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).
The suitability of the 14-tooth axle versus the 18-tooth axle, and a decision on despatching cars with improved fan belts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 25\3\ Scan089 | |
| Date | 1st July 1922 guessed | |
| contd:- -2- was typical on the pre war cars. We have the impression at the Works that the 14-tooth axle for light open cars, is wrong. The disadvantages may not be apparent with a new car but when the car has been on the road for some time and the parts have become worn (there will be more wear with the lower gear), there is considerably more buzz and noise than with the higher geared car. Also we do not think it is reasonable that a car weighing 40 cwts. should have the same axle ratio as a car weighing 55 cwts. The reason the 14-tooth axle is popular is because of the increase in acceleration and the increase in power from the engine at all speeds up to 60 m.p.h. If that is so, then as the increase in power can only come about due to increase in engine speed, it means more noise, and the increased acceleration will reduce the smoothness of the pick-up. We have carried out tests on the same car - testing it once with the 14-tooth axle fitted and again with an 18tooth axle. The opinion of the experts at the Works is that if it is the feel-ing of the pre-war car which the Sales Dept. desire then we should give careful consideration before we adopt the low geared axle for all types of car. Vibration from fan belts. X.196. It has been decided that no further cars shall be des-patched unless they are fitted with the improved type of fan belt which is a belt similar to what we are using on the dynamo. A number of these belts are also being sent to Lillie Hall so that they can fit them to any chassis which they find has a vibration caused by the fan belt. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||