Thanks both,
No, John, the pad mounting and centralising with the handbrake applied is not the problem. The problem is that with the handbrake off the handbrake calliper itself is out of balance on its mounting, which causes the inside pad to lightly touch the disc, albeit very lightly.
Peter, to explain what we have done. We have added a very light spring, in tension, between the handbrake calliper and the bracket that holds the brake cable outer. There is a convenient mounting point for it on the calliper and it's just secured at the other end with a cable tie. This might provide a solution, but time will tell. The tension we applied was pure guesswork, just enough we hope, but not too much.
Having thought about this over the last couple of days I looked up the excellent Australian RR site as I know contemporary Rolls's also used Girling brakes. I found a far more detailed parts list on this which includes a mystery item, a "centralising strap". Just a rod with a mounting hole at one end. But it isn't clear where or how it's fitted.
I took myself off under the 410 this morning and scratched my head for a long time, but I still can't imagine where such a thing might go so am no wiser. Perhaps a RR/Bently owner might be able to enlighten us.
I am now wondering whether this tendency for the inside pad to touch might be behind the very slight whirr that I have always had when slowing down after a good run. This is clearly at wheel rpm but I'm assured the bearings are fine. If they weren't they wouldn't have lasted the 18 years I've had the car.
Any other thoughts anyone?
Roger
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