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).
Unsatisfactory rear brake life on 8-cylinder cars and proposing three alternative solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 121\1\ scan0232 | |
| Date | 14th March 1940 | |
| 1029 + 1044 To Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/MHR.{M. H. Rigby} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/MH.{M. Huckerby}14.3.40. REAR BRAKES ON 8-CYLINDER CARS. So far the rear brake life has not been satisfactory on any 8-cylinder car which we have produced, and which has been driven reasonably hard. We attach a report from FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} on the subject, Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies}6/JH. 23.1.40. Since then the brakes on 11.B.V. have again packed up. We know that we have had trouble on 11.B.V. with the rear brakes rubbing because there has been inadequate clear-ance in the linkage. However, all our 6-cylinder cars have had the same linkage and have not given this trouble. At the moment, therefore, we are faced with the fact that the rationalised rear shoes and drums are inadequate to deal with the 8-cylinder engine. We appear to have three alternatives:- (1) To increase the amount of front braking. This will not be possible until we get a pivot which gives reduced out-of-centre point steering. (2) To try liners having better wearing qualities. We are not very sanguine of this move because it may produce brake squeaks, and also impair the drum life. (3) Increase the lining area and possibly the heat dissipating capacities on our drums. The Experimental Dept. will investigate ITEMS (1) and (2) if the Design will see what can be done with regard to (3). | ||