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).
Criticisms and tests of Andre Telecontrol dampers, including issues with leaks, mounting, and effectiveness.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 152\1\ scan0050 | |
| Date | 11th October 1932 | |
| 8833. Hd. {Mr Hayward / Mr Huddy} (for Depot Sheet). Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 9/KT.11.10.32. ANDRE TELECONTROL DAMPERS. We understand that a number of customers are having Andre Telecontrol dampers fitted to their cars. We have run these shock absorbers on some of our expl. tests and make the following criticisms. (1) The hand control pressure unit develops leaks past the piston, and once these leaks start, constant filling up is necessary if the dampers are to remain in service. We understand that Messrs Andre have modified the design to overcome the trouble, but as yet we have/no satisfactory solutions submitted to us. had (2) The shock absorbers being mounted on silent block rubber bushes have very little lateral control. For this reason with reduced loads the rear shock absorbers are likely to drum against the petrol tank supports causing an unpleasant noise. The front shock absorbers nit nothing out look very unsightly. With regard to the effectiveness of these shock absorbers when they are working properly, attached are curves taken from four shock absorbers on a car, showing the various loads likely to be encountered. At high loads the dampers are very effective. With regard to the life of the dampers themselves. The expander is made of rubber, but we have not had sufficient running to say what its life is likely to be. It would, however, appear to be easily and cheaply replaced in case of failure. Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||