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).
Inspection, issues found, and proposed modifications for a rear axle assembly.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 6th September 1937 | |
| - 2 - HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}1/VS.{J. Vickers}6.9.37. Rear Axle (Continued). arrangement produced to N.S.5090 is in our opinion rather unsatisfactory, and we would prefer the Phantom III type of Centre Casing and Breather, with the dipstick deleted in favour of an oil level plug, with the end plate screwed to accommodate the plug. This is to be tried on reassembly of the Rear Axle Unit for this chassis. An oil leak was observed at the flange between GW.1473/4 End Plate and the Axle Tube GW.1573/4. We attribute this leakage to the fitting of .312 diameter bolts in .343 diameter holes, this being pointed out to the Design Department during the initial assembly of the axle. The detail drawings have now been modified, .3125+.5 diameter holes being specified for the End Plate and .324 diameter holes for the Axle Tubes, which should obviate the present difficulties. Slight evidence of picking up was observed at the Pinion Housing Cover and driving Flange, and to overcome this it is suggested that the clearance at this point be increased from .006 to .010 diametrical clearance. Crack tests on the Pinion G.57201 proved satisfactory. The backlash between Crown Wheel and Pinion has increased from .005 to .008, this being quite normal. On measuring the Differential Pinion Adjusting Washers G.7664/71 produced in phosphor-bronze, .008 wear was noted. Since this figure is excessive, a new set of washers is to be fitted, and these will be checked after a further mileage. The Pinions were inspected and are unworn; their condition is satisfactory. Both axle shafts were checked for axial twist, but no permanent set was apparent. All bearings were in good condition. Oil used during test - Vacuum Hypoid. continued. | ||