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 concerning issues with Gleason gears, low geared axles, and proposals for bearing modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\1\ Scan331 | |
| Date | 27th June 1921 | |
| COPY. 097 - G 27621. June 27th 1921. Mr. Claude Johnson. Managing Director. Rolls-Royce Ltd., London. England. Attention: Mr. F.H.Royce & Works Committee. Dear Sir, Re Gleason Gears. We understand that recent English cars have been sent over with low geared axles. We had not intended in our own production to introduce any low geared axles, 15/52 ratio, until we were able to fit them with the double thrust bearing, as we found on 24-PE (English demonstration car) and on 4-EX that trouble gradually developed, due to the rear thrust washer turning round behind the retaining nut instead of on the plain thrust washer, thus wearing the face of the nut and causing it to become slack. We now find that other post-war cars with the 16/52 ratio are developing a similar trouble, but in view of the increase in overrun loads (about 21%) we think that it is very desirable to hold up the use of the 15/52 ratio until we can obtain a better means for carrying the overrun. I have written to Mr. Hives suggesting that the forward thrust, as well as the overrun, might be taken experimentally on some form of radial bearing without the use of a thrust washer. If our present deep-groove radial bearing would not do, we could try one of the several forms of double row angular contact bearings which are used almost universally on the better cars in this country. The thrust bearings are not recommended by the ball bearing makers for use on such high speed shafts as the propellor shaft, or for use on Gleason bevels. We should like to have your assurance that the policy work of altering these bearings to whatever design is approved for taking the overrun thrust will be chargeable to Rolls-Royce Ltd.. Yours truly, ROLLS ROYCE OF AMERICA. INC. (Sgd). M.Olley. MO/G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} | ||