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).
Investigation into a clutch chirp on a trials car, with a recommendation to drill and pin clutch brake push rods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan047 | |
| Date | 10th January 1930 | |
| S/W. ..from PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} x7960. PN.{Mr Northey}4/WT10.1.30. In connection with the use of our trials cars 2-WJ xx by FBS.{F. Bell-Scott} recently, he wrote as follows concerning the clutch :- "There is a nasty chirp, chirp coming from it and I am glad of the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the matter. Office work and then repaired to garage where, on examination of the clutch brake on 2-WJ found that the ball on the end of the rod which pushes the clutch brake off the drum when the clutch is engaged, had broken off causing the brake to be continually on. This undoubtedly caused the continuous nasty chirp. I found the ball-end in the bottom of the casing and the push rod hanging loose. I also found the fabric coupling between the clutch and gearbox badly damaged; this damage was no doubt caused by the small push rod. To prevent a recurrence of this trouble, and consequent damage, I strongly recommend that all clutch brake push rods be drilled and pinned in future". We shall be glad of your remarks on this point. PN.{Mr Northey} G.W.H Think the present rivetting O.K. if properly carried out. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||