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).
Major complaints and suggested actions for car components, specifically the gearbox and brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 135\2\ scan0185 | |
| Date | 29th September 1943 | |
| JACKS COLUMN CONTROLS 1134 (37) (Er.) To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} 1134 Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} 9/OH. 29.9.43. RATIONALISED CAR COMPLAINTS. With reference to our recent discussion re. the above, we give you herewith a list of the major complaints and suggested action :- Bentley V Gearbox Failures. The original gearbox failed in every respect, but the three modified Gearboxes that have been fitted to 8.B.V., 12.B.V. and 30.G.VII have now run a total mileage of 26,500 without major troubles. We are endeavouring to complete three more Gearboxes and if successful will fit them into more of our cars. BRAKES. Servo. This component is far too temperamental to go into production. It is impossible to build up a brand new Servo and guarantee freedom from judders or groans first time, exactly why, we have yet to find out. On the other hand a perfectly good Servo will develop judders or groans for no apparent reason, and the only known cure is to change the linings or pressure plate, or both. Expander Units. These have siezed up on all our motor-cars at one time or another, particularly during the bad weather period. Two sets of these units were chromium plated and have been run on 10.B.V. for 28,000 miles and 9.B.V. for 39,000 miles without giving any further trouble. Hand Brake. We had numerous complaints of being unable to release the Hand Brake Lever. We found this due to small stones etc. becoming lodged in the trigger mechanism. We fitted a temporary cover over the trigger mechanism and 3.B.50., 8.B.V. and 12.B.V. have run respectively 11,000, 13,500 and 34,900 miles without any further trouble. 3.B.50 has always suffered from the Rear Brake Shoes rattling on the carrier plate, this requires design attention. -continued- | ||