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).
Test report on headlights, 'Houdaille' front shock absorbers, standard rear axle, rear brakes, petrol tank, and a luggage grid.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\2October1925-December1925\ Scan176 | |
| Date | 20th November 1925 guessed | |
| - 7 - consider it would be better if the angle of the dipping could be increased. At the present time there is a fair amount of glare in the vision of the driver's eyes. They are not so good in this respect as dimmed headlights. The lamps have remained in the vertical position during our runs. "HOUDAILLE" Front shock absorbers. We have found a quarter of a turn of the adjustment to be the best position for the riding of the front of the car. We have had no trouble with the shock absorbers themselves. Bolts holding the necessary adapters for the alignment of the shock absorbers are continually stretching & becoming loose. This arrangement is not standard. Standard rear axle. (standard). 15 x 52 ratio. We have had no trouble with this, & we should consider it normal as regards quietness. Rear brakes & actuating shafts. Metal dirt excluders on rear act. shafts to G.L. 152. These are a considerable improvement to the leather covers, but still further improvement is necessary as the aluminium has become damaged by stones hitting these during our runs. They are very good for keeping dirt out. The improved rear brake covers to M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Sch. 2039 - we consider these to be very good. We have not had up to the present any trouble with grit getting between cover & drum, which was a usual occurrence with the old type, and caused a bad grinding effect. The inside of brake drums & shoes was free from dirt. The brake drums are in good condition. The rear and front brakes are fitted with special Ferodo brake linings G.4574 & G.70007. These linings are supposed to be of a non-squeaking type. Towards the end of the 2,500 miles, a slight squeak had developed in the rear brakes. The bedding of the rear brakes was poor, the non-wrapping shoe being hard on, & both shoes shewing the most bedding at the heel. It was necessary to rebed these, as we were not getting sufficient rear braking. After rebedding the shoes, the rear braking considerably improved, & no sign of squeaking has been heard. The condition of the drums was good. Petrol tank, with reserve compartment to M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Sch. 2051. & L.O.P. M.7425 I. The petrol tank is in good condition. We have not used the reserve compartment, as the guage does not register that amount, and it would lead to complications in petrol consumptions. The filler is not all that could be desired. The petrol pump has to be slowed down considerably, or we lose quite a good amount of petrol, due to the tank getting air locked, when nearly full. Luggage grid to M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Sch. 2028. This was loaded up with 170 lbs. ballast. This failed after the first 189 miles of the test, the O.S. tube at joint of second cross tube breaking. The opposite tube was bent, due to the extra strain. The tube broke close up to joint where sudden decrease of cross section takes place. | ||