The constant speed drives linking the four engines to generators use a pump and motor pair of the swash-plate type, whose slipper pads became worn after several years' service. Detailed study showed tensile loading of the retained spherical bearing caused fatigue failure in the slipper pads. If one pad popped off, the exposed bearing would damage the swash plate, leading to rapid deterioration. The brass slipper plates were replaced with steel, which removed the risk of further failures.
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