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).
Customer complaints of a knocking sound from rear springs and the solution of fitting wearing plates.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 80\2\ scan0357 | |
| Date | 9th December 1920 | |
| TO H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW. c. CJ. Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Er. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} X.4209 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW4/LG9.12.20. X.4209.- WEARING PLATES FOR REAR SPRINGS. We are receiving several complaints from customers of a knock occurring on our present chassis, particularly when turning a corner, which is caused by play between the side of the rollers on the axle and the rear springs. The reason this knock has become manifest since fitting the thick leaf solid springs, is that when we were using the split type, there was a collar on the roller which fitted in the split and controlled the spring from moving sideways. In fitting these ^wearing plates it must be borne in mind that very uneven widths of spring leaves are being supplied, and we hold that to make a good job, each spring and roller must be individually fitted with its own wearing plate, leaving a small working clearance, before hardening. The Test Dept. are experiencing considerable trouble with springs wearing badly on the side at this point, and although a permanent cure is necessary, providing that plates are carefully fitted before hardening they will at least be effective for a time, and relieve the difficult situation arising from this trouble. We are fitting plates to all our experimental cars, including Mr. Royce's car 6EX., and will watch their wearing qualities carefully. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW. RECEIVED | ||