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).
Providing comments and criticisms on rear shock absorbers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 171\3\ img050 | |
| Date | 31th May 1920 | |
| C O P Y. To By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS. With reference to Mr. Platford's memo EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}15/F28520, the following are our comments and criticisms in the same order as they are mentioned on his memo.- 1. We agree there is no set spanner in the kit large enough for the nut fixing the shock absorber lever. We recommend that when this spanner is got out we should also anticipate the union nuts that will be used on the Thermostat Control and should make a double ended spanner which would do for both these fittings. 2. With reference to removing the lever off the serrated cone, a withdrawing scheme was suggested for this part but it was considered too elaborate. We consider the lever can easily be removed, the method is to unscrew the large retaining nut on the shock absorber and withdraw the lever, rotor and friction plates in one unit. The lever can then be held in the vice and when the nut is removed the rotor can be easily knocked out. 3. We wish to retain the extra slots in No.1 plate because the fact of having more clearance on the first plate, may reduce the amount of noise caused by the shock absorber. We shall very shortly be able to say definitely whether this is so or not. 4. It has been pointed out to Mr. Royce the fact that the lubricator on the end of the lever was-set-out fouls the brake bracket. On 22LW Car the lever was set out from the frame more than we anticipated. We have asked Mr. Bailey to modify the drawing so as to give less clearance between the ball end and frame. It should be realised that when luggage grids are demanded on cars which are fitted with the rear shock absorbers, it is necessary to use a special sheet metal bracket (N4757) which has been approved of by Mr. Royce This bracket is necessary in order to give us sufficient clearance for the shock absorber lever. There is a new lever instructed which will definitely overcome the lubricator fouling the brake bracket but it will be some time before it is standardised. (Contd). | ||