I have heard you guys talk about Exhaust Brakes, and I have even seen some photos of them. I still dont understand what they do. Can anyone please explain to me what it does?
hey jeremy an exhaust brake is a contraption that is put in the exhaust system right after the turbo and what hapens is when you slow down and activate it a plate closes up the exhaust and puts backpressure on the motor slowing it down therefore slowing down your truck.
Oh ya, i think i remember my dad telling me that semis have these? Im pretty sure about it. He said its that noise that is really loud when they are slowing down and it sounds like they are downshifting or something going downhill on a mountain. Im guessing that makes it easier on the brakes especially when towing. Does this pic look accurate?
carguy, Another note on the exhaust brake: E/B's aren't friendly to auto trannies unless there are external controls on the tranny to keep it locked out. Putting 'em on trucks with a stick tranny is no prob and yes, they're a great safety device especially when hauling.
Hey carguy... ever jammed a potato up someone's tail pipe before? Same idea, essentially compress the air coming out of the engine making it harder for the pistons to travel on their up stroke. Most semi trucks have engine brakes, completely different. "Jakes" go between the head and valve cover and hold valves open at the right time get the same type of effect.
