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).
Experiment using plain bearings on the front suspension of the 32-EX car model to reduce costs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\2\ scan0063 | |
| Date | 6th July 1937 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Ey. c. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} 300a 32-EX. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}9/D.5.7.37. Rml/R.6.7.37. The front suspension on 32-EX was fitted with plain bearings. The object of this experiment was to reduce cost. We have now done a number of 15,000 miles' tests on the standard needle roller bearings, and, therefore, no experimental information whatever is gained by continuing to test standard parts. It is clear that we cannot use plain bearings on all the joints in the front suspension on 32-EX because the ride is effected. We expect, however, that we may be able to standardise some plain bearings if abnormal wear does not take place. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||