Banks Brake:
A total system solution with enhanced transmission control for exhaust braking, Banks' direct-mount, no-maintenance exhaust brake has electronics that monitor critical engine and transmission parameters to maximize braking efficiency. It dramatically cuts downhill speeds without using the wheel brakes. This keeps brakes cool and ready for emergencies, and saves thousands in brake maintenance. Optimizes exhaust flow when not engaged. Easy install; needs no drilling, cutting or modifications to stock wiring.
Computerized brake control (CBC) and SmartLock are included.
CBC automatically senses throttle position, controls brake engagement and cuts out annoying brake noises. Fast warm-up function prolongs brake durability, and automated brake disengagement at low speed smoothes stop-and-go driving. Banks SmartLock locks the torque converter & raises line pressure to smoothly reduce vehicle speed and safeguard the transmission.
Includes:
- Cast, large-bore brake housing assembly;
- High-force 4-1/4" vacuum actuator;
- Belt-driven vacuum pump with serpentine belt for quiet operation;
- Computerized Brake Controller/SmartLock;
- Large butterfly valve with super-alloy shaft-and-bearing system;
- Wire loom; Mounting hardware.
Gale Banks Engineering Testing Setup:
An ’06 Dodge Cummins pickup was equipped with the Banks DynaFact® data acquisition system to measure vehicle speed, engine RPM, exhaust backpressure, transmission line pressure and braking horsepower.
Test runs on a 7% grade in the vicinity of Southern California's daunting Cajon Pass were done with the gear selector in both Drive and 2nd. Tow/Haul mode was used in all cases, per Dodge’s recommendations. 55 mph was established at the top of the hill, and the foot brake was applied only if it became necessary to keep the vehicle at a safe speed (no greater than 65 mph). Multiple configurations were tested: stock, Banks Brake with Computerized Brake Controller and SmartLock® (CBC), PacBrake, Jacobs and BD.
All of the brakes tested were a direct mount configuration. Each of the competitive brakes was controlled by the vehicle ECM (an option that became available starting in the 2006 model year). In addition to road testing, flow bench testing was conducted on each of the brake assemblies.
Test Results
| Gear |
Starting Speed |
Speed without Banks Brake |
Speed with Banks Brake
|
| 3rd |
55 mph |
65+ mph
(excessive use of foot brakes required) |
62 mph
(no foot brakes)
|
| 2nd |
55 mph |
60+ mph
(use of foot brakes required) |
37 mph
(no foot brakes) |
Please choose your year and transmission type. Manual Transmissions do not require a CBC module. The CBC module has an optional bracket installation kit, use the drop down menu if you would like to purchase it with your package.