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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:21:13 AM EDT
[#1]
I'm curious about this as well. Weird how GD often reads my mind.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:22:28 AM EDT
[#2]
I always assumed it was a switch they flipped.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:26:54 AM EDT
[#3]
like this?
 Tips and Tricks For Jake Brake Use in Big Rigs  Theory and Operation of The Jake Brake Engine Brake |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:27:59 AM EDT
[#4]
You can turn the engine brake on/off with a toggle switch.
When activated, they engage when you let off the accelerator. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:28:04 AM EDT
[#5]
They flip a switch.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:28:17 AM EDT
[#6]
Yup....it's just a on/off switch that is flipped. There is a jake brake...which you are hearing. Some are muffled and you can barely hear them...and others are loud as hell. There is also an exhaust brake which is different. Someone will be along and get in better detail about them.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:29:06 AM EDT
[#7]
There's not much to it. Generally when you have it switched on it activates when you're rolling with the transmission in gear and you don't have your feet on the clutch or accelerator. The purpose being to slow the truck if you're going down a steep mountain grade. Otherwise you could burn up your brakes while you continue to gain speed.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:30:16 AM EDT
[#8]
I'm not a trucker so I may not be 100% correct.
From my understanding, a jake brake uses an engine valve to release the cylinder's compression to reduce the piston's rebound from the potential compressed air. In a gas engine, engine braking means the piston is compressing the air but then the compressed air pushing the piston down after top dead center. A jake brake prevents that. The loud popping is the compressed air being released. I believe the jake brake is just switches, and there are varying degrees that the jake brake can engaged. Again, I could be wrong somewhere in this. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:33:17 AM EDT
[#9]
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:34:44 AM EDT
[#10]
It's an exhaust thing. Not really sure how it exactly works, but if you have your engine/exhaust brake switch on (usually has three settings; low/mid/high braking), it will use the engine compression slow you down. Like I said, not exactly sure how it works, and I have been driving trucks now for over five years. All I know is that it's nice to have a strong engine braking system when descending steep grades..saves on brake wear. When driving on ice you need to turn it off, or put it on the lowest setting because your drive tires will start sliding if you have a strong brake. I usually leave mine on low when loaded, and turn it off when empty when driving on snow or ice. But when it's really bad, I'm creeping along at a speed where I try not to using any braking.
Now as to the noise, those peterbilts and kenworth trucks may have after market exhausts that make it louder. My Peterbilt is not loud, but has a decent engine brake. My new Dodge Ram 3500 has an engine brake also, which is nice. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:36:57 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's an exhaust thing. Not really sure how it exactly works, but if you have your engine/exhaust brake switch on (usually has three settings; low/mid/high braking), it will use the engine compression slow you down. Like I said, not exactly sure how it works, and I have been driving trucks now for over five years. All I know is that it's nice to have a strong engine braking system when descending steep grades..leaves on brake wear. When driving on ice you need to turn it off, or put it on the lowest setting because your drive tires will start sliding if you have a strong brake. I usually leave mine on low when loaded, and turn it off when empty when driving on snow or ice. But when it's really bad, I'm creeping along at a speed where I try not to using any braking. Now as to the noise, those peterbilts and kenworth trucks may have after market exhausts that make it louder. My Peterbilt is not loud, but has a decent engine brake. My new Dodge Ram 3500 has an engine brake also, which is nice.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:47:13 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They are really nice when hauling very heavy loads as well. It really helped when I was hauling bridge beams at roughly 108k lbs, in an old Mack daycab and tri-axle lowboy. That was a bit dicey. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
It's an exhaust thing. Not really sure how it exactly works, but if you have your engine/exhaust brake switch on (usually has three settings; low/mid/high braking), it will use the engine compression slow you down. Like I said, not exactly sure how it works, and I have been driving trucks now for over five years. All I know is that it's nice to have a strong engine braking system when descending steep grades..leaves on brake wear. When driving on ice you need to turn it off, or put it on the lowest setting because your drive tires will start sliding if you have a strong brake. I usually leave mine on low when loaded, and turn it off when empty when driving on snow or ice. But when it's really bad, I'm creeping along at a speed where I try not to using any braking. Now as to the noise, those peterbilts and kenworth trucks may have after market exhausts that make it louder. My Peterbilt is not loud, but has a decent engine brake. My new Dodge Ram 3500 has an engine brake also, which is nice. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:31:43 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can turn the engine brake on/off with a toggle switch. When activated, they engage when you let off the accelerator. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:47:05 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's an exhaust thing. Not really sure how it exactly works, but if you have your engine/exhaust brake switch on (usually has three settings; low/mid/high braking), it will use the engine compression slow you down. Like I said, not exactly sure how it works, and I have been driving trucks now for over five years. All I know is that it's nice to have a strong engine braking system when descending steep grades..saves on brake wear. When driving on ice you need to turn it off, or put it on the lowest setting because your drive tires will start sliding if you have a strong brake. I usually leave mine on low when loaded, and turn it off when empty when driving on snow or ice. But when it's really bad, I'm creeping along at a speed where I try not to using any braking. Now as to the noise, those peterbilts and kenworth trucks may have after market exhausts that make it louder. My Peterbilt is not loud, but has a decent engine brake. My new Dodge Ram 3500 has an engine brake also, which is nice. