Jacob's Exhaust Brake, how effective?
Guest
Posts: n/a
Jacob's Exhaust Brake, how effective?
Got the exhaust brake on. No serious issues. It's working. Makes a hissing noise, but also a semi-harsh engine noise. <br><br>One question. How effective is it supposed to be? It does brake the vehicle, but not quite as much as I thought it would. Of course, it'll probably be different when I'm towing a load down a steep hill, but I thought some people used it "instead of brakes." Below 2000 RPM, it doesn't do too much. No complaints, just trying to get information on how it works. <br><br>ascraeus
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Re:Jacob's Exhaust Brake, how effective?
How effective? It's not a replacement for the service brakes. An aggressive driving style will wear out the pads real fast, exhaust brake or not. I just changed the pads on the front of my model year 2000 Ram 2500 at 86,000+ miles, most of them with an E-brake by Jacobs. The pads had another safe 15,000 miles on them. I seldom touch the service brakes unless coming to a complete stop on the open road.
Proprietor of Fiver's Inn and Hospitality Center
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,506
Likes: 22
From: Sarasota, Florida
Re:Jacob's Exhaust Brake, how effective?
The EBrake is most effective above 2K as you have found out. I am quite impressed with it with the fiver on behind. It is really helpful when rolling onto an off ramp from the interstate. Plan ahead a little and you will only touch your brakes at the last minute to complete the stop. I have not had it on a good grade yet, but the effect on the interstate tells me it is going to do good.<br><br>PleasedBob
<br><br>ascraeus
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 1
From: Claremont, Virginia
Re:Jacob's Exhaust Brake, how effective?
I've had my Jacobs for over three years now with no problems and I pull up to 26000 pounds on ocassion. The higher the rpm's, the better it will work by building up more back pressure which is what it does. The hissing and additional engine noise is normal when the brake is on. You should hear mine whistle with those four inch stacks.<br>I am approaching 123000 miles and my front pads are still like new at this point. I use it all the time.
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 1
From: Claremont, Virginia
Re:Jacob's Exhaust Brake, how effective?
Just an additional note, the engine will still over rev if you are on a steep enough pass even with the Jacobs so be careful. Over rev in this case is not a good thing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gman07
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
7
Apr 10, 2006 08:24 PM
Hemlockusa
Towing and Hauling / RV
16
Jan 28, 2006 07:07 AM