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).
Vehicle condition report detailing the state of various mechanical and electrical components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\9\ 09-page142 | |
| Date | 1st September 1925 guessed | |
| - 6 - Starter Motor. As reported in our 2,500 miles report, we dismantled the Bendix drive, and thoroughly cleaned same. After refitting this up, it has functioned on first application of switch. Condition of starter motor is O.K. There is still a leak of oil from rear cover of Bendix pinion housing. This oil, as previously reported, is flung by the flywheel into the pocket of the starter motor sprocket, which, when hot, leaks through flange. Rear Axle. This has remained good, and is free from oil leaks. Rear brake mechanism & drums. These have not been dismantled since our previous report. Rear brakes have functioned O.K. Brake mechanism has remained in good condition. Rear road springs & shackle bearings. At 6,004 miles approximately, the N.S.R. spring top & fourth leaves broke. The top leaf broke 9" from front of centre bolt, and the fourth leaf broke 3 1/2" from front end. This allowed the rear axle to be forced back. The controlling lugs on rear shackle were sheared off, which allowed the brake mechanism on the rear axle to foul the petrol tank, but was not sufficient to puncture the tank. A new F.51908 - 800 lbs. spring was fitted. The O.S.R. spring appears to be O.K. from outside examination. The shackle bearings are in good condition. Rear Shock absorbers. Considerable wear has taken place in shock absorber links, causing rattles. These have had to be adjusted. The rear shock absorbers feel that they require more friction, the rear springing of the car being too flexible. Wear has taken place in brackets holding shock absorbers to frame are O.K. Propellor shaft. Universal joints appear to be O.K. On one occasion the spring locking plate for oil retainer on rear end of propellor shaft became unlocked. This was put back into position, and has remained O.K. Slight leak of oil from spherical covers at both ends of shaft. The oiling of these has been kept strictly to Derby's recommendation. The amount of leak is not excessive. Side hand brake mechanism. This is in good condition, and has functioned O.K. Electrical fittings. These are O.K. generally. N.S. lamp connection to frame worked loose, and was torn away from the cable and lost. Contact points on electrical cut-out are in good condition. Battery ignition has worked satisfactorily. | ||