Difference Between Jake Brake and Exhaust Brake

Most people assume engine braking is standard in cars; however, only gasoline engines feature engine braking. Diesel engines do not have the same braking systems as gasoline engines; instead, they have two − the compression release engine brake, also known as Jake brake, and the exhaust brake.

The key distinction between the two is how they work. By releasing the pressurized air inside the cylinders, a Jake brake generates braking force. An exhaust brake, on the other hand, stops the passage of the exhaust, creating higher pressure in the exhaust manifold.

An exhaust brake is a valve that closes when you let go of the accelerator and is attached to the exhaust system. The additional pressure makes it more difficult for the wheels to move the pistons, slowing the vehicle. The engine compresses the air inside the cylinder head. The same pressured air drives the piston on the downstroke, returning some of the energy.

When the piston hits the top, the Jake brake releases the compressed air, causing the engine to work harder to drive the piston back down. The Jake brake must be connected to the valve train, which performs its function by diverting pressurized air. Jake Brakes do not harm the engine when utilized appropriately.

When it comes to performance, the Jake brake is a lot stronger compared to the exhaust brake. A Jake is designed to provide braking power greater than the engine's rated power output; in comparison, an exhaust brake can only offer 60 to 80 percent. Despite being better, Jake's brakes are not favored.

Mostly because of the enormous noise it makes, which is equivalent to a machine gun firing. Jake brakes are prohibited in certain regions, while others impose laws requiring mufflers to reduce the noise produced.

Read this article to find out more about Jake Brake and Exhaust Brake and how they are different from each other

What is Jake Brake?

A Jake brake is an air compression brake that uses the engine's compression to slow the car. A Jake Brake is an engine brake that employs exhaust valves to slow a truck down. It is named after the firm that invented the Jake Brake, which no longer exists.

Many truckers use Jake Brakes to reduce wear and tear on their brakes, and they may also assist a trucker in managing their speed when driving down a steep hill.

Jake Brakes are not without controversy, however, since some individuals consider that they are too loud and noisy. Nonetheless, Jake Brakes continue to be a favorite choice for many truckers. Jake Brakes applied correctly will increase the life of the service brake shoes while causing no damage to the engine.

Truck drivers activate the Jake Brake by switching a switch on the engine brake. The driver takes their foot off the accelerator to utilize the Jake Brake. When the driver uses the accelerator or clutch, the engine brake is disabled. As the air reaches the intake valve of a huge rig, it is driven into the engine cylinders.

This compresses the air, converting it into energy that may be dispersed. Typically, the pistons direct the point to the remainder of the vehicle to generate power. When a Jake Brake is engaged, the air is forced out the exhaust valves rather than being used to propel the crankshaft and down-stroke.

What is Exhaust Brake?

An exhaust brake is a device that uses back pressure from the exhaust system to produce a drag on the engine, assisting in vehicle slowing. Exhaust brakes, often known as engine brakes, use the machine to slow a truck down. Exhaust brakes use back pressure from the exhaust to push against the piston during the power stroke. This increases the amount of work the engine needs to do, slowing the vehicle down.

Exhaust brakes can be employed alone or with other stopping systems such as service brakes and Jake brakes. When used in conjunction, these systems may offer tremendous braking power while extending the life of your brake pads and shoes.

For this reason, exhaust brake systems are commonly employed in practically all heavy- duty diesel vehicles. Because of supplemental braking, traditional braking is not near breaking point, and diesel-powered cars receive several advantages. Some of the advantages of exhaust braking are as follows. Diesel-powered trucks carrying extremely large loads can always benefit from some additional braking.

When the road is slanted downhill, normal braking is ineffective, and exhaust braking benefits and helps the car decelerate faster. Exhaust brakes are particularly effective on larger commercial vehicles, especially when fully laden and descending a mountainous route. This is when a secondary or supplemental braking system is most beneficial to the primary braking system and makes a significant difference. Exhaust brakes are an essential component of heavy-duty vehicles and should be installed in every vehicle that transports high weights.

Differences between Jake Brake and Exhaust Brake

The following table highlights the major differences between Jake Brake and Exhaust Brake −

Characteristics	Jake Brake	Exhaust Brake
Definition	Jake brakes are commonly seen on large trucks and function by slowing the vehicle down by using the engine.	Exhaust brakes operate by slowing the car down by using the exhaust from the engine.
Advantage	Jake brakes are more effective than exhaust brakes when slowing down a vehicle.	Exhaust brakes may be left on all the time and make less noise.
Disadvantage	Jake Brakes are not generally a choice for compact cars.	The efficiency is less compared to Jake brake.
Efficiency	Jake brakes are more effective than Jake brakes for slowing down the car.	Exhaust brakes are less effective than Jake brakes for slowing down the car.
Cost	It is more expensive	Exhaust brakes are less expensive than Jake brakes

Conclusion

An exhaust brake causes engine braking by raising pressure, whereas a Jake brake causes engine braking by decreasing pressure. A Jake brake connects to the valve train, whereas an exhaust brake connects to the exhaust system. A Jake brake has far higher braking power than an exhaust brake.

A Jake brake makes far more noise than an exhaust brake. Both brakes are essential for large trucks, although they perform distinct functions. If you're in the market for a new vehicle or need servicing on your current one, talk to a professional about which type of brake is ideal for your requirements.