How to Install Compression Brakes

Compression brakes, or exhaust/jake brakes, are a viable alternative to standard brake pads, particularly for larger vehicles.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compression brake set
• Allen wrench
• Screwdriver
• Power drill

1. Relocate the vehicle's negative battery lead to a position away from the battery by slackening the negative post clamp of the battery by using a wrench. This is an initial safety step that should be performed prior to compression brake installation.

2. Remove the grommet over the control wiring conduit that is located between the passenger area and the engine compartment. Use a screwdriver to accomplish this. With the grommet removed, also take apart the lower dashboard by removing the screws or disengaging the clips that hold it in place.

3. Relocate the computer brake control box, accelerator sensor and power switch wiring to the passenger compartment area by passing it through the firewall.

4. Fasten down and make sure the three above components are in place within the passenger compartment area by putting the power switch in an accessible location to the driver and the brake control box, specifically underneath the dashboard.

5. Wire the brake control box, accelerator sensor and power switch by using and connecting the brake system's already available female and male adapters, then complete the passenger compartment area wiring job by linking the system to the vehicle's fuse box. To complete this process specifically, connect via wiring the exhaust brake to the indicated fuse that your particular exhaust brake manual specifies. This manual will provide the correct position for your situation.

6. Use the screws and any clips removed earlier to reconnect the dashboard.

7. Take the compression brake wiring that ends in the coolant sensor connector to the top of the engine, by the coolant sensor near the oil tube. Take out the standard vehicle sensor and replace it with your compression brake sensor. Reconnect the standard vehicle sensor wiring to the compression brake harness' sensor connection adapter.

8. Loosen the band clamps of the air box base plate to remove the vehicle air box and intake tubes via a screwdriver. Use a drill to make three roughly half-inch holes in the air box engine compartment and then attach the compressor with the included nuts and bolts. Reconnect the air box base plate. Connect the pneumatic hose to the compressor outlets by pushing it in and locking the fittings. Reinstall the air box with the screws.

9. Locate the passenger compartment exhaust system, which is under the compartment. Cut an area of exhaust tubing from the existing vehicle tubing that can accommodate the compression brake tube body. This existing vehicle tubing can be found under the vehicle, above the transmission cross member. Use the exhaust band clamps to install this new tubing into the area previously occupied by the old tubing. Tighten the clamps, reseal the system by using the flange gasket, and tighten it to the recommended torque for your system.

10. Take the compression brake air hoses to the brake armature, which is by the freshly installed brake. Connect with the supplied lock and seal components.