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).
Responding to Mr. Geoffrey Smith's criticisms of his Bentley car, addressing suspension, steering, brakes, and ground clearance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\2\ scan0049 | |
| Date | 21th November 1934 | |
| To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} *7961 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}8/KW.21.11.34. Mr. Geoffrey Smith's Car. Replying to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}7/R.20.11.34, we consider that Mr. Geoffrey Smith's letter was a very intelligent criticism of the Bentley. Taking his comments in order - (1) Suspension. We have tended to spring the Bentley on the light side for full load and luggage. This is probably the main cause of Mr. Smith's comments. There is no doubt, however, that the one function which the controllable shock absorbers now standardised have is that they enable the suspension to be adjusted for load variation. We do not agree that the existing shock absorbers lose their load in hot weather. What does happen is that the high temperature of the tyres raises their inflation pressure, often by as much as 5 lbs/sq.in., and this on certain types of road brings up axle patter. (2) Steering. Unless his tyre pressures vary it is difficult for us to explain the inconsistency of steering effort. We can say that the stiffened front axle improves the behaviour of the car on cambered roads. This is now of course standardised. (3) Brakes. On this point, as usual the small size of the brake drums seems to be the main worry of the owner. We suggest that you send him a copy of Mr. E.R. Hall's letter in which he describes how magnificently the brakes behaved during his practice for the Mille Miglia. The smoke and smell which he encountered were obviously due to oil getting into the hub on the nearside of the car. This has happened on several occasions on our own cars and happened to Hall's car in the T.T. We have been doing some investigation work and have evolved a cure which will run 10,000 miles on 5-B-IV. (4) Ground Clearance. We entirely agree that the ground clearance is inadequate for any Colonial road sections, and have in hand a lower axle ratio which will enable larger wheels to be fitted and improve this point. | ||