New Performance Standards – Harmonization of European and United States Standards (FMVSS 135) and Aftermarket Standards

The properties of friction materials used in brake linings are to a large extent dependent upon the braking requirements contained in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA's current policies and activities regarding passenger car brake standards and aftermarket lining regulation are described.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER IS TO OUTLINE THE ACTIVITIES OF NHTSA which can affect the properties required of friction materials in brakes. The international harmonization policies of NHTSA, which led to its proposal to revamp the passenger car brake standard, are discussed, together with the most significant changes in braking requirements contained in the proposed FMVSS 135. Regulatory activities in the area of aftermarket brake linings -which currently are not subject to Federal regulation -- are also described.