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).
Mr. Royce's design criticisms for the 'Buzzard' and 'Vulture' rear axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\4\ scan0048 | |
| Date | 1st June 1920 | |
| X3548 27 To Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to CJ. c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to EFC. E5/G3 06.20. X.3832 RE "BUZZARD" AND "VULTURE" REAR AXLE. X.3873. With reference to your N. scheme 339, would you kindly note the following points of criticism, sent in accordance with Mr. Royce's wishes:- (1) It is thought that the position of the oil filler plug is rather inconvenient, as to get at it will require removal of the back seat cushions and boards. An idea previously entertained was to have the oil filler on the torque tube in such a position that it would be easily reached by lifting the floorboards in the rear of the car. Mr. Royce does not wish any alteration made, however, but would like this point to be kept in mind for future reference. (2) The right hand portion of the differential cage within the ball journal and for a length of about 2 1/2" towards the crown bevel should be thickened up by adding material in the bore. The wheel driving shaft would still be withdrawable through the hole since it has to pass through the bush on the inner end. (3) It is noted that the angle of obliquity of the differential bevel teeth is given as 20°. This angle may require to be larger in accordance with the criticism made on the 20 H.P. differential bevels inspected at West WitteringHenry Royce's home town. (4) The square corner preventing the right hand axle tube bolts from turning should be cancelled and replaced by a larger radius formed in the natural corner of the axle case. The bolts should be prevented from turning by a cylindrical flange added to the outer diameter of the plate which prevents the volts from moving inwards and also by making the flange of the crown bevel thrust washer housing large enough in diameter to touch the bolt heads. The idea of using two devices is that the former will keep the bolts in their correct position always, but is not strong enough to | ||