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by dale geiger on August 12th, 2005

dale geiger

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What are compression brakes?

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  • by Daniel on January 27th, 2006

    Daniel

    Technically there is no such 'device' as compression brakes. The action of compression braking (or exhaust braking) relies on a deliberate obstruction in the exhaust manifold (header) of a large diesel engine. This action dramatically reduces the engine speed due to the work required to compress the inducted air against the exhaust brake butterfly. This reduced engine speed is transferred through the gearbox and transmission of the vehicle to the driven wheels and translates as an overall reduction of vehicle speed (braking). The process of compression braking causes neglegible wear of components compared to conventional braking which wears expensive brake components. Compression braking is prohibited in some built-up areas due to the relatively loud (delicious) noise and, occaisionally, increased emissions.

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