]

Interested in the part about being out of adjustment. Where did you find the adjustment information (or did I forget to read that section of the manual?)

I was happy with the performance of the brake as installed by the dealer; however, when I put the new turbo on, I had to rotate things around a little bit. As a result, when I went to test the truck and the new turbo, I noticed the jake brake wasn't working anymore. I could hear it engaging, but the deceleration it provided was almost non-existant. After removing the inner fender, I saw that the rod going between the vacuum pod and the butterfly valve had a lock nut and a ball-and-socket piece that looked like it offered adjustment. I removed the exhaust downpipe and confirmed that the butterfly valve wasn't closing all the way. If you look at the valve, there are holes drilled in the valve to provide some exhaust to "escape" down the exhaust pipe when the butterfly is in the closed position. Anyway, I released the ball-and-socket (there's a small retainer clip holding it in place) and gave it two turns of adjustment. I started the engine, re-engaged the brake, and noted the position. As getting a close look up the exhaust pipe quickly leaves you teary-eyed and gasping for breath, you can actuate the arm with a small pry bar to see if it is closing all the way. The tone changes dramatically with just a little adjustment... when you experiment, it will quickly become obvious. After putting everything back together again, the brake works better than it ever has. Maybe the dealer never adjusted the brake after installing, or maybe the new turbo changed things. I'm not sure, but it sure helped mine out. BTW, I've not read a procedure on this, I was just trying to figure out why mine quit working, and thought I'd mention what I found. Hope this helps!