Bad Banks Exhaust Brake

[mobilrvn]

A couple of years ago we had a Banks exhaust brake installed in the truck along with all the bells and whistles. Never really liked the way the torque converter would lock up and had it adjusted at the factory. Going around some sharp corners and steep hills where we really needed it, it slammed the torque converter so hard it was like running into a wall and the tranny died a violent death in about 500 more miles. Will never use the transmission lock again and will trade in the truck at our first opportunity. So don't buy a Banks exhaust brake is our advice.

[Dave e Victoria]

Rex,
What kind of truck did you install the Banks brake on? The kind of failure you experienced is exactly what the Banks literature says their design prevents.
Dave

[lasater]

Wow! I have a US Gear exhaust brake that I really like. I have put over 70K on the truck since the brake was installed and have never had a bit of problem (except teaching the better-half when to use it).

Sorry to hear about your problems.

[Kathi]

We have that system also and have never had any problems with it. You must have gotten a bad unit or something.

[ols1932]

I have the Banks Power Pack, Banks Exhaust Brake w/Smart Lock, and TransCommand Module. I've never had a problem with it. Have had it on my '95 F-250 since January 2002. I am one who would recommend it.

[Koalityman]

Rex,

I am disappointed to hear you bad luck with the Banks Brake. I have the Heavy Duty version with the Smark Lock. This required the change to heavy duty valve springs. I've hsd no problems.

Sounds like there may have been a compatibility with your Torque Converter. The exhaust brake is suppose to release at speeds just below 45 MPH in overdrive mode (35 MPH without overdrive). I also have a Banks Torque Converter as the stock Torque Convetrer would shutter on steep grades in very hot weather (100 degrees). This I believe wasdue to the additional increase in horsepower using the Banks Power Pack.

Just my thoughts.

[pud2]

I would call banks and see what they have too say about it. They are pretty good about standing behind there product and if it was indeed do to their product they just might pay for repair. One other question is WHO INSTALLED AND WAS IT DONE PROPERLY?

[lightningjack11]

Obvious a faulty installation. Heard nothing but good about banks.

I built my own with TC lock and it works great. But I have an older truck that I can experiment with.

[Dave e Victoria]

Tom,
I agre most of what I've heard about banks is good except for one thing. They are about the priciest outfit going. I do like what I have read about their exhaust brake design. That's why this post is so surprising
Dave

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by Dave e Victoria

Tom,
I agre most of what I've heard about banks is good except for one thing. They are about the priciest outfit going. I do like what I have read about their exhaust brake design. That's why this post is so surprising
Dave

Dave, I agree that Banks may be a bit pricey, however they do stand behind their products even after the warranty period expires. I'm a great believer in "you get what you pay for."
Orv

[mobilrvn]

Thanks all for the info. Ours was installed by CampingWorld when they sold them. Shortly thereafter CW stopped selling them. Had taken it to the factory near LA later to have it adjusted and it was better, but never great in my opinion--still had some hard lockups, but the one that did the damage was something else. It is out of warranty.