Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Fry
Assuming the engine cuts off injection during trailing throttle, engine braking vs friction brakes is an economic choice -- do you want to wear out the engine or wear out the brakes?
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To get a bit technical, the wear includes far more components than just the engine and brakes. Compression braking puts wear on the engine, transmission, differentials, clutch, and any corresponding fluids (and maybe a few other items). Normal braking puts wear on the brakes (pads and rotor if you want to start breaking down cost) and tires (to a much greater extent than when compression braking).
But, that being said, I have never seen any research specifically stating how much wear is placed on those parts associated with compression braking (i.e., how does it affect the life of the motor oil or transmission fluid). We all know that brakes wear out, and they only wear when being used to brake. In essence, it's very easy to apply a cost/price to using brakes, while determining the cost of compression braking would be very difficult and probably not worth one's time.