BD Diesel Exhaust Brake

BD Diesel Exhaust Brakes: Decades of Proven Engine Braking

When it comes to supplemental braking for diesel trucks, BD Diesel stands in a class of its own. The brand's history with exhaust brakes stretches back to 1989, when they released their first exhaust brake designed specifically for Ram trucks equipped with the legendary 12-Valve Cummins engine. That early commitment to solving a real-world towing problem — controlling speed on long mountain descents without burning up service brakes — has evolved into one of the most comprehensive and technically refined exhaust brake lineups in the diesel aftermarket.

Exclusive Variable Orifice Technology

The cornerstone of every BD Diesel exhaust brake is their proprietary Variable Orifice Technology. Unlike competing designs that only generate meaningful engine braking at higher RPMs, BD's system delivers up to 150 retarding horsepower consistently throughout the engine's full RPM range. This is achieved through a solid, offset butterfly valve, a spring-loaded cylinder, and precision pressure regulation — all working together to create uniform, controlled backpressure no matter where the engine sits in its rev band. The result is predictable, reliable deceleration whether you're crawling down a steep grade or descending at highway speed.

Built to Endure Extreme Heat and Wear

Exhaust environments are punishing — sustained high temperatures, thermal cycling, and corrosive exhaust gases take a heavy toll on inferior components. BD engineers this reality into every brake they build. Their exclusive AlumiBronze bushing and positive-sealing piston ring eliminate blind holes where carbon and rust can accumulate, while the stainless steel butterfly valve and rotating shaft resist corrosion over the long haul. Cast iron housings are used throughout the lineup to endure repeated heat cycles, and the offset butterfly design prevents the valve from sticking — a critical reliability detail when you need the brake to release cleanly after a long descent.

Air-Actuated and Electronic Models for Every Application

BD offers two primary exhaust brake configurations to match different truck setups and preferences. Their air-actuated universal and application-specific brakes mount in-line with the exhaust and are available in 3.0", 3.5", and 4.0" sizes, making them adaptable to medium-duty trucks, diesel pickups, and motorhomes alike. For modern trucks where simplicity is a priority, BD's Electronic Exhaust Brake uses an electronic actuator instead of air compressors and air lines — eliminating the risk of frozen lines in winter and reducing overall system complexity and potential failure points. The electronic variant is designed to integrate with the factory turbocharger connector and factory in-dash switch, so the OEM experience is preserved even on modified trucks where the factory VGT turbo has been replaced.

Coverage Across Major Diesel Platforms

BD Diesel exhaust brakes are engineered for the most popular diesel platforms on the road, including Dodge/RAM Cummins (5.9L 12-valve, 24-valve, and 6.7L), Ford Powerstroke, and GM Duramax applications. Whether your truck is a daily tower, a work vehicle, or a weekend expedition rig, BD's application-specific fitments mean you get a brake designed and validated for your exact engine and chassis combination — not a generic universal solution.

• Up to 150 retarding HP throughout the entire RPM range via Variable Orifice Technology
• AlumiBronze bushing & piston ring-seals for leak-free, long-lasting performance
• Stainless steel butterfly valve & shaft for corrosion resistance in high-heat environments
• Cast iron housing built to withstand extended heat cycling
• Electronic models eliminate air compressors and frozen line risk
• Air-actuated universal models in 3.0", 3.5", and 4.0" for broad fitment
• Fits Cummins, Powerstroke, Duramax, and motorhome applications