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).
Customer complaint letter from Mr. Stanley Ballantine regarding a severe wheel wobble and vibration issue when braking.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 85\1\ scan0160 | |
| Date | 29th July 1936 | |
| L.206 Copy of letter from Mr. Stanley Ballantine. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} LIZARS. 101, Buchanan Street, GLASGOW, C.1. Messrs. Bentley Motors Ltd., London. 29th July, 1936. Dear Sirs, It is with extreme regret that I have to write you in regard to the Bentley car supplied early in March through Messrs. McHarg, Rennie & Lindsay. The car has been a delight to drive in every way, and the Park Ward bodywork, since it has been in London for the adjustments as suggested by you, and some slight minor adjustments in Glasgow since then, has been reasonably free from rattles, and infinitely better than the previous bodywork on the 1934 car I had. The service which I have received both in North Street and at Elliot Street, is excellent. Mr. Reid, Mr. Peach and Mr. Hughes have always been most anxious to do everything to satisfy me. I regret to say, however, that I have lost confidence in this particular chassis, and I think you will agree that I have some reason for making this statement. On a fast car one expects the brakes, steering and road holding to be beyond reproach, and of the three possibly the brakes are the most important. About a fortnight ago I was driving through Glasgow, certainly not exceeding thirty miles an hour, when I had occasion, in going into a round about, to apply lightly my foot brake. There immediately arose a most tremendous vibration in the front of the car, and considerable wheel wobble, and it was only by an effort that I avoided colliding with another car which I had overtaken; altogether a most alarming experience. To give you some idea of the vibration, both head lamp bulb filaments were broken, and these had to be replaced. Such a vibration cannot be beneficial to the front end of the car; in fact I think it is responsible for the small crack which has developed on the near side front wing. The car was put into Elliot Street just before the holiday when they were rather rushed, for attention, and on its return everything seemed all right. I would say, however, that after the experience I endeavoured to repeat the occurrence without success. It only occurred once and then everything appeared | ||