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).
Responding to a report of oil leakage from front shock absorbers, discussing potential causes and solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 55\3\ Scan262 | |
| Date | 29th September 1926 | |
| To GY. from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X235 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RmL/LG29.9.26. RE. FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS. With reference to your note of the 17th.inst. on the front shock absorbers. We are very surprised to hear that you have had such extraordinary trouble with oil leakage from these units. We have just completed 10,000 miles on a pair filled with oil as thin as Lovejoy oil during the hottest weather in France at average speeds of 40 m.p.h. The shock dampers did not require filling during the test and functioned perfectly satisfactory at the finish. We consider there is a possibility that the glands in the shock dampers sent out to you were fitted incorrectly. This occurred on one of our cars. We have therefore got out a production test to ensure that the gland shall be satisfactory before the damper is fitted on the car. We send you a copy so that you may ascertain whether your front shock absorbers have been fitted up correctly. We have done a large amount of work in order to evolve a leak-proof gland. The packing, which you describe as being like paper, is finely shreaded asbestos mixed with graphite. Unless very soft packing is used, the spring will not follow it up and the gland will leak when the bearing has been used some miles on the road. A very thin oil undoubtedly does accentuate leaks. In consequence we have standardised a lubricant with a viscosity slightly higher than that of the Lovejoy oil for use contd :- | ||