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).
Noisy axle complaint due to deteriorated oil, leading to further investigation and testing of alternative oils.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan024 | |
| Date | 19th December 1929 | |
| To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/MJ.19.12.29. Y 1-MJ. Replying to PN{Mr Northey}3/WT.18.12.29. The complaint on the axle of this car was that it had certainly become noisy. When it was dismantled it was found that the teeth were scored badly. The appearance of the teeth was similar to what we have seen when the wrong oil has been used in an axle. In this case, our recommended Whitemore's oil had been used. When the axle was dismantled it was also found that there was evidence that the oil had deteriorated as some of it had formed itself into a congealed grease-like substance. We attach herewith copy of HL's report. We have written to Messrs. Buck & Hickman pointing out this failure and asking them to confirm whether their experience is that Whitemore's Compound is liable to deteriorate with use. We are running on the Expl. cars other oils supplied by Prices' also Wakfields' and Vacuum Oil Co., have also submitted samples for us to test. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||