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).
Page from a maintenance bulletin detailing the lubrication process for the front axle assembly.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 26\5\ Scan196 | |
| Date | 15th September 1928 | |
| Maint. Bulletin #330-6 Page 2. Sept. 15, 1928. RE: Front Axle -Lub. of (3) See Sketches II and III. The oil from "D" flowing down the inside of the pivot pin reaches the thrust washer "G" at the bottom and flows along the two radial grooves "H" in the bottom face of the pin into the annular space "I" around the lower end of the pin and thrust washer. Thence it enters the lower (plain) bearing of the pivot and must accumulate to stand at the level shown before it can escape down stand-pipe "J". This pipe stands out below the serrated joint of the steering levers so that oil issuing from it will drop off into cavity "K" in the steering lever and not run off along the serrated joint. From cavity "K" the cross-steering ball-stud is fed by gravity. Consequently the following points have to be watched carefully: The joint "L" between the bottom cap and the bottom face of the pivot forging must be truly oil-tight and should be made with a suitable jointing material such as gold-size. The joint "M" at the head of the through-bolt must also be oil-tight. Unless these two joints are perfectly tight the oil will escape here and can never mount up to the height of the stand-pipe, so that the cross-steering ball will receive no oil. Bear in mind that in use in the car only a few drops of oil are added every hour, so that a very slow leak will destroy the correct action. In practice however, we find no difficulty in getting oil to rise to the level of the standpipe and to oil the cross tube ball. The serrated joint of the steering levers shouls also be made with gold-size to keep rain-water out of the recess "K". (4) See Sketch IV. From the recess "K" the oil flows down the gravity pipe "N" (5/16" dia. to prevent air-locks) to the special banjo connection at the bottom of the ball stud. Since the oil must stand in this system to the level of the ball center as shown, all leaks must be prevented at both banjo connections. In the lower banjo annular space "O", groove "P" in the threaded stem of the ball, end clearance "Q" and the passage up the center of the ball must be clear of dirt or shavings. It is best to mount the lever in the vise in the position shown and by pouring oil into the recess "K" make sure that it flows freely from the upper end of the ball stud. | ||