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).
Recurring issues with the slipper drive and friction damper on 40/50 and 20 HP models, particularly after standing for a period.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5\6\ 06-page011 | |
| Date | 22th November 1926 | |
| To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X5300 Hsl/T22.11.26. SLIPPER DRIVE. 40/50 AND 20 HP. X5300 Below is memo we have received from Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} in the Test Dept. This is to remind you that our friction damper does need improvement. "Although we have done very useful work in improving the above with regard to the poundages being maintained reasonable, and the slipper drive working consistently under all conditions, there is no doubt that the slipper drive still gives a certain amount of trouble on chassis which have stood for a period, particularly at the Coachbuilders. The 20 HP. always was, and still is, the worst offender of the two. In a number of cases the effect of the seized or tight slipper drive after this period of standing only lasts for a short time, and after the first run on the road it will be quite satisfactory, although the effect is very marked when first going out on the car; in other cases, no amount of running seems to move the slipper drive, and it has to be dismantled and re-fitted. Usually, there is a little indication of what has caused the slipper to be tight, other than the fact that the friction surfaces are very dry. To some extent we have similar happenings on chassis on test, if they have stood for any length of time. A recent occurrence of a similar nature on a finished 40/50 car (delivered about 3 months ago) which has had to be dismantled and attended to, forces me to bring this question again to your notice. At the moment I am at a loss to make any further suggestions, but have been asked the usual question by Sales Dept. and EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} as to what action we propose to take with a view to avoiding further cases happening." Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||