BRAKING WELL, Continued from page 21


marily aimed at improving directional stability and control using anti-lock brakes, they also reinstated stopping distance mandates that had been invalidated in 1978 by the U.S Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit because of reliability issues. Those rules included the stopping


distances that are now being further reduced. NHTSA data showed the old stopping distances had slightly reduced fatal and injury-producing crashes, but the number of registered heavy vehicles had increased, which kept the total crash counts high. “There are a number of simple


and effective manufacturing solutions that vehicle manufacturers can use to meet the requirements of this final rule,” reads NHTSA documentation. “These solutions include installation of enhanced drum brakes, air disc brakes, or hybrid disc/drum systems. We note that currently a number of vehicles in the commercial fleet already utilize these improved braking systems and already realize performance that would meet the requirements of the amended standard.” Companies like Bendix and Haldex


have been producing advanced braking components that make the stopping mandates a reality. High performance drum brake sys-


tems feature larger chambers, bronze camshaft bushings, precision cams, single anchor pins for maximum wear- able lining and an increased braking surface that improves heat dissipation and reduces fade, thus leading to a lon- ger brake life. “They just made the brakes bigger,”


Collins said. In tests the new systems show a


significant reduction to “in stop fade” which happens when the friction mate- rial reaches its temperature limit, as well as higher average torque. Highlights of RSD Phase II include


thorough testing for wear and balance and an air disc brake solution that


ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2013


IN PUBLISHED COMMENTS PRIOR TO HIS


APPEARANCE, BURKHART SAID ACCIDENTS ARE A $52 BILLION-A-YEAR ISSUE FOR THE INDUSTRY AND THE COSTS WERE RISING.


involves expanded use of higher output air disc brakes for the heavy tractor requirements. For foundation drum brakes, highlights include a structurally reinforced S Shoe, expanded use of the high performance ES drum brake and higher performance friction materials. Phase II also includes significant


vehicle testing for brake compatibility and wear balance. Collins said it is important for


truck manufacturers to use the right friction compound and pointed out there is no requirement for any certain brand, though he said some companies are trying to scare potential customers into using their product. “There’s no way I could tell some-


one you had to,” he said. The friction material used should


be based on how the vehicle in question is going to be used — long haul versus in the city, for example, Collins said. “You pick the one that’s right for


you,” he said. “There are right materi- als based on applications. Don’t buy on price.” The problems with the bigger brakes


have been few and mostly noise related, chatter and vibration, Collins said, though there was a recall related to a non-compatible component. “Very minor,” he said of the com-


plications and expense. The priciest issues so far have


29


involved air disc brakes, because com- paratively few are being manufactured compared to the drum brakes. Phase II does include a solution calling for expanded output of air disc brakes. “Today air disc is a bit pricey. Even


then, it’s not terrible,” he said. Air disc brakes are probably the


wave of the future, Collins said. They are used widespread in Europe and manufacturing is underway in this country. “We have fleets buying it,” Collins


said. “Everybody assumes air disc brakes are the next thing coming and they would be right to assume that.” Also looking to the future, Collins


said, it is possible FMCSA will become involved and eventually turn out some regulations. “There’s been talk in the industry,


because most manufacturers used a very specific component of brake shoe, FMCSA will eventually add something to their guide that will affect brake shoe manufacturing,” Collins said. But because of the way NHTSA


went about its business, new regula- tions won’t have the surprise, negative impact, some other government man- dates have had. “Everybody in the industry is look- ing forward now,” Collins said.


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