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).
The failure analysis of a 20/25 Chassis make and break lever from a customer's car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61b\1\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 23th May 1933 | |
| 26118 By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst.3/MA.23.5.33. 20/25 CHASSIS MAKE & BREAK LEVERS. ex. Customers Car. Replying to your By.1/G.23.5.33., we have examined this lever and note that the major cause of the failure was the seizing up of the lever on its pin. We have recorded several failures similar in nature, and at one time we believe you suggested using a brass bush instead of a Phosphor bronze pivot pin bush. We shall be glad to know if any action was taken in this direction. We ourselves suggested some scheme of positive lubrication for the pivot pin but at the time there were mechanical difficulties which prevented us carrying out the scheme effectively. The condition of the points suggests that someone has tried to clean them and as succeeded in making a very bad job of it. Otherwise as far as can be seen from the remaining evidence the points appear normal, in view of the amount of mileage this lever as run. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. We are returning the lever herewith. | ||