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).
Description of the lubrication systems for the spring, rear axle, front axle, power unit, safety switch, and clutch.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 23\2\ Scan027 | |
| Date | 21th November 1921 guessed | |
| SPRING LUBRICATION -- The springs are cantilever front and rear. Connected to the centre trunnion of each spring is an oil pipe which runs round inside the chassis frame and is connected to the engine pressure system. The amount of lubricant admitted to pipe being controlled by driver by means of valve operated by foot which we find requires to be opened for about 15 to 20 seconds per day while car is running. The lubricant is conveyed per centre trunnion to the top leaves of the spring, the leaves are grooved on top side and near end of each leaf a hole is drilled through leaf immediately below. The lubricant is thus conveyed by a series of steps to spring end where it lubricates the end bearings. The lubricant at the rear end of the rear springs is also conveyed to the brake shafts by drilling a hole from pocket at rear end bearing. The springs are covered with oil tight gaiters, these being attached at each end to special sockets with a clip similar to that used on water hole connections. REAR AXLE -- The lubricant is injected through hollow axle shafts, by means of a grease gun which is made to suit a hole in hub cap, this hole being normally closed by a screwed plug. FRONT AXLE -- Front wheels and steering pivots are lubricated in a similar manner with same grease gun. The steering connecting tubes are fitted with filler plugs and thus form oil reserve which communicates with a ball joints by suitable passages. SAFETY SWITCH -- The oil pressure system is connected to a combined indicator and switch fitted in the dash and consists of a small cylinder fitted with piston with rod attached and projecting through dash having knob on end to form grip so that piston may be drawn outward compressing spring inside cylinder. Piston having dash pot action returns slowly and switches off unless prevented by oil pressure behind piston. POWER UNIT -- The engine and gearbox are unit construction. The main shaft of gearbox passes through clutch and is spigotted in hollow crankshaft inside rear main bearing. Gearshaft is hollow and is subjected to same oil pressure as crankshaft. The lubricant is conveyed to all gearbox bearings, which are of white metal, by holes drilled at suitable places and also in a similar manner to universal joint. This system of lubrication prevents any gear chip from entering the bearing. CLUTCH -- The clutch is single steel disc between fabric lined plates which can be removed in a few minutes through inspection door in sump. | ||