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).
Eight major complaints with the Bentley braking system and proposed solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\2\ scan0223 | |
| Date | 17th December 1934 | |
| x206 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From HA/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to Hdy.{William Hardy} c. to Bm. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/No.2/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}17.12.34. Bentley Brake Complaints. We have during the past 9 months been dealing with 8 major complaints connected with the Bentley braking system. The order of merit in which we have dealt with these troubles is as follows :- (1) Tramping when brakes are applied at speed. (2) Jaggers when coming to rest with the linings wet. (3) Jaggers when the brakes are applied sharply at 40 m.p.h. or below. (4) Front brake thumps. (5) Oil on the rear brakes. (6) Inefficiency of the brakes for a few moments after the car has been washed. (7) Front brakes ineffective when rear wheels are locked. (8) Brakes "fading". We have at present on experimental test a cure or partial cure for every one of these. Summarising the results obtained to date :- (1) Tramping when brakes are applied at speed. Existing Cars. The most effective palliative for existing cars is to increase the front shock absorber load. At 150 lbs. front shock absorber load we have not yet been able to make a car tramp. This clearly results in an uncomfortable ride. However, if the damper loads are raised from 80 lbs., which is standard, to 105 lbs., the tendency to tramp should be eliminated in most cases. | ||