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).
Modifications to the Phantom III front axle pivot following a 10,000-mile test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\5\ scan0186 | |
| Date | 19th February 1936 | |
| To BY Copy to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} x301 E/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}7/MN.19.2.36. Phantom III - Front Axle Pivot. We send herewith N.Sch.4768 showing a number of modifications to the Phantom III front axle pivot resulting from the 10,000 miles test on 31-EX, and the Expl.Dept. 1. Water exclusion from pivot top bearing. This scheme shows a yoke piece machined out to receive a felt washer packed up by a steel washer or plate to prevent the felt entering the side/hole. We suggest that the thin felt washer be used on existing forgings as called for on the N.Sch., but that subsequent forgings be made slightly thicker to accommodate the washer as drawn. This washer will prevent water entering the bearing and also help to prevent oil leaking. We have reduced the radius of the centre of the ball bearing, bringing the balls in closer to the pivot centre, and have provided a 45º line of contact with the .195 radius called for by the bearing makers. 2. Pivot Pins. A shoulder is provided on the pivot pin to prevent it being driven in too far, so obscuring the oil way at the top of the pin. 3. Pivot Reverse Thrust. We have shown a bronze thrust washer of fixed thickness to take the reverse thrust, the correct adjustment being obtained by packing washers behind the bolting of the lower bearing to the yoke piece. The flange has been modified to give greater strength, as on 31-EX the flange at the studs was bent. The studs now have standard nuts locked by a tab washer. 4. Limits. The Expl. Dept. have shown that the limits around the pivot pin and its bearings as given by the details are such that the downward thrust due to the weight of the car, may not come on the ball bearing but on the top of the cage and the outer ball race. Since we have not handled the limits concerning these pieces we presume you will deal | ||