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).
Road work, component mileage, and a list of identified faults in gearboxes, suspension, brakes, and clutches.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\3\ scan0265 | |
| Date | 24th January 1941 | |
| - 3 - Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/ML.24.1.41. It will be remembered that at one time, it was suggested that a 4-cylinder engine, made from the Senior rationalised pieces and displacing 2.8 litres, might be used to extend the Senior Range. Whilst this is still possible, we consider that it is undesirable since the gearbox, axle, etc., being designed for 5.6 litres, are just twice too big for this small unit. We have therefore, as will be shown later, incorporated this 4-cylinder in the Junior Range. 2. ROAD WORK. (a) Mileages. The fully rationalised parts common to B.V., i.e. the frame, gearbox, steering, suspension, brakes, etc., have covered 373,000 miles exclusive of running done by customers. The rationalised parts not common to B.V., i.e. the high power engine, semi-floating axle and hydraulic front brakes, have done the following distances :- 6-cylinder high power engines 50,000 miles. 8-cylinder " " " 115,000 miles. Hydraulic brakes 150,000 miles. Semi-floating axle 290,000 miles. It is therefore true to say that, though due to war conditions we cannot overcome all the faults that have come to light, we do at least know what these are, and they are not very numerous. Tabulating the most serious :- (b) Faults. Gearbox. Side shaft bearing failures, all cars.* Noisy second speeds, all cars.* Inadequate tooth strength. 8-cylinder cars. Front Suspension. Incorrect clearances and production spring lengths. Tendency for front dampers to be too susceptible to failure through dirt. Brakes. Servo judders and groans. All cars. Inadequate brake life. 8-cylinder cars.* Clutch. Thrust race failures. Semi-centrifugal clutches. - Continued - | ||