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).
Inefficiency of Bentley brakes when wet and proposing an increase in brake drum size.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\2\ scan0081 | |
| Date | 25th January 1934 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c.c. Wer. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Handwritten: GURY Handwritten: X206 E.11/HP.25.1.34. re Bentley Brakes. With regard to the question of the inefficiency of brakes after the car has been washed or passed through water, from my own experience I know this can be a source of considerable danger. The linings on my Vauxhall car were changed for a material which is sensitive in this way and on two or three occasions it has almost resulted in collisions. I am, therefore, personally strongly in favour of any move which would overcome this defect. We have in progress schemes for using 14" brake drums in place of the present 12" on the Bentley chassis, and we are endeavouring to keep down the increase in unsprung weight to the absolute minimum. There is no doubt that we must avoid such increase to the best of our ability as its effect is very deleterious on the behaviour of the car and its controllability owing to interference with road adhesion. The increase in diameter from 12" to 14" would enable us to use a brake lining with a lower coefficient of friction and possibly less liable to fade. The one we have available at the moment however is not too good as regards wearing properties, but here also we shall have some counterbalance in the greater area available for wear. We propose to push ahead with the schemes of larger brake drums and try them out. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||