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Brakes are an essential part of any vehicle. We all know that a vehicle is entirely dependent upon the brakes to slow it down. And it’s not only the wheel brakes. The engine exhaust brake is also an effective means of slowing down engines.
Duramax is a powerful diesel engine. It is manufactured by DMAX, which is a joint venture of General Motors and Isuzu. By far, the Duramax V8 engine is the company’s most successful product. Initially installed in the Chevrolet and GMC trucks, it is now a preferred model for medium-duty trucks, pickups, and vans.
Being one of the best engines today, Duramax needs a reliable exhaust braking system to perform at its fullest. If you are a proud owner of this phenomenal engine, we’ll help you choose the right brakes. This article contains a detailed account of some of the best brakes for Duramax. Be sure to read till the end for a better insight into each product.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Brakes For Duramax
- OUR TOP PICK: Wilwood TX6R Brake Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Power Stop Brake and Rotor Kit
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wilwood TC6R Brake Kit
Comparison Chart of the Best Brakes For Duramax
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When is it Time to Replace My Brakes? How Long Do Brakes Last?
Brakes are responsible for keeping you and others around you safe while on the road. Since their function is vital, they require regular maintenance. They do wear out eventually. But the period a brake lasts for is mainly dependent on your usage.
Duramax vehicles have large bodies, so they are difficult to slow down because of heavy frames and large bodies, especially when going downhill. You cannot stop them from going out of control without extra effort from the braking system.
But when they are overused or used improperly, they are likely to overheat, wear out quickly, and eventually fail. When such a time arrives, you know that you require new brakes. Most exhaust brakes are made to last the lifetime of a car.
Some high-quality stainless steel ones will last for five years. You can also keep an eye out for signs like rust, squealing sounds, bumpy deceleration, or engine overheating to determine when your Duramax brakes need replacement.
What to Look For When Buying New Brakes For My Duramax?
Brakes are essential for the safety of any vehicle. Exhaust brakes serve as an added safety feature of any diesel-powered engine. Since diesel running vehicles are heavily loaded, these brakes provide an extra advantage by adding more deceleration power to the automobile's main brakes. But how do you determine a suitable kit for your Duramax? Here are some tips to help you out.
Material
It is very, very important to check the materials with which the brakes are crafted. Since you are trusting them with your life, you have to be completely sure that the unit is perfectly capable of handling the job assigned to it.
For exhaust brakes, it is better to invest in a stainless steel material because it is rugged to withstand the harsh exhaust environment. For wheel brakes, look for a cast iron rotor, and meta backed pads.
Computerized Brake Controller
A computerized brake controller automatically monitors the throttle pedal position. It is responsible for quickly warming up the engine even on cold starts. When the brakes are activated, it significantly improves the throttle response.
Smart Lock Electronic Device
Nowadays, many brakes have the option of smart lock electronic devices. This feature automatically locks the torque converter clutch at a certain point and increases pressure in the transmission line while braking. Additionally, it prevents slips and extends the transmission life.
Review of the Best Brakes For Duramax
All Duramax owners know that once you step off the throttle, there is little to no braking effect. To overcome this problem, many users opt to install an external device to restrict the engine's pumping action. It serves as an auxiliary braking system to support the vehicle’s main brakes. If you are also looking to replace your brakes or add an auxiliary one to your Duramax, here is a comprehensive review of some of Duramax's best brakes.
Best Overall:
Wilwood TX6R Brake Kit
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
This kit boasts an amazingly satisfying halting potential. Buyers are raving about how instant and smooth its performance is. They report that it is a quality product that is crafted with some of the best materials. The construction is also very durable and can withstand the pressure of working in such testing conditions. Users are happy with their choice and definitely recommend it to others.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Wilwood designed this brake kit to equip heavy-duty cars with a high-performance braking capacity. If you regularly worry about the state of your main brakes, you should definitely consider installing this unit in your vehicle. It significantly increases braking performance and gives you better control.
It is constructed with very high-quality materials like stainless steel and aluminum. These allow it to function reliably, even in the most adverse high heat conditions. It is a bolt-on kit that starts working as soon as installed. Additionally, it comes with all the required accessories and hardware to make its installation procedure a breeze.
Bottom Line
In all, this is a high performance brake kit that is suitable for high GVWR and class one to three armored vehicles. It is easy to install and functions very well. If you also want to supplement your main brakes with an auxiliary braking system to reduce wear and tear and gain better control over your vehicle, this is a must-have.
Runner-up:
Power Stop Brake and Rotor Kit
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who have been using this kit for some time like it for its exceptional performance. They say that it is crafted with sturdy and reliable components that give you a satisfying performance every time. The installation is easy, and the operation is noiseless.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This brake kit noticeably enhances the braking of a Duramax. Towing and mountain climbing with this installed is very easy. Often, when you make a small change, such as installing larger tires, it reduces the braking potential of your vehicle. So you need a superior performing system to keep up with your demands.
This kit is specially designed to tolerate high temperatures and brake torque. With sturdy construction, it can easily decelerate a downcoming hauling vehicle. It features drilled and slotted rotors that dissipate the heat effectively. The Duramax Performance Brake pads ensure the required brake torque to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Bottom Line
Mountain climbing or hauling, no matter what use you put your Duramax to, you will experience the performance with this kit installed. It is the right choice if you want quality, performance, durability, and affordability. With its superbly designed rotors and pads, this kit will bring you to a smooth stop every time you engage it.
