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).
The efficiency of front shock absorbers with low oil levels and an inquiry about a bearing failure.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0102 | |
| Date | 6th March 1939 | |
| 400 B To Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/TMW. Hotel de France, Chateauroux, Indre, France. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}2/MH.{M. Huckerby}6.3.39. B.B.V. There is considerable controversy as to whether the front shockers on B.V. lose their efficiency if the oil level falls a small amount. Rose and Gardiner have reported that the dampers must be frequently topped up to maintain their efficiency, whereas tests on W.Bell's rig show that the damper continues to function perfectly until almost empty. We should like to get this question settled because drawings are being made of dampers which hold more oil and do not leak so quickly. As it will probably be some time before the old half shafts get back to Derby, and in view of Rose's report that the bearings are full of brass, will you let us know whether the failure was due to inadequate lubrication or actual failure of the ball tracks. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||