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).
Issues with the Dunlop detachable hub on Phantom III road wheels and considering the Rudge Whitworth type as an alternative.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\4\ scan0150 | |
| Date | 26th October 1935 | |
| WYM{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} X356 BRY. noted [Signature] Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Ey. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} E.5/HP.26.10.35. re Phantom 3 Road Wheels. With reference to the above, Mr Goodyear of the Dunlop Co. has represented to me verbally that we should lose prestige by departing from the serrated type of detachable hub. I have told him that we are by no means satisfied that the present type of Dunlop detachable hub is the best form of attachment that we know of. Our own people complain about it, and the difficulty experienced in making the wheel tight and engaging the lock at the same time. Often the nut stops in such a position that the lock will not engage and the operator is then left with the choice of either endeavouring to drive up the nut more tightly, in which case it is liable to go out of centre, and then make it entirely impossible for the lock to engage or slack the nut back and run with what is felt to be a slightly loose wheel. Any slackness in this respect gives rise to fidgeting and wear on the cones and develops creaking noises which warn one that the wheel has to be retightened. I experienced this trouble myself during the Summer holiday, and ran eventually with three of the nuts driven up tightly and the lock unengaged. It is true that we receive very little complaints of these wheels in this respect from customers but the fact nevertheless remains that this condition is present. Mr Goodyear then pressed the claims of the Rudge Whitworth type, but here again the operation is not too easy and the tightening of one of these nuts almost requires the handling and judgment of a skilled mechanic. A hammer of sufficient weight is necessary, together with a very rigid spanner and then it is a matter | ||