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).
Sheared lever on the rear dampers and roll rod of the 35-EX model, and the proposed solution.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\4\ scan0081 | |
| Date | 15th February 1937 | |
| 1113 342 To Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.4/AP.15.2.37. 35-EX. Rear Dampers and Roll Rod. The lever which you say has sheared on its splines has been assembled from a lever with a plain hole forced on a knurled shaft. Both parts being mild steel. We reported to the Design on 5.10.36. that such an assembly was unsatisfactory. The correct method is to broach serrations on both parts. The external broaching for the shaft can be done at less cost than knurling. We have been carrying out tests with serrations on both parts and find that the result is stronger than the shaft. New parts are being produced for 35-EX., but as all the parts in stock have already been machined at the vital places, it will mean starting from forgings. In the meantime you will know what is best to modify the parts you have in order to continue mileage. I have arranged for 16 rubbers for the connecting links to be sent to you. This type of connecting link is very important as Wraith is relying on having no Chassis lubrication oil in the rear axle, and thus rubber connecting links. Will you please let us have the rubbers which have failed back at the Works? Let me know if you want any other parts besides new rubbers. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} | ||