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).
Methods and experiments for front spring lubrication.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\2July1928-December1928\ Scan279 | |
| Date | 20th December 1928 | |
| FROM DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} SECRET. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}2/M20.12.28. C. to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} SS.{S. Smith} FRONT SPRING LUBRICATION. X740 ORIGINAL +3806 With reference to the question of improving the lubrication of the front springs we have made N. sch. 2787.(herewith) on which we suggest a method of applying the central lubrication to the front spring when the gaiter, including the felt packing, has been carried into the rear anchorage. In order to do this latter all that appears to be necessary is to widen the front die castings, as the second leaf does not enter the steel pressings at all. Since you are trying out a method of using the outside part of a Bowden cable we are not sending you any further information on this point unless you tell us that you are satisfied that is the only way to lubricate a spring. We think that if Bowden cables are used it would be desirable either to use Enots fittings, or if the spring is to be in the central lubrication we ought to have a separate drip plug for this spring, but on N. sch. 2787. we are suggesting a series of experiments, using the overflow from the present shackle pin lubrication. We are under the impression that if we could get this overflow to enter the spring gaiter, in a very short while the whole gaiter would be soaked with oil. We have suggested the following experiments: (1) An oil hole and a milled groove, the latter of which enters the end of the gaiter. (2) Simply an oil hole leading on to the top of the top plate. (3) A hole drilled horizontally through the centre of the top plate. (4) A cascade of holes with milled grooves down the first three or four plates. We are under the impression that the arrangement under heading (1) would fill the spring gaiter with oil. It is also we think quite possible that (2) would do the same thing. We are also suggesting that there would be advantages in returning to the offset eye on the top plate of the front springs. This eye would enable the second plate to be brought close under the end of the top plate, and it would enable it to be tapered off like the other plates so as to reduce the concentration of pressure. We are under the impression that it would have a beneficial effect on the radius rod action of the spring on the application of the front brakes, that is to say, it appears to have a righting effect on the spring. DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||