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).
Customer complaints regarding rear axle oil leaks and the oil filler position on a 40/50 Chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\2\ Scan165 | |
| Date | 29th June 1923 | |
| X3457 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/H29.6.23. re. 40/50 Chassis. Rear Axle. We have two complaints from an important customer, A.E. Lewis-Holloway, owner of 71-BG. They are as follows:- (1). That the drain pipes at each end of the axle,(even if kept clear) under certain circumstances, are not sufficient to prevent oil working through on to the brakes. (This axle is fitted with the latest baffle plates). (2). That the position of the oil filler on the rear axle is an absurd one, and that an owner-driver cannot be expected to remove the oil filler for the purpose of allowing excess oil to drain out while it is warm. This customer winds up his criticism by remarking that it is hoped someday we shall alter the oil filler position, and asking if we are able to devise some scheme by which the rush of excess oil to one or the other end of the axle might be prevented from flowing past the drain pipes on to the brakes. We have already pointed out to this customer that the universal joint should be oiled frequently but with small quantities of oil only, and that drain pipes on the axle should be kept quite clear, and that we anticipate these drain pipes will be quiet able to deal with any flow of oil which is likely to take place under ordinary conditions. It is after having read our recommendations and comments that the customer has made the above comments. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||