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).
Vehicle failures, including broken front springs and criticisms of braking and steering safety.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 180\M3\M3.4\ img003 | |
| Date | 18th July 1924 | |
| R.R. 495A (20H) (D.A. 652 20-2-24) J.B.D. -2- EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. 9941 9940 REF: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}7/1/18.7.24. due to the complete instructions given on the WW. scheme for the oil catcher on the front hubs not being carried out. This has since been done on all cars. The chief failures on the cars were two front springs broke - one had run 17,115 miles - the other had run 8,500 miles. The criticisms as regards the brakes can be summarised as follows :- SAFETY. The 40/50 HP. car is very much more safe at high speeds when fitted with 4-wheel braking. There is nothing however to spare on the question of the steering taking charge when the brakes are applied on a corner. On one occasion when tests were actual being made in connection with the steering taking charge, the car finished in a ditch. It was found, on examination, that the pivot lean had altered from the original setting. It would appear as though the springs had taken a slight permanent set. The measurement of the initial camber shows them to be .125" less than the drawing. We could not, however, be definitely certain that the springs were correct to Drg. when they were fitted. We have records now of the initial camber of the springs fitted to the car so that we can see whether they alter. We think it is possible that with the maximum torque and maximum bump combined, the front springs may be severely punished. WEAR. In 10,000 miles the whole of the adjustment was taken up in the rear brakes but only one notch of the contd:- | ||