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).
Loose front spring clips and the breakage of centre bolts on new cars.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\4\ Scan005 | |
Date | 4th April 1921 | |
X1333 Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}8/F14.4.21. X.2628 X.1333 X.1344 - RE LOOSE FRONT SPRING CLIPS AND BREAKAGE OF CENTRE BOLTS ON FRONT SPRINGS ON NEW CARS. With reference to the above complaints which I have brought to your attention on various occasions (refer memo. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}17/F13.3.21.) we have now received the following complaint from out Paris Dept. I should be glad if you will let me know how I can reply to this complaint, as to what action we propose taking in reagrd to this matter. "We have had several instances of new cars coming in f with the front axle displaced due to the centre bolts of the front springs shearing. Faris has had the complaint, and the number of cars with this fault makes it necessary for same to be rbought to your notice for attention in test. The cause appears very simple. The springs when new naturally have a fairly thick film of grease between the leaves, and after a good run with load up over different roads this film becomes thinner. Besides the leaves, the spring packings undergo a certain settling down process, and it is possible to imagine the spring clups stretch a small amount. The result is obvious, the clips do not grip the spring sufficiently, and the road shocks are taken by the head of the centre bolt. The examination of the nuts of the clips, and an extra turn with a good fitting spanner might be accomplished during the final inspection before car leaves Works or Coachmakers. Please excuse me pointing out these little points to you, but it is not reasonable for you to anticipate little details which cannot usually be detected during the new car test". In view of the trouble which we have experienced in this respect, action has been taken for some time for this point to receive inspection and final tightening up on cars prior to despatch from the Works and prior to despatch from the Coach-builders, as long as we are able to finally test and inspect them at the Coachbuilders. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||