BENDIX BW7551 User Manual
RSD and Aftermarket Friction
Frequently Asked Questions
One of your top priorities as a fleet or owner-operator is maintaining the safe operation of your vehicles. Bendix, as
always, remains committed to helping you do just that. With the recent implementation of the final phase of the
Reduced Stopping Distance (RSD) mandate, selecting the proper replacement friction is more critical than ever.
Choosing replacement friction for RSD trucks can be confusing, especially in light of conflicting information in the
marketplace. Think of Bendix as your resource on these important issues
always, remains committed to helping you do just that. With the recent implementation of the final phase of the
Reduced Stopping Distance (RSD) mandate, selecting the proper replacement friction is more critical than ever.
Choosing replacement friction for RSD trucks can be confusing, especially in light of conflicting information in the
marketplace. Think of Bendix as your resource on these important issues
. To help you better understand what’s at
stake in vehicle maintenance decisions, we share these commonly asked questions.
Why was the RSD mandate implemented?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implemented the RSD mandate with the goal of
improving highway safety, and reducing injuries, fatalities, and property damages resulting from accidents. The
regulation requires vehicles to stop in 250 feet from 60 mph.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implemented the RSD mandate with the goal of
improving highway safety, and reducing injuries, fatalities, and property damages resulting from accidents. The
regulation requires vehicles to stop in 250 feet from 60 mph.
Estimated annual benefits of RSD*
o 227 lives saved
o 300 serious injuries avoided
o $169 million in property damages avoided
o $169 million in property damages avoided
*Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
How do I know if RSD affects the truck(s) I am maintaining?
The regulations affect tractors built after August 2011 (for Phase One) and August 2013 (for Phase Two). There is
no requirement to retrofit older vehicles.
The regulations affect tractors built after August 2011 (for Phase One) and August 2013 (for Phase Two). There is
no requirement to retrofit older vehicles.
RSD Phase One: Aug. 1, 2011, affects 6 x 4 tractors below 59,600 lbs. GVWR
RSD Phase Two: Aug. 1, 2013, affects all other tractor applications, including 4 x 2s
Is there any legal obligation to maintain RSD after service? If not, why would I choose to?
Although there is currently no legal requirement to maintain RSD compliance, your choice of aftermarket
friction can
friction can
have a significant impact on your vehicle’s stopping distance performance and safety. If you
reline with noncompliant friction (friction material that is not RSD certified), you may not maintain the stopping
distance performance your vehicle is capable of. In the event of a crash, you may expose yourself to potential
fatalities and property damages, as well as higher insurance rates and a negative impact to your CSA scores.
Review this chart to see how friction selection impacts stopping distance.
distance performance your vehicle is capable of. In the event of a crash, you may expose yourself to potential
fatalities and property damages, as well as higher insurance rates and a negative impact to your CSA scores.
Review this chart to see how friction selection impacts stopping distance.
Source: Bendix testing