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).
Investigating and resolving a steering wobble on the Continental Trials Car, chassis 3.AZ.20.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\3\ scan0080 | |
| Date | 19th September 1936 | |
| X1245 To Rolls-Royce Ltd. Derby Copy to ....... Mr. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Levallois Sr/VA4/ET.19.9.36 Re: CHASSIS 3.AZ.20 - CONTINENTAL TRIALS CAR ------------------------------------------ The above car returned from Belgium yesterday and the driver confirmed that, on certain "pavé and wavy" roads, a steering wobble developed at about 40 Kms. per hour and faded out at 60 Kms. per hour. We have now investigated the matter and arrived at the conclusion that there was insufficient load on the ball ends of the cross steering tubes. We dismantled the cross steering tubes complete with ball ends and fitted a 1/16 steel packing washer between the G.83414 bronze contact piece and the G.83416/17 coil springs. We also washered up the rear end of the side steering tube by fitting behind each contact 2 F.53776 plain washers. The effect of carrying out the above has entirely eliminated the wobble, which was certainly very bad. The steering is a little heavier, but quite nice to handle. Before carrying out the above, we tried two new tyres on the front, which had no effect. We also tried various front tyre pressures, which also had no effect. The car is leaving for Geneva to-day for demonstration purposes. Sr/VA.V4 | ||