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).
Technical report on the condition and performance of front and rear axles, lubrication systems, and brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\3\ 03-page178 | |
| Date | 14th December 1931 guessed | |
| -1- (2) One Shot Lubrication. (3) S.54609 Dunlop E.V.S.E. Tire Wheels Wellbase Rim - 3.6A X 19" dia. The front axle is in good condition. The lubrication to the front brake actuating shafts has been ample as oil oozing from either end has shown. We get a very bad oil leak from the pivot pins which drains down the outside of the brake dust cover. The oil then enters the brake drum and has smothered the brakes, especially after taking out the felt filter as instructed during the mileage. The bijur feeding pipes fastened on the steering arm feeding the ball ends both broke close to the banjo fitting and had to be replaced. The severe bussing of the front axle during the first part of the test probably was the same as this is the first experience we have had of this failure. The N.S. brake drum had become scored during the first 5,000 miles. We have since increased the front braking from 33% to 37.5% by fitting a lever G.53076 to the front equalizing shaft. This is to obtain more even wear of the brakes and is not detrimental to the car. Water enters the brake drums each time the car is washed and a quantity of grit and dirt was found inside. REAR AXLE to LOP.G.5391D (after 1st Exp. Chassis) REAR BRAKES to LOP.G.3458C. (1) Axle No. India N.S.S. (9 X 41) Existing Rear Axle which is modified as follows - G.54120 Axle Box modified to Drg. Ex.5767 G.53908 Housing " " " Ex.5768 G.53947 Washer " " " Ex.5769 G.53948 Washer " " " Ex.5770. Strengthened type of Thrust Bearing Housing. (2) New Crown Wheel Bearing G.62864. (3) Breather fitted to Axle Box to cure Oil leaks down O.S. axle tube. (1) .375 Thick Shoes S.54143/4 Ferodo Bonded Asbestos (2) S.5463 Modified lubrication of the Drake Actuating Shafts. (3) G.S1960 Bearing (E1/20) No Whitemetal Lining - fitted in N.S. Carrier Plate. The rear axle has been free from oil leaks. It was very quiet during the first part of the test. It afterwards developed periods between 58-60 and 69-70 M.P.H. but one would not condemn the axle. The lubrication to the brake actuating shafts appears to have been ample. The rear brakes have been very efficient and have worn all the chauffeurs adjustment. The condition of the drums is fair, slight scoring of the surfaces has taken place on both drums. The brake fabrics had torn particals of steel off the drums which remained embedded in the fabrics. The brake rope pins seized and had to be taken out, eased and oiled. This is a bad feature of all the brake rope connections. A series of | ||