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).
The development and testing of vehicle brakes, accessibility, and suspension systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\1\ 01-page128 | |
| Date | 9th October 1934 | |
| -4- Brakes. This car has of course the scheme for direct braking to all four wheels. We have been struggling with this scheme on the Bentley for a considerable time and have not yet perfected it. The problem is of course more acute on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III as it is a larger car. Our general lines of development are to remove all spring from the system, get the highest overall mechanical efficiency possible, use steel shoes so that we can run with the minimum clearance and the weakest possible pull-off springs. If we do not succeed with braking to all four wheels we can always revert to the present Phantom brake system which on a large car, where for the comfort of the rear passengers it is not desirable to have the maximum amount of front braking, we think operates very satisfactorily. Accessibility. There are certain points where we think that accessibility might be improved, particularly with regard to the front engine mounting, shock absorbers etc., and clutch pit. Presumably the latter will receive consideration when the single plate clutch design is produced. Suspension. We find that the shock absorbers have a tendency to leak oil. There are rather many high pressure joints. We understand that this is having attention. The replenishing valves are also rather inaccessible. We find it difficult to fill these shock absorbers with the facilities provided. We have not yet found a way of checking the shock absorber load after erection. The riding qualities when the shock absorbers are working give promise of being exceedingly good. We think, however, that the springs fitted are of too low a rating for anything except a town carriage. We find that the Cadillac has only about 7" deflection front and rear, and we think that we should put in hand springs of this poundage which will give a suspension corresponding to our present standard Phantom for controllability. | ||