TROY, MICHIGAN - - The U.S. government’s new stopping distance rules take effect today.

And brake builder Meritor’s ready for them.

According to a statement from the company, Meritor Q Plus S-Cam drum brakes are fully compliant with the new FMVSS 121 mandate.

The company began work in 2006 to prepare for the shorter stopping distance ruling; and the first phase of this regulation requires a loaded Class 8 tandem axle tractor to stop in 250 ft. from 60 mph (from previous standard of 355 ft).

This applies only to three-axle tractors with 59,600-pound GVWR or less.

 “It's a real benefit for vehicle manufacturers to meet the 30% reduced stopping requirement without having to make significant changes to their drum brake offerings,” said Chad Mitts, general manager, Brakes, Meritor.

“We have the technology and products to support our customers. Our preparation has included over 7.5 million miles of road testing and nearly 500 dynamometer tests to ensure that Meritor optimized drum brakes comply with stopping requirements,” Mitts added.

Mitts noted that the company’s focus is to make this new transition seamless for its customers.

“When choosing Meritor’s Q Plus brakes, truck operators will benefit from an established service infrastructure and proven operational efficiency,” Mitts commented.

“In order to meet the new government regulation with drum brakes, Meritor designed more powerful front brakes and highly effective rear axle brakes to deliver the new stopping distances,” said Joe Kay, chief engineer, Brakes, Meritor.

“Meritor has taken the opportunity to shorten the stopping distance gap between drum and disc brakes while maintaining or improving brake life. We were also able to balance the torque load between tractor and trailer brakes. It was important for us to focus on everyday driving characteristics as well as the more stringent emergency stop performance requirements,” said Kay.

There is a Meritor Q Plus drum brake package available to support FMVSS 121 compliance across all affected tractor applications.

Meritor Q Plus brakes are standard or optional equipment on Navistar, Freightliner, Western Star, Volvo, Mack, Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.