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).
Use of pressed-on collars for axle shaft location on a semi-floating rear axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\1\ scan0137 | |
| Date | 26th May 1938 | |
| 1015 OKY To EH. from HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} c.c. Dr. (Striked out) c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} (Striked out) c. FWC. (Striked out) c. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} (Striked out) HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}10/VS.{J. Vickers}26.5.38. SEMI-FLOATING REAR AXLE - PD.90. In connection with the above, we confirm our previous remarks regarding the use of pressed-on collars for axle shaft location. From a service point of view there is the disadvantage that removal of bearings or outer oil seals could only be effected by a machining operation, it would be necessary to reclaim the locating diameter on the shaft before refitting, and reassembly would demand specialised equipment. It is appreciated that Vauxhall, and possibly others, have applied this principle with considerable success, and it is understood Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} is obtaining information regarding fitting procedure. Nevertheless, when considered as a feature of a Rolls-Royce product upon which rests the safety of the car and its passengers, it does seem that rather too much depends upon assembly technique and the human element generally. If only one shaft in thousands came adrift, a failure of this nature would be extremely damaging to the reputation of the Firm, in view of which, and the service difficulties previously mentioned, it is felt the matter should receive further consideration. We are, however, proceeding with the manufacture of the first axle and tests are being carried out to determine the practicability of the scheme and the interference necessary to obtain the required fitting loads. HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} | ||