Best for the Money:
Wilwood TC6R Brake Kit
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users really like the way it is put together. They say that it fits well, looks good, and works efficiently. Due to the large rotors, some customers faced difficulty while installing it on the front. However, the back installation is fairly easy. The overall impression of this kit is a positive one.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this kit to be very suitable for trucks and SUVs that run on twenty inches or more sized wheels. The large size and heavyweight require a highly efficient braking system. This kit from Wilwood is perfectly capable of providing an unsurpassed functionality that is needed.
It is engineered to cater to the pressing demands of a heavy-duty vehicle. It can not only handle heavyweights at great speeds but once engaged; it starts working immediately to decelerate the vehicle and bring it to a smooth halt.
Its efficiently clamping vane rotors and BP-10 compound pads come together to deliver the braking power necessary for controlling ultra-sized wheels and tires.
Bottom Line
If you own a heavy-duty vehicle like a truck or SUV, you should look at this kit. It is equipped with all the essential features that are a must for controlling it. It does what it advertises and excels at it. If you are looking for a big brake kit, this should be your choice.
Best Exhaust Brakes for Duramax:
Banks Exhaust Brake
PROS
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this brake kit report that it is an excellent combination of safety and reliability. They say that it is the safest exhaust braking system that engages efficiently and prevents excessive exhaust overpressure. It is such a good choice that the number of diesel-powered vehicle owners opting to install it is increasing each passing day.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There was no doubt about adding this unit to our list. This is a premium unit that is carefully engineered to supplement the main braking system. It is a computer-controlled system, so it carefully regulates the exhaust environment before and after its application.
This kit is so effective that it alone can reduce the speed of a downhill vehicle by around 52% without any support from the wheel brakes. It ensures more power benefits and fuel economy than other models available on the market.
Banks also strived hard to make this kit the safest there is. It is equipped with safeguards that carefully monitor and prevent exhaust overpressure. It also features the Smart Lock. This is an electronic gadget that is designed to automatically lock the torque converter clutch in the desired position and increases the pressure exerted on the transmission line during braking to improve its holding capacity.
Bottom Line
Banks Exhaust Brake is a name that means safety. Contrary to what most people believe, exhaust brakes are actually quite efficient and not risky. This product is proof of that. If you are interested in installing an efficient exhaust brake in your Duramax, this is the best you can get.
Editor’s Pick:
Power Stop Duramax Performance Brake & Caliper Kit
PROS
PROS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have been using this kit for a while are quite impressed with its performance. At first, they felt off, but after some break-in adjustments and some driving around, they work fine. Some buyers report that its performance is better than the stock ones, so purchasing them worked out in their favor.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product is a complete package. It contains high-quality rotors that are cross-drilled and slotted rotors, brake calipers that are finished with a durable red powder-coated, and D360 ceramic pads infused with carbon-fiber for extreme and reliable performance. It is quite easy to install as it is supplied with all the hardware required for installation.
It is certainly a step ahead of any stock brake kit. It not only looks good but also performs way better than the original. The pads offer more resistance without producing any irritating noise or dust.
The kit is well-engineered to fulfill heavy-duty specifications. It is constructed with high-quality materials and components. In a nutshell, it is a fast, easy, and affordable means of providing you with a better braking experience.
Bottom Line
Duramax is a heavy-duty engine that requires an efficient braking system to cut down its speed. In this kit, you will find the perfect combination of quality, efficiency, functionality, looks, and affordability. It is very easy to install, and once installed, it will give you an excellent service for a longer period of time.
Advantages of Investing in Quality Brakes
Quality brakes are the epitome of safety. Contrary to the common belief, an exhaust braking system is also a must-have for any heavy-duty vehicle, especially for those who tow trailers and other heavy loads. Controlling your speed with such enormous loads is indeed difficult. One wrong move and your brake pads will pay dearly for it. That’s why you need a quality braking system to assist and safeguard you on the road. If you are still doubtful, here are some advantages of investing in quality brakes.
Ease of Installation
Quality brakes are fairly easy to install. They are versatile units that retrofit at an economical cost. They are simple to use with an easy on-and-off mechanism for an all or nothing effect.
Sturdy Construction
When you purchase a prime unit, you will instantly notice that it features a sturdy construction. Exhaust brakes are designed to operate under the harsh conditions of the exhaust, so they are crafted from the most rugged materials. The same goes for wheel brakes. The construction is also very solid, as any minor shortcoming can cost you your vehicle.
Offer Better Control
High-performance exhaust brakes work in combination with the main brakes to grant you better control over the vehicle speed. Together, they can decelerate the automobile, reduce the brake heat, act as a reserve, reduce the brake wear, and help in controlling downhill speed.
Noiseless Operation
One big advantage of investing in quality brakes is their noiseless operation. Of course, their use is dependent upon the driver’s discretion. Still, they do not contribute to any unnecessary noise pollution.
Reduce Brake Pad Wear and Tear
When you invest in quality brakes, you also buy a longer life for your brake pads with them. With high-quality construction, the brakes do not have to put up much resistance; hence their wear and tear are significantly reduced.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about the best brakes for Duramax. Adding one to your vehicle will improve its performance and ensure that you are completely safe on the road.
We have also reviewed some of the best products for you to analyze and choose from. These units are very durable and will serve you with excellent performance for a longer period.
Duramax Related Buyer Guides
