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).
Comparative weight analysis of S.S. and Bentley vehicle components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\5\ scan0077 | |
| Date | 30th August 1938 | |
| -2- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester}4/MH.{M. Huckerby}30.8.38. Below are given a few comparative weights:- S.S. Axle with 2 damper bkts. and one brake equaliser bkt. 34 lbs. 8 ozs. Bentley front Axle. 32 lbs. One S.S. front spring 28 lbs. 12 ozs. One Bentley front spring 19 lbs. 12 ozs. (the S.S. spring has 11 leaves against the Bentley's 9) One S.S. Shock Damper (with link) 9 lbs. 12 1/4 ozs. One Bentley Shock Damper (with anch.) 14 lbs. Rear Axle Rear End Suspension & Prop. Shaft. A { S.S. Rear Axle. 143 lbs. 12 1/4 ozs. { Bentley. Rear Axle. 118 lbs. 13 1/2 ozs. B (S.S. Rear Suspension & P.S. 115 lbs. 1 3/4 ozs. (Bentley " " " 169 lbs. 5 ozs. A.{Mr Adams} The S.S. axle is of the semi-floating Banjo type. The increase in weight is accounted for by the fact that the axle case and differential and pinion bearing housing are heavier than on the Bentley which, of course, has an aluminium centre casing. The half shafts and hubs on the S.S. are also considerably heavier. B. The rear springs alone on the Bentley are 25 lbs. 4 ozs. heavier than those on the S.S. The two other major items that contribute to the increase in weight on this section are the prop. shaft and damper on the Bentley 17 lbs. 7 ozs. heavier, and the shock absorbers. Brakes. S.S. 183 lbs. 5 1/4 ozs. Benltey. 199 lbs. 8 1/2 ozs. Although the Bentley braking system incorporates a mechanical servo, the S.S. brake drums are so much heavier than those on the Bentley, partly owing to their increased diameter, that the advantage gained by not using a servo is lost on the drums. | ||