32
Service Bay
"Before RSD, [16.5 in. x 5 in.] brakes
were purely optional and were only ad-
opted by fl eets looking for longer brake
life," he says.
Larger brakes also helped meet RSD
regulations by extending system life and
aiding in heat transfer.
"RSD materials have to be more ag-
gressive to reach their stopping distance
requirements, and that causes the entire
braking system to run a little bit hotter,"
says Johnathon Capps, vice president,
engineering at Webb Wheel Aftermar-
ket. "Without any changes, that excess
heat would cause the system to wear at a
much faster rate."
Rear axle brakes also were slightly
tweaked to reduce fade and extend useful
life, says Thompson.
Creating aftermarket adoption
Now three years removed from the RSD
amendment's implementation, suppli-
ers say customers have quickly grown to
appreciate the benefi ts reduced stopping
distances provide.
"Fleets are starting to see the econom-
ic and safety benefi ts of RSD technol-
ogy, and drivers in particular are really
responsive," says Ganaway. "They have a
vested interest in braking performance,
and RSD [compliant] systems give them
a lot more confi dence out on the road."
Adds Rogers, "Customers like the way
they feel when they're using them."
It's those benefi ts that distributors
should focus on in selling RSD in the
aftermarket, suppliers say. Once a driver
gets used to reduced stopping distances,
downgrading to conventional brakes can
be problematic or downright hazardous.
"I think most fl eets want to maintain
a similar level of performance in their
braking systems as they had when they
fi rst bought their vehicle," says Dennis
Griffi n, product manager, commercial
vehicle friction at Federal-Mogul.
"I think making a conscious decision
T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E | A u g u s t 2 0 1 4
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The RSD mandate has shortened
the stopping distance for a new
commercial truck by more
than 100 ft. over previous
regulations.
