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 performance, comparing setups with and without radius rods fitted.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\1\ Scan096 | |
| Date | 6th September 1922 | |
| 5. EX CHASSIS. X3465 6.9.22. X3706 X3485 REPORT ON STEERING WITH RADIUS RODS FITTED AND HIGH FRICTION IN STEERING COLUMN - STRAIGHT STEERING TUBE - 1/4" LEAN OF PIVOTS. Wobbles. These can be got but will not build up. Slow speed and effect on the steering. At slow speed on an uneven pot-holey road, there are slight wobbles developing and dying out the whole time which give one the impression of a very loose steering. There was on the car a slight loss of movement in the steering box, but not sufficient to create the above impression. The same steering on a road built up of sets(granite) was quite steady and gave one the impression of a shockless easy steering. Cornering. The steering of the car round corners is very heavy. It has a tendency to self-centering but is not definite. High and moderate speeds. The steering of the car at moderately high speeds on what one would call a very good road, has a feeling of unstayabley. This is a feeling that the car is going to take control and feels like a slight wobble or a side deflection of the springs. It can be got by hitting a small bump or striking a pot hole. REPORT ON STEERING WITH FRICTION IN STEERING COLUMN - 1/4" LEAN OF PIVOTS. Wobbles. These can be definitely and easily got and will build up. Slow speed effect on steering. At slow speeds the steering is unstayable due to wobbles. This is on an uneven, pot-holey or undulating road. On sets or wood blocks the steering is perfect. Cornering. The steering of the car round corners is heavy and very little tendency to self-centre. High and moderate speeds. At high and moderate speeds the steering is very steady, no shocks can be felt and is not heavy. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||