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).
Inspection report detailing the condition of various vehicle components including hubs, propeller shaft, gearbox, and suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\2\ scan0382 | |
| Date | 23th September 1937 | |
| - 13 - HPS{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}/RH.{R. Hollingworth}1/VS.{J. Vickers}23.9.37. Rear Hubs (Continued). Rear Wheel Drivers Ex.27397, produced in S/ZN., failed - herewith photograph of same. Hardy Spicer Propeller Shaft. This propeller shaft had been fouling the third Crossmember, wearing a deep groove into the Propeller Shaft. The shaft is .250 bigger in diameter than standard, and whilst the clearances appear satisfactory in the rebound position, it proves that greater clearances will have to be provided for road conditions. All the Needle Roller Bearings were in good condition. Splines had picked up, and hard rubbing had taken place on the outside diameter; lubrication was good. Overdrive Gearbox 15 H.S. after 17,000 miles. A thick hard deposit was left by the oil on all gears, shafts, bushes and synchromesh mechanism. Samples of this deposit and the oil itself have been forwarded to Mr. Hall and to the manufacturers (to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}'s instructions). The oil used was Castrol XL. Gearbox and Actuating Gear - condition generally good. The Gearbox halves, Ex.26668 Front, Ex.26669 Rear, and Diaphragm Ex.26670 and covers were crack tested and found to be satisfactory. The second, third and fourth speed operating stirrups G.82897 and G.83346 were worn .005 over the flat faces. Gearbox Suspension Arms and G.83859 Seating for the Top Rubber Buffer on the Near Side Front Suspension have pulled hard over to the outside, and as a result the Washer G.83192 has cut a groove .025 deep in the casting, causing in turn excessive wear on one side of the top rubber. The bottom rubbers G.83856 on both sides have perished and broken away from the washers. The condition of the 1st and 3rd Motion Shafts LOP.G.81775, incorporating Gear Train shown by Ex.26666 Arrgt., was good except for the heavy oil deposits. continued. | ||