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 report into suspension crashing and brake squeaking issues on Capt. Barnato's Car B.16.AW.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\5\ scan0036 | |
| Date | 8th November 1940 | |
| To Sr. From Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/dym. Copy to C. LA.{L. A. Archer} Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Capt. Barnato's Car B.16.AW. The above car was sent to us to investigate complaints of "crashing on the front suspension" and groans and squeaks from the brakes. On the front suspension, we found that the torque arms had been hitting the metal stops on both sides of the frame, because the bump buffer clearance on the O/S was barely 1", and on the N/S 1/8" instead of at least 1 1/2". Examination of the springs showed them to be correct to drawing, but we found that the springs supplied to the Experimental Dept., to the same drawing, are actually 3/16" longer, and this probably explains why our cars have not given us the same trouble. We fitted one of our longer springs to the N/S, and a 50 lbs. heavier spring to the O/S, and lengthened the buffer stops by 3/16" to bring the buffers into action earlier. These modifications eliminate the crashing, and the new springs raised the car 1/4" on the N/S and 1/2" on the O/S. We found the brake troubles to be due to servo judders and NSR. brake linings squeaking. New brake linings were fitted to the NSR. hub and a new servo fitted complete with VG.90 lining with Neoprene soaked tape round the outside of the spring plate to keep out water. We also fitted a special water shield to the gear box oil seal housing. All clearances in pins, jaws and levers throughout the brake system were increased to .005" to prevent seizure during winter weather. After these modifications, we were still left with a slight ripple on the brake pedal and a special "sponge rod" was made experimentally and fitted between the pedal and the servo cam levers, which entirely cured this feature. The servo removed from Capt. Barnato's car is being fitted to one of our Experimental cars for investigation. Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/dym. | ||