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 to The Skefco Ball Bearing Co. regarding the testing and failure of water pump bearing spindles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149a\1\ scan0317 | |
| Date | 10th November 1938 | |
| 1269. Experimental Dept. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Std.3/MH.{M. Huckerby} 10th. November 1938. The Skefco Ball Bearing Co. Ltd., Luton, BEDS. For the attention of Mr. G.Goodall. Dear Sirs, We have now received from you six water pump bearing spindles of the latest type, against our order for same, and are proceeding to test these. We have therefore removed and broken up two spindles on which we had done some running, and are returning them under separate cover for your examination. You will note that the bearing which has completed 11,000 miles on a car has some grease left in it, but that the internal condition of the bearing is dirty and somewhat corroded. In the case of the bearing which has done 17 hours high speed running on a test bed engine, there is no grease whatever left in the bearing, it is badly corroded and there is a good deal of moisture present. From the above we conclude that the grease seals on the original bearings sent us were completely useless and we hope that the results will be satisfactory with the latest type spindles which we have. Meanwhile, will you please send us two more spindles of the latest type to replace the two returned for examination - our official order will be sent immediately. Yours faithfully, for ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. | ||