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).
Test report on the condition of rear brakes, suspension, propeller shaft, and electrical components.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\O\2April1926-June1926\ Scan098 | |
| Date | 15th January 1926 guessed | |
| - 7 - Rear brakes, mechanism & drums. The rear brakes have remained in good condition and little wear has taken place. They were adjusted whilst the axle was down. Wear has taken place in the connecting links from countershaft to operating shaft for foot brake. The inside of covers were fairly clean when examined. We have had during the test grit get between the dust covers and drums, which made a bad grating noise. We have not had this reoccur after resetting the dust covers. The brakes developed a squeak which became worse, then died down to a grunt, which has remained up to the finish of the test. The drums are in a very good condition. Rear road springs & shackle bearings. We took the opportunity whilst the axle was down, to dismantle the O.S. rear spring. Upon examining the leaves, we found the 5th leaf from top had cracked half way across; 2 3/8" rear of center bolt. The other leaves were all in good condition. We have come to the opinion, that it is the center leaf that fractures first; which then places a greater stress on the top leaf, which in time then fails. We have replaced this by a new spring and are sending the two discarded springs back to Derby. The spring shackle pins on either springs are very badly worn. We have not been hitting the buffers so frequently since increasing the friction load of the rear shock dampers. Rear shock dampers. The rear shock dampers have held the car more steadier since increasing the friction load to approx. 70 Lbs. We have had to continually adjust the connecting links during the test. We find these have worn very much through dust getting on to the ball ends; the leather covers being insufficient to keep it out. We also noticed that the tubes have been bulged out where neck of ball end comes. Propeller shaft. We have had no trouble with this. There does not appear to be any appreciable wear taken place in the universal joints. We have had very little oil leak from the spherical joint covers. Electrical fittings. "Elliot Ammeter".- This had given no trouble and has worked quite satisfactory. "Ignition coil".-. Ignition coil with finned primary C.P.I. we have found no defects with this. "Distirbutor box".- "C" type cut out. Contacts with rigid backing and rigid fixed support. The contacts were in good condition and have functioned O.K. "40/50 type Klaxon switch and wire.-. This has operated satisfactory. "Rear tail lamp".- The rear tail lamp was broken due to stones hitting it. We fitted a new lamp; this also has had the glass broken through the same cause. We have not been able to keep bulbs in good condition more than 500 miles; the filaments will not stand the rough shaking of the roads. We reported that the wires under the wings for the N.S. and O.S. lamp broke. We do not consider the lead covered wire suitable and more robust clips should be fitted. Remaining electrical fittings have remained O.K. | ||