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).
Bearing failures due to shell finish issues, proposing a change to the Shatz type bearing for 'S' and 'T' series cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\3\ Scan003 | |
| Date | 16th January 1930 | |
| (2) RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}1/BE16.1.30. Examination of various bearings reveal that finish of shell is not entirely satisfactory. In some instances the shell is below the faces of the thrust race and in other cases it is uneven. The result of this is that during assembly, the pressure of the housing retaining nut distorts thrust races, and in cases where the shell stands proud, in the assembled condition distortion is again produced, which would in all probability bring about failures. It will therefore be seen that the design of this bearing is such that it is extremely difficult to produce with any consistent standard of accuracy. Some time ago Mr. Cooper of the Hoffmann Co., came to the Works to discuss our complaints with regard to the Shatz type of bearing as used on the Phantom Rear Axle. This is similar to the 20HP type except that it is not shrouded by the steel shell. The points mentioned above were taken up with the Hoffmann representative and he agreed with our remarks, and also that bearing of the Shatz type is to be preferred from a production point of view, as same can be carefully inspected and corrected, if necessary. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}, agreed that he would instruct a bearing of this type for the 20HP, which is covered by detail drawing G.54269, but this bearing has not yet been used on production. It is intended for this changeover to take place in "T" Series, and there are still more than 100 cars to be produced on "S" Series. In our RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}1/BE13.12.30, we suggested to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}, that the Shatz type of bearing should be introduced immediately on "S" Series instead of waiting until "T" Series. The [REDACTED] cost of the Shatz bearing is no greater than that of the shrouded type, and the fact of bringing them into production immediately would no doubt eliminate failures on thrust bearings on axles being produced, and prove to be an economy to the Company by removing failures and troubles in service. __________________ The following is the position of other jobs allotted to me for investigation in connection with Quarterly Complaints:- FAN PULLEYS This trouble has been overcome by By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}, instructing bolts in place of rivets. | ||