Here at Pacbrake
we like to keep things simple for our customers. From your first
one-on-one conversation with our sales experts to the final product,
we provide a total package of quality service and parts. There are
a number of components required to operate an exhaust brake, but
we conveniently include everything you need in our exhaust brake
kits.
AIR COMPRESSOR, TANK & CURLY HOSE
Every exhaust brake requires an air compressor and
air tank to operate. Often mounted under the hood, Pacbrake’s
air compressor builds up pressure in the air tank that is released
during braking.
Pacbrake’s ½ gallon air tank works
with the exhaust brake and air compressor to speed up the exhaust
brake cylinder activation. It does this by storing air pressure
(created by the compressor) and holding it until needed. Outside
the air tank there is a 135 PSI pressure switch that controls the
amount of air pressure contained inside. As the pressure drops a
signal is sent to the compressor to create more air, thereby filling
the tank back to its full capacity.
Generally frame mounted, this onboard air tank also
provides an air source for operating air horns and air springs
(as well as any other air-operated accessories your vehicle
may have). PLEASE NOTE: If you are operating more than one
air operated product and prefer a larger air tank and/or compressor,
upgrades are available.
A 25ft curly hose with an assortment of accessories is also included
and easily stored in a heavy duty nylon bag. Just attach the curly
hose to the quick disconnect chuck off of the air compressor (your
external air source) and you’re able to perform a variety
of jobs including:
Filling tires
and checking air pressure
Inflating
air mattresses, footballs, beach toys etc.
Blowing air
(for cleaning, dusting, quick removal of debris)
EXHAUST
BRAKE & TRANSMISSION CONTROLLERS
Most of our
exhaust brake kits come with a controller. This small device is
responsible for engaging the vehicle’s exhaust brake by monitoring
the following settings: engine speed, vehicle speed and throttle
position. It reads the vehicle’s data and analyzes the results
to decide what actions must be taken. If your brake kit didn’t
come with a controller kit it simply means your vehicle doesn’t
need it.
Pacbrake has
two types of controllers, one that is strictly an exhaust
brake controller as outlined above, and the other is combination
brake controller and transmission controller. This dual control
is designed for vehicles with automatic transmissions to improve
the functionality of the exhaust brake. It does this by taking
control of the torque converter solenoid to modulate the pressure
that the torque converter sees. Essentially, it forces the
clutch to disengage in the torque converter and puts the vehicle
into full lock-up, resulting in less slippage and smoother
exhaust brake activation.
When it comes
to installing an exhaust brake on your diesel vehicle there are
two different mounting configurations. Shown below is an example
of the most typical exhaust brake installation - the inline mount.
For this type of install adapters are required to seal the airflow
from the exhaust brake to the exhaust pipe. They are mounted on
either side of the brake and clamped into place.
Dodge 2003 and
newer vehicles are the exceptions, as they are installed using a
direct mount configuration. This type of install does not require
adapters as one side of the brake attaches directly to the turbocharger
and the other side directly to the exhaust pipe.
Pacbrake’s exhaust brake adapters are stainless steel and have
machined flanges so that they are perfectly matched when connected
to the exhaust brake housing. This, as well as the stainless steel
V-Clamps, ensures that there is a perfect airtight seal made between
all exhaust brake joints.
CAUTION: All vehicles with exhaust system upgrades
will be required to use an adapter that fits precisely with the
current exhaust pipe size and brake. Please inform the Pacbrake
sales team about any exhaust system upgrades when ordering an exhaust
brake.
