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).
Failure of bearings on Bentley chassis and seeking guidance on the policy for different bearing types.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\1\ scan0056 | |
| Date | 7th September 1936 | |
| GRY{Shadwell Grylls}/see me X1020. To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re Bearings on Bentley Chassis. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}3/E7.9.36 I enclose copy of long memo. which I have to-day received from Sr. Unfortunately he has not given me the numbers of the cars and the types of bearings fitted to the two customers' cars, the bearings of which have failed, but I have telegraphed for this information and will pass it on as soon as received. His concern seems to be that, whilst lead bronze bearings have never failed, he has had trouble with the first type of Hall's metal bearings. As the policy has been satisfactory of letting them fit lead bronze bearings to any 3½-litre engines in the hands of very fast drivers, it looks as if we should continue with that policy. As regards the Halls latest type bearings, if we are satisfied that these will stand up at least as well as lead bronze on 4¼-litre engines, it seems to be a case of finding out how many of the first type have been sent to France and arranging to get them changed. I should, however, like some guidance as to what to tell him and am writing to you because I think you know more about this particular question than anybody else. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} PS. I have since received a message to say that both the customers' cars which failed had the white metal bearings. Enc. Copy of Srl/ET4.9.36 | ||