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:49:42 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can turn the engine brake on/off with a toggle switch. When activated, they engage when you let off the accelerator. You can leave the switch on all the time if you just ease off the throttle and slow down normally. To really use the jake brake you Just slide the foot off to the left quickly It's a bunch of wires and solenoid in the valve covers. Keeps the valves shut with loss of throttle input. Thus using engine compression to supplement the wheels brakes on 95 or the like roads it can be enough to slow down without touching brakes...not many hills on 95 Sucks to use at slow speeds. Really jerks the shit out of the truck. Turn switch off |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 5:23:40 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's an exhaust thing. Not really sure how it exactly works, but if you have your engine/exhaust brake switch on (usually has three settings; low/mid/high braking), it will use the engine compression slow you down. Like I said, not exactly sure how it works, and I have been driving trucks now for over five years. All I know is that it's nice to have a strong engine braking system when descending steep grades..saves on brake wear. When driving on ice you need to turn it off, or put it on the lowest setting because your drive tires will start sliding if you have a strong brake. I usually leave mine on low when loaded, and turn it off when empty when driving on snow or ice. But when it's really bad, I'm creeping along at a speed where I try not to using any braking. Now as to the noise, those peterbilts and kenworth trucks may have after market exhausts that make it louder. My Peterbilt is not loud, but has a decent engine brake. My new Dodge Ram 3500 has an engine brake also, which is nice. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 12:35:33 PM EDT
[#17]
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab.
When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 12:43:05 PM EDT
[#18]
Just a flip of the toggle switch. I rarely used mine unless on a big long downgrade. Downshifting and the regular brake pedal worked just fine 99 percent of the time.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 12:47:17 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is how it works. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You can turn the engine brake on/off with a toggle switch. When activated, they engage when you let off the accelerator. Shifting with it on can be a bitch until you get a good feel for the truck.stopping without it also sucks if you are loaded.... basically stop n go traffic sucks balls with a loaded truck. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 12:47:37 PM EDT
[#20]
Some cities have ordnances against use within the city limits....I wouldnt mind one on my F550.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 12:48:41 PM EDT
[#21]
Can also come in handy when starting from a stop up a grade, or when you want to drag race yer buddy off the line.
Maybe a little more info would help here. A semi-truck transmission isn't like your car, you can't just slam it in whatever gear you want like your Subaru, your engine speed must match your road speed. So when you accelerate and are upshifting in between gears, the engine speed slows to match the next gear, depending on the rig that takes time and you are also losing road speed, in order to make the engine speed slow quicker and thus be able to shift faster you leave your jake brake on. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:05:49 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Some cities have ordnances against use within the city limits....I wouldnt mind one on my F550. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:16:38 PM EDT
[#23]
My only experience with air brakes and jake brakes are on a dump truck I rented for a job last year. Squeaked by just under requirement for CDL (I think low 20,000's lbs, single axle?) and I wasn't warned it'd have the braking features. I only drove it for about 60 miles, but the jake brakes helped on the freeway in traffic.
Bigger issue was trying to stop in town. I even think about touching the brake and the truck jerks to a stop. Took a bit of getting used to in order to avoid that. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:17:20 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is how it works. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You can turn the engine brake on/off with a toggle switch. When activated, they engage when you let off the accelerator. The guys that don't use them usually fall into one of the following categories: Truck doesn't have jakes Jakes don't work They don't have to pay for repairs and don't care how fast they wear a set of brakes out. some of these guys will also just pop the trans in neutral and ride the brakes up to the stop sign. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:26:38 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:33:53 PM EDT
[#26]
We have them on our all of our pumpers at the FD. Just a switch on the dash that stays on unless the roads are wet. I remember overheating brakes on the way to a call with the older engines. Jake brakes have eliminated that issue. Ours engage automatically when you let off the accelerator. I'm not sure how it works in semis with a standard transmission since all of our trucks are Allison automatics,
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:41:25 PM EDT
[#27]
I use my Jake brake to scrub off a few MPH without touching the brakes. Since only the drive axles are being braked it's not a good idea to use it in wet or slippery conditions.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:46:09 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Some are setup to not engage until you touch the service brakes. I've always disabled this feature because I want the jakes to come on when I let off the accelerator. The guys that don't use them usually fall into one of the following categories: Truck doesn't have jakes Jakes don't work They don't have to pay for repairs and don't care how fast they wear a set of brakes out. some of these guys will also just pop the trans in neutral and ride the brakes up to the stop sign. 
I leave the Jakes on at most times, especially now that I'm in an automatic. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:46:20 PM EDT
[#29]
If loaded I will run mine on the lowest setting in traffic if the jam is on a downhill just to keep me from gaining speed. My truck is straight piped so I avoid using the jakes anywhere in town. They are extremely handy, when you get comfortable I can run the truck down to almost a complete stop without using brakes.
