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).
Point of view on chassis lubrication, specifically excluding axles from the central system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 26\5\ Scan184 | |
| Date | 11th July 1928 | |
| OY6.R.7.11.28 Mr Hives This may be of interest to you July 11th, 1928. TO: Mr. Nadin cc - Mr. Burton Mr. Beaver FROM: Mr. Olley RE CHASSIS LUBRICATION - SECTION 7141 I think we should state frankly our point of view in the matter of excluding the axles from the central system. (1) We could point out more clearly that what is an improvement in convenience on a car lubricated in the ordinary way becomes relatively an inconvenience when central lubrication from the dash is fitted. (For example we worked out very carefully our scheme for lubricating sphere and torque tube joint from the bonnet by means of flexible connections and a special syringe. This was a convenience on the Silver Ghost car, but on the Springfield Phantom, because of the hand pump on the dash, which, one likes to believe, lubricates the whole car, it is relatively an inconvenience, and is the more likely to be neglected because of the adoption of the Bijur system to other parts.) (2) Again, when a squeak or a stiffness in the steering develops, or when running in ice or snow, it is the function of the Bijur system to deal with this matter instantly by providing an oil film in all bearings at the stroke of the pump. We find that the presence of an oil film is the best insurance against rust or entrance of water. Therefore when running in a rain storm it is the universal practice to double the number of strokes, i.e. in our case give a pump-full every 25 miles instead of every 50 miles. (3) Finally central lubrication involves the use of correct oil on all parts, whereas axles exposed to lubrication by means of a standard nipple of any sort may have grease, dirt, or unsuitable lubricants of any sort, forced into them to clog the passages. No trouble has ever occurred on the Springfield cars (500 on the road) in connection with the oil lead down the front spring. And the flexible connection to the torque tube ran 12000 miles on MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}-2 without a sign of trouble. OY. Maurice Olley [Handwritten note right margin: Aug 6/28] | ||