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).
Investigation into the loss of oil from a rear axle box on a Bentley, questioning the reliability of the 'Perfect' oil seal being used.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\4\ scan0076 | |
| Date | 25th September 1935 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X202 E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} C. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} C. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} BY.8/G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 25.9.35. BENTLEY CAR - RE: LOSS OF OIL FROM REAR AXLE BOX ON B.169-DK. VAN WASBERGHE. --------------------------------------------------------------- B- At 87-DK. as pointed out in SR/VA.9/JB.17.9.35. we introduced the perfect seal between the rear axle box and the axle tube. This method of sealing does not appear to be effective, as Van Wasberghe's chassis has this particular improvement on it, and yet the statement is made that there was only about 1/4 of a litre of oil in the rear axle box when the axle was examined, and that the gears were torn on the tooth surfaces, apparently as a result of this shortage. The Perfect Oil Seal which we are using is open to question from a design point of view, as the thickness of the leather and the width of bearing on the axle shaft are such as to endanger the seal by the leather charring or burning at high speeds. We have confirmed with the Test Department that their records show that this car was fitted with a Perfect oil seal between the axle box and the tube, a doubt I had in my mind, which was raised by the fact that the French mechanic in sketching an improvement, sketched the old scheme for preventing oil passing down the tubes and reaching the brake drums. The fact that we have had a "Perfect" oil seal which has failed in this direction raises the question as to whether the "Perfect" oil seal is uniformly reliable. I put it this way because undoubtedly axles were run in France with this type of seal which stood up. I am writing to ER. suggesting that if at any time he has an opportunity of looking at this axle again that he checks the oil level and at the same time dismantles it to look at the oil seal to see whether the leather has burnt. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} has confirmed that the axles were checked before despatch from the point of view of having the correct amount of oil of the right type. 134 BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||