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).
Damage found on a 5-B-IV front axle and associated components after high speed braking tests.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\3\ scan0253 | |
| Date | 4th January 1935 | |
| COPY. To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}2/MS.4.1.35. 5-B-IV Front Axle. Examination of the above axle after High Speed Braking Tests shewed that the following parts had been affected by the failure of the ball pins locating the front ends of the radius rods. Front Axle GB.873. Both ends of axle forced backwards and pivot bosses twisted in direction of rotation of road wheels. See sketch attached. Pivot Pins GB.849. The top ends of both pivot pins are bent forwards and the bottom ends rearwards, i.e., in direction of rotation of road wheels. See sketch attached. As reported in our RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}2/MS.2.1.35, the bottom bearing section of both pivots shews signs of wear due to lack of lubrication, the two oil holes and flat, which on the standard axle feed oil to the bottom bush, being deleted. Top Bearing Housings GB.1227. There are deep impressions on the roller track in both N.S. and O.S. housings. This is a point which requires attention, as the indentation of the Roller track has been a failing on all Bentley axles. Cross Steering Tube G.100438. The cross steering tube is bowed .375". Apparently this tube is weak, as there has been distortion each time pivot pin or axle failures have occurred. | ||