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).
Letter from Rolls-Royce of America discussing unfavourable clutch performance and issues with facings on Phantom models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\2\ scan0223 | |
| Date | 1st March 1929 | |
| ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. OY.7. March 1st. 1929. Mr. R.W.H. Bailey, Rolls Royce Ltd. Derby, England. c. London File. Dear Mr. Bailey, CLUTCH - SECTION 6000. ------------------------ We notice that you have changed to 'Tenoid' brake linings to get rid of squeaking, and are wondering whether a similar change is contemplated in clutch-facings. The general 'reaction' to Phantom clutches of all types is unfavourable. There seems to be some essential element 'missing' and we think it may be ventilation of the friction faces. Comparison with Silver Ghost clutches (except for the lighter pedal pressure) is always coming up in Maintenance complaints. The Silver Ghost clutch was so 'indestructible' that R.R. cars obtained a wide reputation as the world's best 'trail-breakers' under winter conditions. As against this we have had several unfortunate experiences with Phantom cars failing to pull out of difficulties because of clutch slip, and an almost constant complaint of grabbing. Comparison is unfavourable as compared with clutches on much cheaper cars, like Lincoln, Packard or Buick. Strangely enough the grabbing and slipping appear to develop together. The occurence seems due to overheating of the upper layers of the fabric facings, which become brittle after prolonged use. At this stage, generally between 6000 and 10,000 miles, the sawsteel disc beginsto score, fine steel chips become embedded in bright streaks around the fabric and the disc turns blue at the edges. A little later it is found that the fabric though appearing good, can be blown away from the brass wires, by a sharp air blast, to a depth of about .015". | ||