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).
Monthly report on customer complaints regarding brake squeaks, shock absorbers, and springing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan434 | |
| Date | 8th December 1930 | |
| x4 117 COPY To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} [Text crossed out: c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}] [Text crossed out: c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}] [Text crossed out: c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}] [Text crossed out: c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}] [Text crossed out: e.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} to Ex.] Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}1/MJ.8.12.30. CUSTOMERS' COMPLAINTS MONTHLY REPORT. Item (1) Brake Squeaks and Inefficiency. The Experimental Dept. and W.W. have got out schemes for antisqueaks which are so far giving good results. The rear brakes are also being dealt with. Two new brake linings are being tried out with a view of increased efficiency, AMR.2 and Duron. W.W. have given us designs for increasing the thickness of the brake drum 50%. The wider foot brake shoe should help with brake squeaks. It is now on production. Item (2) Shock Absorbers. We have investigated a lot of complaints at Cricklewood. We have found out how rear shock absorbers can occasionally empty themselves. We believe reducing the lift of the air vent ball valve to .010 may in certain cases have a beneficial effect on knocks without reducing the damper efficiency but are continuing experiments to get confirmation as so far results have not been very consistent. A full report has been submitted to W.W. enumerating these and other points for design consideration. We have still a lot of investigation work to do before we can say we know all about shock absorber noises. Item (3) Springing. A considerable amount of valuable information dealing with this complaint has been obtained by A.J. Lidsey and the Repair Dept. Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} and Tr.{Capt. F. W. Turner - Finance} (See reports S/AJL.11.30., and 1/MJ.26.11.30). The lines worked on are to provide two types of springing, one more flexible and one stiffer than standard. 26-EX is the latter type and has been enthusiastically received as what is required for high speed work. 58-GN. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s car, is the former type for low speed comfort and is also admitted to be a big improvement for its purpose. 26-EX. type is standardised and the exact proportions for 58-GN. are being determined for standardisation. Shock absorber work is being carried out in parallel. We think that this work will largely eliminate complaints. All improvements, if desired, are applicable retrospectively. | ||