How a Jake Brake Works - Jacobs Vehicle Systems

The Jacobs' Engine Brake, or Jake Brake, is an essential component in slowing and controlling your vehicle. By using the superior retarding capabilities of the Jake Brake, you will spend less time off the road and experience improved total cost of ownership.

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[moosesnWoop]

I live near a highway, maybe 2 km away. At night the trucks come down the hill and head towards the harbour. A part from the highway moving through a valley, the Jacob Brake sound that BELLOWS from those machines in the dead of night is something I always cherish.

[SuperCreativeLemon]

Sound ellimanated?!?! The sound is the best part!

[grizzlycountry]

Man I've always loved hearing a truck with jake brake on. I'm not even a truck driver.

[tommyw.]

When I see a "No Jake Brake" sign, I think of this: The sound of my jake brake is quieter than the sound of my 80, 000 pound truck crashing through your house.

[eyeout]

I feel like I’m slowly turning into Hank Hill. I was so satisfied watching this.

[brucerogermorgan]

He forgot one fact - the Jake Brake was actually invented by Clessie Cummins, the man who started the Cummins Engine Factory. There's quite a bit of history behind it.

[Glenns_Concho_Ranch]

You can drive with a Jake brake at full volume anywhere in Colorado. You would never hear it over the straight pipe Harleys.

[nauseousatom]

I couldn't imagine driving and not getting to hear the jakes rumble. That's the best part of trucking.

[JohnPublic-dkzd]

I was amazed at how well the Jake worked when my company went over to automatics...I ran a ton of WV and Pa, and other assorted states, and even at near gross the transmission/Jake kept my speed under control...I often wonder how old truckers managed without a Jake...

[spiritwalker]

I always wondered how those worked. Thank you for the informative video.

[Mprikiman]

Thank you JacobsVehicleSystems for saving lives everyday.

[ACoustaDC]

When I as a kid.. My dad was a trucker. In PA they had certain places where a Jake Brake was required. The cops, who are always your friend and concerned for our safety, would listen for the sound of the brake to make sure you were in compliance.

[Carlitosway]

What's that one stroke called when it makes all its power? Oh that's right! The expansion stroke!

[gunfreak]

I don’t know if it’s a Jacobs on my Volvo D13 engine but that is one of the strongest engine/exhaust brakes I’ve had on a truck in my 30 years of driving them

[shanelord]

Agree jake brake sound needs to be louder we love the sound

[TptCoy]

I had a V8 Cummins 903 years ago and couldn't wait to get into a town and release the Jake beast. It had it's own style of bark for sure. Loved it. But in serious measure it worked well if driven correctly. I always use the philosophy of using the same gear downhill as i would uphill and never had a problem. Could flick the Jake between half and full depending on what it was doing. In the wet empty could catch you out if switched on full retardation, the rear wheels would actually lock up and slide. The switch on full going uphill at 40 ton I could change the RR up as it brought the revs down very quickly, trying that without the Jake was a waste of time.

[tazman]

I love the sound of the Jake Brake it's the best sound you can hear on a Diesel engine

[AmyLeslie]

Was curious how they worked. Thanks for the video.
When the air is just right I can hear the Jakes on I95. Most soothing sound I’ve ever heard. 13/10 recommend

[tankerboysabot]

My dad straight piped his truck once and hit the Jake brake going through a small town, he got a ticket for the excessive noise. Lol good times.

[deandean]

I have a series 60 dual 8 inch straight pipes and I love playing the music of my people! Loud and proud!