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).
Complaint about loose front spring clips and breakage of centre bolts on new cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\3\ Scan008 | |
| Date | 14th April 1921 | |
| X2628 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Ex. from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} C. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Ex to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. to F.{Mr Friese} X2628 X1333 X1344 RE. LOOSE FRONT SPRING CLIPS AND BREAKAGE OF CENTRE BOLTS ON FRONT SPRINGS ON NEW CARS. With reference to the above complaints which I have brought to your attention on various occasions (refer memo.EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}17/F31.3.21) we have now received the following complaint from our Paris Depot. I should be glad if you will let me know how I can reply to this complaint, as to what action we propose taking in regard to this matter. "We have had several instances of new cars coming in with the front axle displaced due to the centre bolts of the front springs shearing. Paris has had the complaint, and the number of cars with this fault makes it necessary for same to be brought to your notice for attention in test. The cause appears very simple. The springs when new naturally have a fairly thick film of grease between the leaves, and after a good run with load up over different roads this film becomes thinner. Besides the leaves, the spring packings undergo a certain settling down process, and it is possible to imagine the spring clips stretch a small amount. The result is obvious, the clips do not grip the spring sufficiently, and the road shocks are taken by the head of the centre bolt. The examination of the nuts of the clips, and an extra turn with a good fitting spanner might be accomplished during the final inspection before car leaves Works or Coachmakers. Please excuse me pointing out these little points to you, but it is not reasonable for you to anticipate little details which cannot usually be detected during the new car test". In view of the trouble which we have experienced in this respect, action has been taken for some time for this point to receive inspection and final tightening up on cars prior to despatch from the Works and prior to despatch from the P.T.O. | ||