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).
Steering and suspension issues, including wheel tests, shock absorber failures, and spring interleaving trials.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 135\2\ scan0212 | |
| Date | 14th August 1940 | |
| - 7 - the question of whether pressed steel disc. wheels are worse than wire wheels. These tests are now being done on 10-B-V.{VIENNA} STEERING. Our main troubles with steering have been centred round 3-B-50 and 33-B-VII. Steering was becoming subject to joggles with the least sign of tyre wear. With the fitting of the GB.5356/7 yokes giving a ¾º castor angle to 3-B-50 car, the steering has noticeably improved and appears to have overcome our troubles. On a recent run with Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} this steering was again reported to be joggling badly, but the trouble has been found in the shock absorbers. The near-side damper was half empty, and the off-side damper practically empty of oil. Examination showed that the oil seals had collapsed, and we consider this entirely due to the fact that the dampers have not been up and down so many time for adjustment, that the oil seals have been damaged. It is difficult to extract these oil seals without doing some damage to them. The objectionable steering column shake on 11-B-V was due to the very poor mounting of the column on the scuttle rail. 4-B-50 is inclined to shake for a similar reason. This is a case where an eye should be kept on the coach-builder. With regard to scuttle shake on 10-B-V Coupe, a special report has been issued by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} One point requiring attention is the lack of lubrication to the front pivots. Trouble has been experienced with 11-B-V, 8-B-V and 4-B-50 cars, and although the oil feed is quite O.K. up to the pivot, it does not force its way through. We seem to get more oil than is necessary to the cross and side steering tube ball ends and spring shackles, but practically none to the pivots. SPRINGING. The springing of our cars, is as ever controversial, we still consider our front suspension to be a little on the light side with insufficient damping at high speeds. With regard to interleaving, we have not yet found any material that will stand up to the job. We are now trying SPAULDITE interleaving with the springs covered with canvas gaiters on 8-B-V fitted 16.7.40 and SPAULDITE interleaving with rubber pads at the ends of the leaves on 1-R-1 fitted 28.7.40. On two occasions on 9-B-V we have had squeaks from the "D" clips on the rear springs, this is because they foul the side of the spring leaves. | ||