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).
Tests carried out to overcome brake squeaks on Phantom cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 12\5\ 05-page292 | |
| Date | 21th May 1931 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Mor. c. to Ja. S. c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} 87560. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}6/KT. 21.5.31. Re. BRAKE SQUEAKS. We have during the last four weeks been trying out various schemes to overcome the squeak and groans from the front and rear brakes on Phantom cars. The following are the tests carried out - 1st. Locomotive type of shoes fitted to front brakes to N. sch. 3183. This type of shoe when first fitted remained quiet for 500 miles. It then began to squeak and in a very short time was much worse than the standard shoes. The strength of the locating springs was varied, but we could not make the brakes remain quiet. A different make of brake lining was tried with no better results. 2nd. We again tried the scheme suggested in E's memo. El/M21.3.31. of tapering the front end of the lining on the shoes. The results were the same as was experienced and reported upon in our memo. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}7/KT.1.4.31. The squeak is of a higher note and more intense. There is also a harsh grating sound when the brakes are applied. This is most probably due to the hardness of the brake linings. 3rd. We have tried the following makes of brake linings none of which have been free from squeaks. Duron, Ferodo M.R., Ferodo A.M.R., Mintex, Cresswell, Ferobestos, Klinger. The makers of these materials claimed them to be free from squeaks. 4th. Small lead pads held on to the sides of the shoes by springs. This was claimed to damp out the period set up in the shoes. We have had a fair amount of success with this method with the front brakes, but on the rear it is a failure. 5th. Cast Iron Ribbed Brake Drums. The squeaking of the brakes when using the ribbed drums are approx. 50% less in volume. | ||