i wanted an exhaust brake, but from all the horror stories i hear on here about them, i guess i shouldnt do it.........

 

I've installed a few, they're not bad. Just follow the instructions and you should be ok. Make sure you cut the exhaust in the right spot.

 

I installed a Banks Exhuast Brake on mine along with the Monster Exhaust not too long ago. It went very well for installation. The BD brake requires cutting and welding of the exhaust system, the Banks does not, even if you install it on an OEM system. I don't know what you paid for yours, but I got mine for $935 plus shipping from 4x4groupbuy.com

 

I've installed quite a few BD exhaust brakes on all brands, and probably ten or fifthteen on Duramaxs. You do not have to do any welding on the exhaust. They are a fairly easy brake to install. Stay away from Banks. They have had problems. BD makes the best exhaust brake period. Banks got into a field they Know nothing about.
tpitt

 

My banks had cylinder problem. Explanation was the the cylinder and housing were different materials, which caused it to lock closed. That was fun.

However, I know of BD's rusting up.

Don't know of any perfect product.

Would not be without one if you tow a significant weight.

IMHO

 

I have over 3 years and about 40k on my Banks. My operating conditions are the worst - high altitude, high EGT, long grades and heavy loads. Last month the cyl failed with an internal leak - wouldn't apply. Called Banks, Technical Support had a new one on the way to me the same day - no charge (I did pay for overnight ship). I have had only good experience with Banks. I would not tow without an EB!

 

kbstinky,
Never heard of any of BD'S brakes rusting up, not saying your wrong, but have never heard of it. I have had the spool valves getting dirty and then the brake wouldn't work right. They've changed the way some of the vents are, so they aren't so susceptable to dirt. Also the most recent ones I've installed. (just got done with one today) they are made to cycle on and off at start up. The worst thing on an exhaust brake is not to use it.
I can sell any brand of exhaust brake, but firmly believe the BD is the best of them all.
I wasn't trying to bad mouth Banks as some of their products are top notch. (I also can sell Banks if I should choose too) but they have had problems with their exhaust brakes. I believe there are some past threads on this site relating to this fact. tpitt

 

I had a BD installed. There are two problems to avoid:

1). Use teflon tape on the brass fittings on the control valve located on the driver's side frame rail. Otherwise it will leak and the compressor will keep cycling.

2). Make darn sure that your kit uses the idle verifier switch and not the older throttle position switch. Otherwise it will click loudly each and everytime you press the throttle, whether or not the brake is active.

Overall the BD brake is great. Wouldn't tow my 13,000 pound 5'er down a 10% grade without it !

 

tpit,

My comment about bd was based on what I was told by an individual that had one on his truck. I was told that it rusted up and he had to clean it in order to get it to work correctly.

I will not mention his name out of respect for him. If he reads this then he can tell his story.

I almost bought the bd, but went with the banks because of the way it reads throttle position. It is not a mechanical switch.

My .02

 

kbstinky,
All the new brakes I install use the idle verifier swith. The old ones used the microswitchs. I'm actually headed to BD in Canada tomorrow. I go up there for Dealer days and Dyno days. I appreciate any feed back on their products. Believe me I have given them some feedback on my installs. They are a very reputable company and always striving to improve their products. I've guessing I've installed over 60 of their brakes on all three brands of vehicles. The Duramaxs are one of the easiest to do. tpitt

 

Cronojetmax,

Are you driving an LLY or LB7? The LLY has exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) which appears to provide for better grade braking than the LB7's, most of which don't have EGR's.

tpitt,

Sounds like you have a lot of experience with these. Have you installed an exhaust brake on your LLY? If so is there a signficant increase in grade braking?

FWIW I've read other posts about exhaust brakes on the LLY and IIRC installing one may void your engine warranty. I tow heavy with my truck and so far the grade braking feature works well, though I haven't hit a 10% grade like diesel dad, I have ran a 7% for 5 miles so far. Good discussion. JJ

 

The general can void the warranty based on any aftermaker product, if they want.

The SM at my stealer pops off with "how do we know that it wasn't caused by the banks brake" every time I go in there.

He is no longer there, possibly because of my 3 page letter to the owner/gm.

Both brakes are excellent products. It is just that when I had Banks put mine on, along with the 4" exhaust, BD was still using a microswitch on the pedal.

My dmax has the egr and cat. However, the brake works super.

 

I felt the install of the BD Brake was easy and it definitely works...16 miles @ 6% grade, NO brakes needed and 40 mph was held the entire time.

 

so knowing what you guys know would you get the BD or Banks?

Does it sound like a Peterbilt when applied?

 

Those who say their exhaust brake rusted up need to activate it more often. I try to remember to use it at least once daily just to keep it at the ready. I have the BD with no problems rusting up. Two minor annoyances, the cruise control is locked out when the switch is on and mine does not cut out when I come to a stop. I know the design is to lock out the cruise but it should cut out when stopped. I have not had time to call BD to see why it doesn't.

 

are these ok for every day day, to day usage even unloaded?