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).
Technical report on issues and recommendations for the change speed, axle, and suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\3\ Scan012 | |
| Date | 12th January 1921 | |
| X 3527 4261 Contd. -2- Ristruct X.3481. R4/G12.1.21. expensively arranged to be silent, and to remain so, ample bearings and no diaphragms, so that it should be rigid and dead. Change gear boxes for other new models are coming through on same lines exactly. (3) CHANGE SPEED. X.3594. X.3525. I conclude that the clutch being so easy to operate has not enough stroke to give real clearance. I also consider that Fero O clutch materials are not yet perfect, the make up (impregnating) that I have seen so far is wrong, being resinous. It is evident that the Americans have better materials Raybestos from Brown Bros. might be tried; it should be absolutely free from resinous substances, and any greasy make-up. Justsoft-asbestos, if it can be controlled, might be fastened to outer plates by copper staples like our present cotton fabric, which material we might also try. "Marmon" is a good clutch which frees itself and changes well, but it rattles and jingles when out. There has never been any serious fault in any of the plate clutches we have made, and it is quite a matter of materials. Regarding the reverse, you will find it is not likely that anyone will get in the reverse. All the American cars have no reverse stop, it is quite unnecessary. (4) AXLE. X.3493. Gears in back axle are evidently wrongly cut or wrongly instructed, so that the wheel and pinion are unsuitable for each other, or they want moving further than you have ever had them. The noise is naturally caused by intermittent drive. This intermittent driving is probably the cause (almost certain) of the vibratory noise at 8 or 10 M.P.H. mentioned in par. (13) You will notice it is on all gears at the same speed therefore behind the gearbox and the bevel is the only part possible to cause it. (5) SUSPENSION. X.3527. X.3598. We expect that when you get the full clearance you can use more flexible springs, and therefore get better suspension, it will never be quite as good as the big car, and the best you will get will be soft springs and sufficient damping friction to prevent rebounds. Arrange if possible for shock damper on front and back axles, same as recommended for 40/50 might be tried. It will be found that these are necessary fittings for the back of this car, but the spring also must be flexible, and the shock damper will enable more flexible springs to be used without bumping on the rubber buffers. Contd. | ||