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).
Axle modifications, friction disc adjustments, and subsequent road test results from France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\3\ scan0207 | |
| Date | 16th April 1935 | |
| OPRV To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From G.W.H. 5 B IV. Hotel De France. Chateauroux. France. 16/4/35. I have been in communication with Paris and got them to bring down the 4° traverse lean of axle so that we can get the Car running. I have sent our axle back to Paris for them to check up. We have from what measurements we can take bent the off side neck which is bringing the road wheel with a caster inwards instead of outwards. We however wish to make certain of it. We propose after fitting the tempary axle to go to Paris and try a standard axle. We checked the Slipper Wheel. Raybestos friction discs are fitted but no mention of this is made in the specification. The slipping load (actual) was only 10 Lbs. starting load 14 Lbs. We have however managed to carry out an arrangement which Ive tried unsuccessfully previously; that is, drilled 12 holes 12 m.m. dia. in the discs and filled same with cork. The result (bench test) is very satisfactory. It has prevented the initial sticking and a very even slipping load of 15 Lbs has been obtained without any packing or alteration to the springs. We hope to obtain a smoother engine, with this even damper friction load. We have plugged up the drain holes in the rear brake drums as you suggested. To do so we have had to request Paris to make us a serrated tube spanner as the locking ring design had been altered. G.W.H. [Signature: G.W.Hancock] We have got the car running with the 4° Axle. The results are, quite a normal Bentley. Steering selective with no undue joggle. Brakes good no sharp, no shudder. Engine free from high crankshaft period. No improvement 3600 revs. [Initials: GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}] | ||