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).
The examination of a car after a 5,000-mile test, noting the condition of the propeller shaft joints and issues with the lubrication system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page110 | |
| Date | 21th June 1929 | |
| Y5940R To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From G.W.H. Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. 21/6/29. We held the car up yesterday for examination after completing 5,000 miles. We dismantled the mechanics joints of the propeller shaft as arranged before leaving Derby. The joints, during the 5,000 miles, have not shown any sign of oil leaks, and when parted we found approx. 60 cu.centm. of oil. No oil whatsoever has been added since the car left Derby. The joints themselves are in a very good condition and are sound in every detail. If the Works can produce mechanics joints of the same accuracy, it will be a 100% job. We should say, from a safety point of view, that they should be checked for oil once every 5,000 miles. The only serious feature that we have found during the examination is the one-shot lubrication. The feed both to the rear and front shock-damper connecting links is insufficient. The bottom ball pads in all cases are receiving no oil. The bijure checked in position gave approx. 2 drops per stroke of the pump. We have not interfered with these, as our reports previously have been disputed. The n/s toggle shaft on the rear axle had almost seized up, no oil passing through the bijur. The steering arm is more or less a steady flow of oil, this part being over-lubricated. We have not examined all bearings supplied by bijure, generally taking an outside observation. We are sending you a detailed report in due course. o/s To-day we received a telegram from you verifying Mr. Northey's letter re his trial of the 20-HP car here. G.W.H. | ||