Electronic Exhaust Brake Technology for Maximum Efficiency From BD Diesel

BD Diesel is proud to introduce our new electronic exhaust brake but what is it, what does it do for you, and why do you need one?

Exhaust brakes are a common supplemental braking system that can be found on large commercial vehicles like buses and semi trucks, as well as some personal vehicles like RVs and tow vehicles. They are designed to slow the vehicle safely without having to rely completely on the brakes positioned on the wheels.

An exhaust brake is an essential upgrade for all diesel owners who regularly tow with their vehicle, whether you are towing a camp trailer for a trip in the mountains or hauling heavy equipment to and from a work site. 

How an Exhaust Brake Works

This new electronic exhaust brake from BD sits in line with the exhaust, just after the downpipe.. It uses a butterfly valve to physically restrict the exhaust flow from the engine, creating additional backpressure that pushes against the pistons on the exhaust stroke. The result is an increase in braking ability that lets you better control your speed.

Advantages of BD’s Electronic Exhaust Brake

• Less Wear and Tear, Reduced Chance of Overheating

By assisting the wheel mounted braking system, the exhaust brake can extend the lifespan of components like rotors, brake pads, and brake drums, especially when regularly towing heavy loads. The systems working in tandem can also reduce stopping distance on heavy vehicles.

By taking stress off the regular brakes, the exhaust brake can also help prevent them from overheating, especially when going downhill.

• Convenience

The exhaust brake installs in line with the existing exhaust system. It’s a simple drop-in install and includes a small control box that plugs into your existing vehicle harness. This allows it to use the factory dash button and keep the OEM features that you would otherwise lose. 

• Functionality

The BD electronic exhaust brake creates up to 150 retarding HP with superior backpressure regulation through the RPM range thanks to BD’s exclusive Variable Orifice Technology. You’ll receive reliable and consistent engine braking and increased towing confidence! This electronic exhaust brake from BD uses an electronic actuator to activate the valves and requires no air compressors. This means no freezing up air lines in the cold of winter.

• Durability

With no need for an air compressor or air lines, a common point of failure is removed. Cast iron construction allows the exhaust brake to endure heat cycles for an extended service life. 

They are beneficial because they are quiet, unlike compression brakes, and require minimal upkeep to remain effective.

Why You Should Install an Exhaust Brake

Whether you are driving a diesel-powered pickup, an SUV, or even a motorhome, you have surely noticed that backing off the throttle pedal provides little braking effect. If you have ever been behind the wheel of a pickup towing a trailer for a long downhill grade, you may have had the experience of watching your braking system being slowly overwhelmed. You may also have had your brakes overheat, making them progressively less effective. 

It can be a nerve-wracking situation, to be sure, and even if your brakes manage to control your speed, keeping it in check, such a situation still imposes tremendous wear and tear. Normal brakes work by forcing brake shoes or brake pads against the brake drum or brake rotor. Having these stationary friction surfaces pressed against the rotating surfaces generates heat and overheating from sustained braking can cause damage to some components, such as the brake rotors, as they reach their temperature limit. Heated enough, some elements can reach the point of losing their structural integrity.

Drivers of gasoline powered vehicles may downshift to a lower gear, causing the engine to exert a degree of braking force when the engine tries to intake air against a closed throttle. Diesel engines, however, have unrestricted air intake, eliminating this option. 

While some alternatives exist such as installing bigger (and more expensive) brakes or using special friction materials (when available), the best approach is to use auxiliary or supplemental braking systems, such as an exhaust brake.

An electronic exhaust brake from BD provides engine braking to assist deceleration. It helps to control downhill braking speed and reduces brake heat and brake wear.

To learn more about the electronic exhaust brake, please contact us today!