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).
Investigation into hydraulic shock absorber complaints, specifically focusing on knocking issues and slack links.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\4\ Scan199 | |
| Date | 25th October 1930 | |
| COPY. X7520. To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Rg.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}1/MJ.25.10.30. X.7520. X.5520. SHOCK ABSORBER MAINTENANCE. We have been investigating the causes of the 202 hydraulic shock absorber complaints of the last six months. We know that originally the bearings on the links were found to be rather small, but that the dia's were increased and the fits improved. Also that we improved the lever arm bearings. However, we are not concerned with the original product, but rather with the troubles which are being experienced with our latest dampers in customers hands. Summarising these troubles :- KNOCKING. 188 Complaints in last six months. This can be subdivided into three sections - Slack Links. - Since we improved the size and fits of the link bearings, those in dampers we have examined have not worn excessively with the exception of the Phantom II front top link pins. These are made of exactly the same material as the rear ones and carry proportionately 25% less load/ unit area. However, they do not work submerged in the oil as do all the other links. To overcome the trouble we have improved the lever material and raised the oil level, this is now on production and from intensive tests we have carried out should overcome the trouble. The one weak feature is | ||