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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).
Letter discussing an axle oil leak on Chassis B.169-DK, the potential failure of a leather oil seal, and enclosing a blueprint.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 84\4\  scan0080
Date  25th September 1935
  
SR. Levallois.
c. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
c. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}

x20-
BY.9/G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 25.9.35.

CHASSIS B.169-DK. VAN WASBERGHE.

SR/VA.9/JB.17.9.35.

Referring to the axle trouble which occurred on the above car, as you point out the car in question was fitted with the improved type of oil seal to prevent oil leaking from the central box to the axle tubes. This particular type of seal was run in France and appeared to be quite effective. It would, however, appear that on this particular car that oil must have been leaking via the tubes to the offside wheel and escaping. In order for this to be possible the oil seal must have failed, and if it failed it would apparently do so by the leather which beds on the shaft burning, under which circumstances the seal would be useless, as oil would pass freely once the leather was burnt, from the axle box to the tubing.

As the axle in question must have had the gears replaced it would appear that the oil seal should have been exposed and examined, and I would like your confirmation that the seal was examined and found to be satisfactory, one assumes this in view of the fact that it was not changed, and no comment was made as to its condition.

We believe you have particulars of the type of oil seal, but in case you have not we are enclosing a blue-print showing the seal in position on the rear axle arrangement drawing.

BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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