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).
20/25 HP & Bentley steering seizing issues, referencing complaints and lubricant types.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 87\5\ scan0175 | |
| Date | 21th August 1935 | |
| GRY{Shadwell Grylls} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}8/MH.{M. Huckerby}21.8.35 x250 GRY{Shadwell Grylls} C. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} re 20/25 H.P. & BENTLEY STEERING SEIZING Further to our EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}13/MH.{M. Huckerby}5.8.35 and we have recently received a report from Levallois, ref. Sr/VA1/ET.19.8.35, regarding Bentley steering, which reads as follows:- "We have recently had three complaints of Bentley steerings sticking on the left lock. In one case we had to send a mechanic to the South of France to overcome the owner's complaint. This was done by lapping in the worm and nut in position with Whitmore's "O" Compound. Do you think that the oil which is used in the steering boxes is suitable for cars which do long sustained runs during hot weather? Have you had similar complaints? We shall be very pleased to have your comments upon the matter, and also your opinion as to the best lubricant. Sr/VA P.S.- Since writing the above we have had another complaint from an owner who took delivery of her car a few days ago and telephoned from the South of France that her steering stuck on the left lock. Please give this matter your urgent attention, as the question is serious". 25 H.P. Although we are now turning out/chassis in which the engine oil in the steering box is Wakefield's Castrol XL., the oil in the steering box of the Bentley is still Price's Amber 'A'. which is the same as we have used from the beginning. It may be that Levallois are not using the right type of oil, and we have written them accordingly. It is rather interesting to note that one | ||