It's just a switch on the dash, or in a truck like mine the switch is on the 18spd shifter. I leave mine on upshifting also to get the rpms back down as fast as possible when floating shifts. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:46:44 PM EDT
[#30]
Lots of similar systems but a true Jacobs Engine Brake uses the work required to compress the air in the cylinder to slow the truck down. When the cylinder is at top on the compression stroke, a solenoid pops the exhaust valve off the seat and dumps the compressed air into the exhaust with no fuel being applied. The rigs that rattle the windows are like the "look at me Harley riders" Straight pipes with no mufflers. No benefit except to piss off the public.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 1:53:38 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:21:39 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:23:39 PM EDT
[#33]
I have an exhaust brake on my 2016 Colorado Duramax. I so want to try it, but I think I have to be towing something for it to work. Will dig into the manual some day to see.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:31:54 PM EDT
[#34]
On current engines..for example Detroit power the general public will never hear them, they are very quiet. On automated manual trucks the engine brake might be activated if you are running cruise control to maintain a preset following distance. If you are not in cruise control you can manually activate by pulling down on the shift handle.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:39:03 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:43:20 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I always assumed it was a switch they flipped. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:43:25 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Huh? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. I always ran my jakes full strength. Unless fresh wet road or snow/ice. Loved them, I think the loudest ones I ever used was on a dump truck with one of the 6 speed autos. I really loved that one. People would get the fukk outta the way. lol |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:47:18 PM EDT
[#38]
Jakes are a lot more fun with straight pipes.
I had a 3 stage Jake, with a brake saver. It was in a 359 with a B model Cat, 15-over, 3.55s, tall 24s. It would go and stop like a mofo! |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:51:40 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yup....it's just a on/off switch that is flipped. There is a jake brake...which you are hearing. Some are muffled and you can barely hear them...and others are loud as hell. There is also an exhaust brake which is different. Someone will be along and get in better detail about them. I would switch back and forth between HIGH and LOW when going down long grades like Fancy Gap on I-77 at the NC/VA state line to maintain my speed. HIGH would be too much braking and I'd start slowing down. LOW would let the truck accelerate. So to avoid using the wheel brakes and maintain speed I'd work the Jake to hold my target speed range. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:53:21 PM EDT
[#40]
My mother does but she has bad knees
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Posted: 4/23/2017 2:56:11 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ya, when I started with this company I was running Rocky Mountain double fuel tanks. In Wyoming we are permitted for 117k lbs, and the tractor we had for that was a nice day-cab 13spd Freightliner with a DD15 motor. That truck had a very strong engine brake, much better then our old 10spd Freightliners with the DD13 motors. Always hated running that set with a 10spd DD13 due to power and braking. Now we have Peterbilts with the Paccar motors and only pull a single trailer. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:05:08 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If I'm loaded I don't care where I'm at or what time of day it is. The jake brake is on if I'm trying to slow down or stop. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:28:19 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:41:52 PM EDT
[#44]
Cummins #1
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Posted: 4/23/2017 3:56:12 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This driver speaks the words of wisdom! Anybody not using a Jake Brake, is obviously not the guy paying the bills!!!! Basically, as mentioned above, the Jake Brake opens the exhaust valve(s) at the top of the compression stroke, allowing that compressed air to escape out the exhaust pipe. Or another way to look at it, it turns the engine into an air compressor, that is powered by the drivetrain. On average, a Jake Brake will absorb about 75-80% of engine HP, so a truck will slow down almost as fast as it accelerates, for any given load. It is a very efficient braking system, and should be mandatory on all big trucks, IMHO. And all these crybaby townships with their 'no engine brakes' ordinances, can go fly a kite, because it is those same wimpy soccer moms that pull out in front of trucks, and bitch when they get 80,000 lbs of groceries up their ass, because the trucker didn't stop fast enough. For more detailed info, just go to the Jacobs engine brake website, they have all kinds of info there. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:02:08 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:16:54 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trucks Jake Brakes are a long handle mounted to the roof of the cab. When going down steep inclined highways [or when annoying folks] the handle is pulled and a linkage connected to a large air compressor clutch, connects the compressor to the power train driveshaft. This charges up the air brake tanks for extra safety and when they're fully charged, air is released making the loud noise. Some trucks are equipped with diverter valves that redirect the compressed air into the truck's engine muffler system, altho with the advent of modern O2 sensors in the exhaust, this is avoided due to potential damage to them.
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:18:40 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
And all these crybaby townships with their 'no engine brakes' ordinances, can go fly a kite, because it is those same wimpy soccer moms that pull out in front of trucks, and bitch when they get 80,000 lbs of groceries up their ass, because the trucker didn't stop fast enough. |
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:30:25 PM EDT
[#49]
There is like fourth pedal in the floor that you have to hit plus regular braking and The clutch
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Posted: 4/23/2017 4:36:51 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There is like fourth pedal in the floor that you have to hit plus regular braking and The clutch |
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