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).
Investigation into rear brake trouble on the 25/30 HP model, specifically the toggle actuating shaft seizure and bearing lubrication.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 102\3\ scan0181 | |
| Date | 9th May 1936 | |
| C. from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C.C. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Dy.{F R Danby} Hdy.{William Hardy} GRY{Shadwell Grylls} x506 see me E.4/HP.9.5.36. 25/30 HP. Rear Brakes. Replying to your memo C.12/C.7.5.36, we have an investigation in hand in connection with trouble experienced by Hancock. We do not altogether understand the trouble with the pilot shoes, and are awaiting more information. With regard to the seizure of the offside rear brake toggle actuating shaft, there is no change on 22-G-V from the standard 20/25 that has been on production for some years. These actuating shafts are hollow and contain a reservoir of oil. It is the practice of the shops on production to prime these reservoirs, and we very much doubt if this was done on 22-G-V.{VIENNA} We know of cases where the shafts have not been primed, where trouble has been experienced. The priming is done until oil oozes out of both bearings, and this has been our practice for some years. At one time we used wood plugs inside the shafts to fill up the space and hasten the flow from the central lubrication connection to the anchorage bearing. These were however discontinued in 1931 when they were removed owing to a complaint from Hancock, and the present reservoir scheme substituted. Only a short while ago, about a year, the Test Dept. complained of much oil coming from these bearings that had seized, and we provided a catcher and drain to deal with it. Taking the result by and large however complaints have not been serious where the normal priming has been carried out, and on the average cars run satisfactorily between the overhaul periods, when they get some attention. I do not, however, think we are satisfied with the present position and believe the only satisfactory solution is to positively lubricate the anchorage bearings, which means introducing another drip plug on each side of the axle, and I think also better protection is needed for the bearings to keep out mud and water. We are looking into these modifications at the moment. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||