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).
Letter to the Managing Director discussing replies from Derby regarding steering troubles and the quality and design of various ball bearings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\7\ Scan103 | |
| Date | 16th October 1920 | |
| C O P Y. Oyl-G.161020. Oct. 16. 1920. Mr. Claude Johnson, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Ltd., London, England. Dear Sir:- Re: Replies received from Derby. In accordance with your request, I attach herewith replies received from Derby on the question of steering troubles and sample ball bearings. The points we wish to bring to your notice are :- a.{Mr Adams} With regard to the wear of the ball bearing in the steering gear, this is a point which actually does wear under use in the United States, and Mr. Platford tells us that the same trouble occurs in England to a certain extent. We would therefore like to know that this matter is brought to Mr. Royce's attention, not because any immediate alteration is expected or desired on the present chassis, but so that it may be allowed for in new designs. b. With regard to the ball bearings, it was explained to yourself that these, together with the Hess-Bright and the New Departure bearings, taken or sent to England last winter were examples of stock products purchasable in the United States, and that Derby's criticism of the finish, accuracy and running qualities of these bearings was required so that we might judge to whom we should go for our special bearings. We had no intention of using such bearings on the Rolls-Royce car. With regard to Mr. Bailey's statement that we have always objected to steel ball cages, Mr. Nadin informs me that before the war we purchased large numbers of small journal bearings with steel cages similar to the American standard cage, and that our objection to pressed metal cages is founded on some unfortunate experiences which we had in the past with a very early design of sheet brass cage. With regard to Mr. Bailey's statement that entering slots are not allowed by us on ball bearings, we think Derby should know that of the model Hoffman bearings sent over a number of the journal bearings had entering slots. However, understanding that Derby considered entering slots undesirable, we set out to obtain deep groove bearings right through the car and have succeeded in doing so at the expense of paying | ||