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).
Manufacturing failure of a clutch sleeve on the Phantom III and proposing a design change.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 93\3\ scan0116 | |
| Date | 5th May 1936 | |
| [Handwritten at top] +312 LR{Mr Ellor} Smith Please deal with this Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} [Typed] Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. F.{Mr Friese} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Bv. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} [text is crossed out] E/HDY.{William Hardy}1/HP.5.5.36. Clutch - Phantom III. We understand that a failure has occurred during manufacture of one of the sleeves on which the ball thrust bearing is mounted. The reduced thickness under the spring ring which secures the bearing in place is the point of failure. The immediate step proposed is to leave metal in the bore under the ring groove until after carbonisation so that the thin section remains soft. The above procedure adds to the cost and it is suggested that the spring ring should be deleted. Accordingly as opportunity occurs these rings should be removed from Experimental cars including those on (or about to go on) 10,000 mile test. [Signature: Hdy{William Hardy}] E/HDY.{William Hardy} | ||