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).
Quarterly complaints about the 20/25 HP and Phantom II models, focusing on issues with brakes and engine gear rattle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\1\ scan0175 | |
| Date | 9th November 1934 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} re 20/25 H.P & PHANTOM II QUARTERLY COMPLAINTS (Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}3/HR.2.11.34) In view of your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KW.8.11.34, and apropos of our EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}3/MH.{M. Huckerby}6.11.34, the following, I suggest, are points which I consider might be dealt with in a similar way. 20/25 H.P. (1) Brakes Poor.- In spite of the various modifications and attention being given, etc., I feel we must still realise that the efficiency of the brakes on the 25 H.P. is not good enough unless everything is in 100% condition, and some general improvement is required. Also squeaking complaints of the rear brakes seems excessive. Should not the fixing of the toggle shoe be considered for these brakes? (2) Hand Brake, if effective, squeaks badly if used for finally pulling up the car; also if "over-oiled" it becomes defective owing to oil getting on same and to a certain extent affecting the foot brake. It is preferable that the customer's garage floor should be smothered with oil if excess oiling is carried out, rather than that the car should be made dangerous. (E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} has the matter in hand). (3) Engine Gear Rattle, etc.- In spite of all we are doing this seems to be an ever increasing complaint. As discussed with E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}, I submit that a scheme of automatic ignition advance should be considered as a cure for this complaint. As explained, such complaints as we are now receiving of "engine rattle on pick-up", whether this is due to engine gear rattle, torque reaction, pinking, sideshaft bubble, etc., can be cure or alleviated by judicious use of [Handwritten Notes] [Top Center]: x4117 R [Top Right]: GRY{Shadwell Grylls} Powering Smith File [Left Margin]: GRY{Shadwell Grylls} Our recommendation please. No squeaks Servos tolerated! | ||