Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake offers a new three-level aftermarket friction portfolio to meet “every customer need”. The three performance levels are Bendix Basic Friction, Bendix Advanced Friction, and Bendix OE Friction.

Basic is a new line featuring an economy-grade friction designed to meet the market need for safety and performance at a lower price. With Bendix friction code BB200, it’s said to offer good wear and consistent performance under normal operating conditions, in low to midrange temperatures.

Advanced Friction includes the new Bendix Advanced RSD, said to be the industry’s first aftermarket lining certified to maintain compliance with the federal mandate for Reduced Stopping Distance, with Bendix friction code BA202R. It’s designed to provide higher torque and perform in higher temperatures with less fade, making it suitable for more demanding applications, higher weights, and steeper terrain. Friction at this performance level also demonstrates improved lining and drum wear, lowering the total cost of ownership, the company says. Previously, only OE aftermarket friction was certified as RSD-compliant, but this new lining also certifies as compliant at a lower price.

Bendix OE Friction is the line’s highest performing friction offering.

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

The RSD mandate requires most affected tractors to stop within 250 ft. Bendix Advanced RSD performs in the 235-ft range, the company says. It’s approved for vehicles with GVWRs up to 52,000 lb, which covers about 80% of RSD-impacted vehicles on the road.

Gary Ganaway, BSFB director of marketing, notes that there’s confusion in the market around replacement brake lining performance and RSD compliance, saying that not all replacement friction marketed as acceptable under RSD will actually perform to the standard. For a friction material to be certified RSD-compliant, it must not only be dynamometer certified to FMVSS 121 standards, it must also pass a more demanding vehicle test.

Bendix OE Friction is the highest performing option, and is said to exceed the RSD mandate with an extra safety margin in a stopping distance of 225 ft. It remains the only product certified for trucks above 52,000 lb to maintain the RSD-compliance performance level, says Bendix.