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).
Technical issues and proposed solutions for various vehicle components, including couplings, steering, clutches, exhausts and drives.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan435 | |
| Date | 8th December 1930 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWHl/MJ.8.12.30 -2- Item (4) Fabric Couplings The fitting of the rivetted fabric coupling is deleting the complaint. Further tests are being carried out with other makes of fabric discs which are giving promising results in length of life. A larger design of fabric coupling is being incorporated with the new gear box. Item (5) Steering. We have received information from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} and Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} dealing with the troubles concerning the loss of load on the cross steering tube. Attention has now been paid to the better production of the ball contacts and future cars should be free from this trouble. The shock absorber work in conjunction with the above should contribute to better steering. Item (6) Clutches. As a result of investigations, a circular woven material is now being fitted combined with extra rivetting which eliminates the trouble experienced previously. Future cars should be free from any trouble. To deal with cars on the road, Depot Sheets have been circulated instructing the extra rivets, and in case of recurrent troubles the new fabric to be fitted. Extra clearance has also been instructed in the trunnion sleeve to obviate the seizing up recently experienced. Item (7) Exhaust Troubles. The present recurrent trouble with the 20 HP. car has been dealt with. A strengthened manifold has been designed and is now in production for Depots to replace faulty ones. The exhaust down pipe joint flange is being reinforced with a flanged pressing welded at the outer edge. This should prevent recurrent failures. The Phantom trouble of pushing the silencer back has, with the assistance of Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} been overcome by fitting the sliding joint similar to the W.W. design of the 20/25 HP. We are recommending this design for future cars and instruct Depots to alter any exhausts complained of. Item (8) Slipper Drives. We have received considerable assistance from Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} and Mr. Archer with this complaint and as a result of the investigations the windowed corrugated plate has proved successful. This is now being incorporated in all slipper wheels on Phantom II. Depot Sheets have been instructed for this feature to be dealt with when complaints arise. A Standardisation Sheet was issued on 3.11.30 and is waiting for Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s signature to complete the list. | ||