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).
Explaining the operation and safety characteristics of the four-wheel braking system.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\3\ scan0090 | |
Date | 9th June 1924 | |
49940 To C.J. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} S E C R E T. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG1 9.6.24. FOUR WHEEL BRAKES. Answering your CJ6/E1 8.6.24. returned herewith We suggest that something like the following would cover both 'A' and 'B' :- If at any time the front wheels are locked on a car by means of the brakes, it is not possible to steer the car. If the steering is turned the car will still proceed in a straight line. The RR. system of brakes is arranged so that if the brakes are applied hard, the rear wheels will always lock before the front wheels, and by the patented arrangement of operation, once the rear wheels are locked, it is not possible by any extra pressure on the foot pedal to increase the braking on the front wheels. The braking effect of a car however depends directly upon the grip of the tyre on the road, therefore, if the front wheels strike a condition of road such as - wet or grease or even loose surface - they are liable to skid. On a straight road it is not likely to cause any harm but if it occurs on a corner, it cannot help but affect the steering. The fact of turning the front wheels, sets up a condition which tends to produce skidding on the front. It is possible on a greasy road that if the brakes are applied, the front wheels may be locked and the driver not be aware of it until he finds it necessary to use the steering. It is therefore essential that contd:- | ||