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).
Procedure for inspecting and replacing Bentley rear axle tubes due to fatigue crack failures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\4\ scan0065 | |
| Date | 7th September 1935 | |
| Hdy.{William Hardy} c. Wsm. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. L. Xro Rhm BY.6/G.7.9.35. BENTLEY CHASSIS - REAR AXLE TUBES. ------------------------------------ As the result of the discussion following upon the failure of one of the above axles by a fatigue crack developing where the flange joins the body of the tube, the matter has been considered in Conference, and it has been decided to put in force the following procedure :- (a). When Bentley cars come in for overhaul or examination it will be necessary to examine the axle tube at the point where the crack developed on the one that failed to ensure that the axle is sound. The examination must, of course, be done unostentatiously so as not to alarm the owner, and to make sure that the examination is a real one we should use whitewash made up with alcohol, as this will readily detect a very faint oil leak. Of course, before using the white wash the axle should be cleaned at the point under examination. (b). Six pairs of axle tubes are to be sent to Paris at once, with instructions to change the axle tubes on cars running regularly in France. (c). Two pairs of axle tubes are to be sent to Kingsbury with instructions that if and when they discover a crack, the tubes are to be used for replacement, and they are to indent for further tubes to the Works so as to keep their stock up to two pairs. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} [Signature] | ||