Did you know that when you’re doing an engine overhaul, you also should take the time to tune up the engine brake?

Too often, the fleet or repair shop gets wrapped up in an engine overhaul and doesn't think about the engine brake. However, according to Kyle Lazzaro, business manager of Jacobs Vehicle Systems, the engine brake is a wearable item.

“Engine brake performance can degrade over time,” Lazzaro says. “Replacing internal engine brake components, such as springs and seals, can return performance to original levels.”

Failing to tune up the engine brake will ultimately affect its performance.

“An engine brake tune-up will improve the overall drivability of the vehicle,” says Dave Pearman, Jacobs service accounts manager.

By improving the engine brake's performance, you also will extend the life of the service brakes.

“The tune-up also could improve the reaction time or turn-on time of the engine brake,” Lazzaro says.

When you replace the solenoid seals or improve the linkage within the unit, he explains, it speeds up the engine brake’s turn-on time. The faster the engine brake turns on, the sooner it can begin slowing the engine.

When Does The Engine Brake Need Maintenance?

An engine brake tune-up typically can be completed in two hours. Jacobs recommends it be done every 300,000 to 500,000 miles or when an engine is being overhauled.

These suggested intervals are a guide for routine engine brake inspections and maintenance and are set in conjunction with regularly scheduled engine maintenance.

Also inspect the engine brake when the first engine valve adjustment occurs.

Of course, as with other maintenance services, driving conditions and duty cycle may dictate more frequent maintenance. This is especially true with engines exposed to severe applications and operating environments.

“Preventive maintenance for an engine brake should be taken just as seriously as any other wearable component on a commercial vehicle,” Pearman says.

“Of course, components asked to work harder will need more attention than those asked to function under normal, day-to-day operation.”

What Does Engine Brake Maintenance Involve?

The tune-up process includes removing the housing from the engine, disassembling the pistons, and installing new springs and control valves.

The solenoid often needs to be removed and inspected to make sure it is in good operating condition. If it is, replacing the solenoid seals is recommended.

Technicians should thoroughly inspect all the components and replace parts as needed.

Depending on the engine's make and model, Pearman says, more than 20 engine brake components may need to be inspected, adjusted, or replaced. 

“All tune-up kits have control valves and seals. Most of them have springs, and some have additional parts,” he says. 

Engine OEMs and local repair facilities offer engine brake tune-up kits, fully warranted and backed by detailed installation instructions.

The kits and routine servicing target and replace known wear parts, restore engine brakes to their original performance levels, and minimize future labor costs.

To improve safety and speed control and extend brake life, tune up your vehicle’s engine brake.

This commentary originally appeared in the July 2022 issue of Heavy Duty Trucking.