From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Problem of squeaking brakes on cars fitted with a new lightened axle, suggesting dampers as a solution.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2July1926-September1926\ Scan197 | |
| Date | 1st September 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}✔ c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} RG.{Mr Rowledge}✔ c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} EY.✔ Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LGM.9.26. SQUEAKING BRAKES. X7420 X9420 We are rather concerned with the fact that we have had more front brake squeaks on cars fitted with the new lightened axle, than with the present axle. It is difficult to make any definite statement because squeaking brakes is such an elusive fault, but it is such an objectionable feature on any car that it is a point we cannot afford to go back on. If it is confirmed that brakes squeaks are worse with the lightened axle, we think this will most probably be found to be due to the brake carrier not being as rigid as on the present axle. As however we receive complaints of brake squeaks on the present axle, it would not appear possible to overcome the squeaking by any alteration to the brake carrier. By far the most effective way we know of overcoming brake squeaks is to fit dampers to the drums. We recommend that we endeavour to fit dampers to the front drums. It may mean a special design because there is very little room between the brake drum and rim on the wheel suitable for the larger well base tyre, and the steering arm. We expect 12-EX car, which is fitted with the new axle and which is suffering from squeaks, to be returned to us tomorrow. We will then investigate and see whether we can prove that the alteration to the brake carrier has caused these brakes to squeak more readily. | ||