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 the Bentley 4.1/4 litre Borg & Beck clutch.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\2\ scan0097 | |
| Date | 18th August 1936 | |
| X 1113 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/2/JAB. 18.8.36 all Testers Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} By Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Ld. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} SMD{J. Smedley} Smith ET AFH MONTHLY REPORT ON CUSTOMERS COMPLAINTS. BENTLEY 4.1/4 LITRE. I) BORG & BECK CLUTCH. The complaint was jaggers when engaging. With a new design of clutch it was expected that there would be possibly certain troubles arise. In this case the suppliers had erred in production in not keeping up to the specification. The fingers operating the pressure plate were not concentric in operation on the pressure plate. The fabrics were found to be uneven in thickness. We have since found the fabric was not altogheter satisfactory; although there are clutches which have given very smooth engagements. A fabric with a rubber base has been tested in the London traffic. It gave an improved engagement but the fabric had started to peel off when examined. The position is not serious; 90% of the complaints have been improved and given satisfaction. There has been no reports of slipping or excessive wear. The lighter flywheel & Clutch has been the means of producing a smoother engine. On the 10,000 miles tests, the crankshaft damper has shown less wear and remained more consistent. We should expect therefore to cut down damper complaints. ---------- G.W.H. | ||