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).
Bentley brake judder issues, discussing potential solutions for existing cars and future production models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 85\1\ scan0163 | |
| Date | 30th July 1936 | |
| MARTINDALE x wjb S/W. To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} copy to Wos. copy to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}10/D30.7.36 Re: Bentley Brake Judders We have been studying Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KW.27.7.36, giving a full report on the above problem. You will remember that some six weeks ago, I said that it was evident that this matter required dividing into two categories: (1) Something which we could fit to existing cars in cases of complaint, or without even waiting for complaint, and which, if not 100% cure, was at least a palliative, and (2) A complete cure for future production. If, as we hope, the modified parts on 6-B-IV form the complete cure, it is quite obvious that we cannot get them on production for some very considerable time, and therefore we must have something to deal with existing cars in cases of complaint. I see the report says on page 15 that Design have turned down the scheme shown on that page (No. 21) owing to the position of the lever, i.e. as it is in full view. But if one looks at a complete car, it is clear that the additional parts fitted would not be in full view, - in fact would not be visible, unless one gets down on one's hands and knees in front of the car to look for them. We are getting some very bad cases indeed, where people are getting these judders and losing confidence in their cars. As an instance I attach copy of letter received from a Mr. Ballantine in Glasgow. Here is a case where it seems to me we must ask him to let us have the car at the Works in any case, and I believe we should take the risk and fit the parts referred to on page 15 do his car and tell him that we have effected a cure. We also have had some other bad cases which you know of, and there is Mr. Pierson of Vickers' car. Here is a case where we supplied a Bentley car at a special price to an aircraft designer, largely for propaganda purposes, and they are frightened to use it, and we look like having | ||