Technicians relining Bendix brakes will soon see something new within the wheel-end: Bendix high performance brake shoes will now carry an eye-catching warning label to help educate the commercial vehicle industry about crucial performance issues related to relining. The effort is part of a comprehensive awareness program by Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake.

Phase one of the Reduced Stopping Distance mandate took effect in August 2011 for new three-axle tractors with gross vehicle weight ratings up to 59,600 pounds. Phase two of the mandate, aimed at tractors with two axles, as well as severe service tractors with GVWRs above 59,600 pounds, takes effect Aug. 1, 2013.

“Even two years after the RSD mandate went into effect, we still regularly field questions from fleets and drivers about replacement brake lining performance and RSD compliance,” said Gary Ganaway, BSFB director of marketing and global customer solutions.

According to Ganaway, the longtime industry standard test for certifying brake linings, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121, is no longer adequate in the RSD environment. Most linings that pass the dynamometer requirements do not meet today’s higher vehicle performance requirements.