Exhaust Brake

Laziness or stupidity. It provides zero benefit with no load and zero benefit on level ground or on uphill sections and the benefit going downhill depends on the load and the grade. Only an idiot would leave it on all the time when it is only going to provide a benefit 1% of the time.

On a 5% or greater downgrade that goes for miles and with a tow load of more than 4,000 lbs. the exhaust brake does help to keep the speed of the rig down with little or no use of the brakes (tow vehicle or trailer).

Clearly they need a truck manual for dummies.

Pacbrake makes a hi temp spray lube for exhaust brake cylinder linkages and shaft maintenance.

Sport45 wrote:
I didn't advocate towing without the exhaust brake. Just think turning it on every time you're behind the wheel is a waste.

That's my opinion and I'm stick'n to it. :)

Sorry about that. Didnt mean to attack you so badly..... ;)

You dont have to use it while not towing but turning it on one or twice while driving around every time you're behind the wheel just keeps it working. Kinda like getting old and laying around the couch too much. :B

I didn't advocate towing without the exhaust brake. Just think turning it on every time you're behind the wheel is a waste.

That's my opinion and I'm stick'n to it. :)

Sport45 wrote:
Other than the concerns about slick roads, the biggest downside I see is the exhaust brake will cost you mpg's by interfering with your ability to coast. In the long run the diesel burnt will probably cost more than the brake pads saved.

This is a ridiculous statement..... Aside from the obvious ON/OFF switch..... First off, when the truck is decelerating down a hill there is ZERO fuel being injected into the engine via the (DFCO) Deceleration Fuel Cut Off system. Almost every fuel injected vehicle has this, especially diesels.

Second, if you choose to use neutral while coasting downhill, not only is this freaking crazy dangerous (especially while towing) and illegal, but your engine uses more fuel than decelerating in gear as its now injecting enough fuel to keep the engine idling.

Third, and exhaust brake is a safety device which offsets load on the braking system which lessens the chances of brake fatigue and failure. Any company who thinks they're saving a few cents on fuel by using an exhaust brake is completely and utterly foolish and/or they have no faith in their drivers ability to use an exhaust brake in conjunction with the service brakes. Really.....I cant even think of a good reason why they would advise their drivers to use it very little. :h

There was talk many years ago whereby it should be mandatory that all diesel trucks marketed as a towing vehicle should be equipped with an exhaust brake from the factory simply because its such a huge safety advantage. Most diesel engines dont have an intake venturi because of the way diesel fuel is regulated into the cylinders, therefor there is no retarding factor either when letting off the fuel pedal. They almost coast down the road with weight behind them. So if you've ever had the opportunity to experience towing something heavy in the hills with a diesel truck you'll greatly appreciate the help of this little device. A heavy trailer behind a diesel truck with failing brakes can turn into a missile plunging toward a massive wreck.

When I got into the diesel world years ago I was towing a load of wood down a long mountain highway grade. Very scary when I found my brakes didnt want to slow my loaded combo fast enough for the approaching corners. When I got home I ordered my exhaust brake because I NEVER wanted to experience that white knuckle E ticket ride again.....

Sport45 wrote:
Other than the concerns about slick roads, the biggest downside I see is the exhaust brake will cost you mpg's by interfering with your ability to coast. In the long run the diesel burnt will probably cost more than the brake pads saved.

Thats why the EB has an on/off switch. Some driver input does wonders with mileage and brake life, not to mention engine/transmission heat.
Happy motoring.

I use the EB all the time. Still have the original rear brakes and recently changed the original fronts.

In bad weather I have experimented with the EB to see if the EB will lock the rear wheels. I was unable to but I might not have driven crazy enough or fast enough to have issues. IMO: driving too fast or crazy will get a driver into more trouble than the EB will.

Sport has it right. My buddy that drove over the road said the company told them to only use it when necassary. They are big on fuel savings in that industry. Also i am pretty sure the computer cycles the variable vane after the truck is shut off to help with the sticking problem. I used to use mine all the time but if your conscious of it you will notice yourself tipping back into the throttle when you would have been coasting.

Other than the concerns about slick roads, the biggest downside I see is the exhaust brake will cost you mpg's by interfering with your ability to coast. In the long run the diesel burnt will probably cost more than the brake pads saved.

Using the exhaust brake all the time is a great way to lessen wear and tear on the service brakes and also using the exhaust brake at least one time every time the engine is started will greatly reduce any carbon build up and keep the movement and components from sticking.

I've had my exhaust brake on my truck for around 70,000 miles. I have just over 100,000 miles on my truck and my factory front brakes still have almost 1/2 the pad left. I'm sure my rear drums look like they've just been installed. I use my exhaust brake so much that when I'm in a vehicle without one I find it strange how little resistance there is slowing down.