Typed report on vehicle testing after fitting an S.S. axle, covering steering performance, stability, and issues with the fuel telegauge.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page282 | |
| Date | 19th July 1929 | |
| 128 To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From G.W.H. Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. 19/7/29. We have to-day fitted the packings under the springs to bring the S.S. axle in line with the Phantom axle. We had no difficulty in fitting the shock-absorber arms, except that the anchorage had to be packed up at the front end. The lean of pivots was made 3 1/2° and tests were carried out with new tyres at the front, 35 lbs. pressure. The steering under these conditions is quite equal to that obtained with the Phantom axle. Joggles are very slight. Stability is not equal to that obtained with the S.S. axle, i.e. 10% less at high speeds, 60/70 M.P.H. The steering is very light, although we have still maintained the 60 lbs. pull on the steering arm. STEERING TESTS TAKEN WITH THE 2 1/2° LEAN OF PIVOTS:- Joggles are almost nil. Stability is approx. 5% better. Steering at slow speeds is 10% heavier but we do not consider too heavy. At high speeds it is quite O.K. K.S. TELEGAUGE:- The telegauge is still hopelessly wrong. Since Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} left, we have checked the gallons indicated at night and in the morning. There has been a difference of 9 gallons. It is again reading incorrect the amount of petrol in the tank by 4 gallons to-day. We should be pleased if you will let us know by return post whether a new telegauge and pipe lines are being sent out, and if you have communicated with the Hobson people, what are their suggestions. SERVO.- No recurrence of servo squeaks has arisen so far. REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS.- These are still maintaining the oil at the rear. No leaks are discernable from the glands. G.W.H. | ||
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).