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).
The performance of hand brakes and front brakes, including materials, adjustments, and issues during testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0399 | |
| Date | 7th June 1935 guessed | |
| -14- Hand Brakes. JDB. Ferodo Fibre. The hand brake has not been altogether satisfactory; although it is quite efficient in holding the car stationary, it required too much attention. It had to be adjusted during the mileage, but soon lost its adjustment. In view of the fact that this has so little work to do, this seemed somewhat excessive. We suggest that the "Ferodo Fibre" lining has a good deal to do with this trouble. The actual adjustment we find is easy to work, and is quite satisfactory. Front Brakes. LOP. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 83068. N. Sch. 4734/4361/4312. Front Hubs. LOP. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 81672. Drums. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 83106. Lined with S. 5805 material. We did not remove the drums for examination during the test. We experienced no mechanical failure from this unit, and there was no undue wear of the linings, the total adjustment being N.S.F. 6 1/2 full turns, O.S.F. 8 full turns on the hand adjustment. We considered the front braking far too powerful at the outset, and reported to this effect. We were sent a shorter intermediate lever, G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 82809/10/11, which had the effect of increasing the rear braking but not reducing the front. The brakes, however, after this were far more stable. With abnormal braking on the Mt. Ventoux the brakes faded. A squeaking was also set up when they became hot, but under normal conditions this was not apparent, apart from an occasional groan when pulling up at medium speeds. The water excluders appeared to be satisfactory. The brakes maintaining their efficiency after the car had been washed. We think that on full rebound the front brakes come full on due to action of the links, etc. We found that this happened when the car was jacked up off the ground, which follows that the same thing would happen on a severe rebound or hump-back bridge. | ||