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 performance, reliability, and further testing of the semi-floating axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\1\ scan0176 | |
| Date | 13th March 1939 | |
| 1015 By from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Br.1/13.3.39. SEMI- FLOATING AXLE. As we see the picture, the one doubtful point about the semi-floating axle is the Wheel. Actually, on the 42,000 miles so far run, the axle has proved to be one of the most reliable sections of the chassis. Minor troubles were experienced with engine bearings, oil leaking from rear bearing into Clutch pit, frame shake due to rivets moving. The prop shaft of course failed and several troubles were encountered with the gearbox. We have no doubt, however, that all these will be overcome by the models subsequentley made. Up to 42,000 miles no trouble at all was experienced with the axle. The wheel bearing failure at this mileage shews that we are nearer right at this point than all the other places where failure has occurred at shorter mileages. We cannot believe that there will be any difficulty in putting it right. When we release this axle we do not feel that it is the same thing as putting it straight on production. We say this because we have nine months before chassis go on test, and during this period we are committed to two futher 15,000 miles test on the axle parts, one on B50 and one on the Corniche Bentley. This is a situation that has not occured previously and gives us a splendid opportunity to get a total of 100,000 | ||