PacBrake Problems - Frustration

[JDeMont]

There have been lotsa threads about exhaust brakes, but I'd appreciate comments on the following:



(1) PacBrake air compressor failed a bit out of warranty. Installed 4/8/04 & failed 2/20/07 to the tune of $574.



(2) On the new compressor, apparently the installer (Henderson's Line-Up Grants Pass, OR) carelessly allowed the plastic air hose to touch something hot. Manifold or ? Regardless, the hose failed on 7/31/07 (5 months later). No Charge.



(3) The hose failed again on 5/16/08. Appears that Henderson's may have used what they thought was the good part of the original hose as there was about a 2 inch "line" down the hose that appears to have previously been against something hot. This is where the blowout failure appeared.



(3) I was able to make a "field repair" that enabled me to get down the Siskiyou grade (I-5 northbound) with a brake, but I need a replacement hose that is properly ferruled. I'm surprised that my repair worked at all. Without equipment, getting the ferrule back on is pretty much impossible.



Questions: (a) Is the black hose supplied by PacBrake OK as long as it's carefully installed away from hot metal? (b) Would wire loom or some other protection be helpful? (c) Is there a better hose?



The bottom line is I really like the brake, but I need it to be more reliable. Due to a family circumstance I only have 18,000 miles on my 2004. 5, so it's not like the brake has been over used.



Thanks,



Jim DeMont



PS. The truck itself has been fine. Only time back to the dealer was for the early on white smoke - mileage reflash.

 

[Harlan]

Go to a Peterbilt Dealer and get one hose long enought to go all the way. Pet hose must meet DOT regs. for heat and melting temp. Also good quality. also if you can fined it get heat resistent caves or impregnator wire loom, Not plastic as sold at Napa. Not hitting on Napa or any other parts store. They just do not have the quality you need. Reach in and grab your air pump or anything and you will now how hot things can get. Also get enought line to rout it away from all hot spots and you will be fine. Also check that your pump is shouting of. if you have a very slight leek it will run all the time and burn up real fast.

Harlan:-laf

 

[jelag]

I've never had a replacement compressor that we've sold to a customer installed go for any where close to the amont you've listed... . Compressor failure is almost always 1) dirt, lack of filter 2) low voltage, bad connection, 3) an air leak that causes it to die from overwork...



The plastic hose is standard dot approved 1/4" air line... I personally don't care for the fittings in that they are compression fittings and once the brass sleeve is crushed it can't be reused... . but these are very inexpensive sleeves... there are some very nice industrial fittings that are a little more money and slip fit together and pull apart with out the crush sleeve of the compression fitting...



Either your hose is stretched to tight or something... we have several trucks are oldest is not 16 years old. . with the stock compressor and lines installed and we've seen a lot of older vehicles this way...



Jim, all that I can say is that you need a real professional to look at your installation and figure out why your having failure problem... I personally feel that the PacBrake is one of the best engineered aftermarket items you can add... .



Questions: (a) Is the black hose supplied by PacBrake OK as long as it's carefully installed away from hot metal? (b) Would wire loom or some other protection be helpful? (c) Is there a better hose?



a) its a great hose and DOT approved... . the same quality hose used in Class 8 trucks. . its the installer... . b) we run it all over with no protection, just like on a Class 8 truck... c) yep there is a better hose but its 20 times more money... . and I'd never use it. .



You can email me personally if you need to for additional help... .