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).
Adoption of new clutches and issues with Ferodo and Raybestos friction materials.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\2\ scan0288 | |
| Date | 24th January 1921 | |
| X.3439 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} " EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} } " R.R. of America Inc. } from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. c. to PN.{Mr Northey} c. to H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to De. c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to HM.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} c. to CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} c. to C. c. to SA. X.3439 RE CLUTCHES. X.F.Y.O X.3409 We are adopting in our new models, single or multiple plate clutches, because they are easier to get right once the design and materials are correct, and with them one can change gear with less skill. We have not been entirely successful with these in the past, because we have never got the correct materials for the non-metallic dry friction surface. Ferodo people seem to put, or get some resinous cement into their fabric, which is fatal for smooth take-up, and probably the most hopeful that is supplied is by the Raybestos people. .X.34616 The same may be said of the Ferodo supplied forshock dampers. It spoiled our rear shock dampers, being worse than lubricated metal to metal. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Just recently concluded that it may be possible that the water or damp has got inside and caused the ferodo to swell and jam. Be sure the clearances are sufficient. | ||