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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).
Comparison of steering ratios between various American cars and internal models, with a discussion on steering geometry for racing versus large vehicles.

Identifier  WestWitteringFiles\S\March1928-May1928\  Scan096
Date  2nd April 1928
  
To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}

ORIGINAL

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rml/LGl.2.4.28.

c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}
c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}
c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}

X5430
X3531

With reference to Rl/M28.3.28. we give below a list of the overall steering ratios of a number of American cars that are comparable in dimensions to our 40/50 :-

Buick 16.2 { Present standard.
Cadillac 14.5 { F2. series Phantom 13-1
Chandler 14 { 'F'2 converted. to 9.5" pendulum
Cunningham 17 { lever 15-1
Paige 16
Hudson 18 { 20 HP. 'M' series - improved
Big Marmon 18 { geometry 12.2-1
Nash 18
Studebaker 15.5

We do not think that anyone would for preference have a very low geared steering for racing, as the cars are rarely over 3-litre and very light, also parking and shunting problems are non-existent. Therefore plenty of friction can be used in the steering and plenty of castor angle, as the dimensions of the car, its tyres and pressures, and the harsh suspension that can be employed, almost eliminate the high speed wobble problem.

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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