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).
Test results for modifications to brakes and steering systems on a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\2\ scan0301 | |
| Date | 13th March 1938 | |
| ( 7 ) Parts. Result of Test. Higher proportion of front brakes. Considerable improvement in stopping distance and freedom from rear wheel skids when braking hard. The standard Bentley front brakes however, proved unequal to the extra demands placed upon them. The liner came loose in one aluminium drum and the iron drums fitted afterwards cracked. Violent pulling off sideways and rapid wear of the linings occurred. The experiment has proved valuable in showing that with anything more than the present standard proportion of front braking, the Bentley front brakes are only reliable with gentle use, and that the size of the front brakes on Bentley III. requires to be increased. Combined Hand & Foot Brake. 15,020 miles. Satisfactory in all respects. It was found to have two incidental advantages. 1) As the hand brake acts as an off stop for the rear brakes, rear axle movements cannot cause any movement of the servo scissor levers and cams. 2) When the hand brake is on, the servo spindle can be turned through a large angle, thereby allowing any rubbing of the discs to be easily felt when adjusting the servo. Wraith Steering on Bentley. 19,320 miles. Lighter and smoother in action than standard and generally preferable. Gave no trouble during the running. Column shake seemed somewhat worse than standard. | ||