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).
Proposed alterations for the Bentley rear axle based on experimental data from a 15,000-mile test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\4\ scan0126 | |
| Date | 18th November 1936 | |
| 202 To H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}& Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Dy.{F R Danby} Hdy.{William Hardy} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}17/AP.18.11.36. BENTLEY REAR AXLE. We expect the Bentley to be with us for some years. We therefore consider it worth while making alterations to the centre case suggested by experimental data we have collected. We have run N.Sch.4610 extended pinion shaft for 15000 miles in France on G.B.17. This arrangement has overcome the usual distortion that causes wear of the scme retaining thread. We should like the aluminium bronze casting of this scheme to be integral with the centre case. We also know that the present pinion bearing is overloaded and has a life of about 25000 miles. We also know that the lubrication of this bearing could be improved particularly on the N.Sch.4610 arrangement. We should like E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} to send us a design incorporating - 1. The pinion mounting as on N.Sch.4610. 2. A new centre case suitable for die casting having oil passage as on the Graham for lubricating the pinion thrust bearing. 3. The roller pinion bearing to be an E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} type to facilitate assembly. 4. The thrust bearing of the size shown on the Wraith banjo design; alternatively a bearing of this capacity but of the present external dimensions shown on Ex.23493. We are reasonably certain that a design on these lines would give us trouble free axles. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||