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).
Problem of heavy steering on 20/25 HP cars and comparing modifications made to car GAE-19.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\3\ scan0316 | |
| Date | 8th May 1935 | |
| S/W....Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} x550 C1/C8.5.35. Re 20/25 h.p.STEERING. We are rather concerned about these steerings at the present time, as you know, because they are so heavy. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} recently fitted some improvements to my car GAE-19 which has given a very nice steering from this point of view. Prior to the alterations the steering on this car was particularly heavy. I understand the alterations that were made consisted of weakening the springs of the cross steering tubes, putting thinner oil into the steering box and fitting a shorter pendulum lever. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} expressed the opinion that this latter gave no benefit and yet the steering on GAE-19 is considerably better than another car that was altered to the extent of the cross steering tubes and oil only. So good is GAE-19 that I was successful in getting an American to order a 20/25 h.p. against his Packard car, which is exceptionally light; his one grouse about the 20/25 Rolls-Royce being the heavy steering and the consequent difficulty his wife had in parking. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} accordingly had the pendulum lever sent down to try on his car. Having tried it, he confirms Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s opinion that it makes no difference; Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} has also tried the car and is of the same opinion. There therefore appears to be no known explanation as to why the steering on GAE-19 is so much better than cars which have the other alterations. I therefore propose sending this car up to you so that you may test it and possibly ascertain why it is so good. Meantime Mr. Gowan (the customer mentioned above) has definitely specified that his steering must be as light as GAE-19. GAE-19 was altered early in April and at the same time chassis No. ?GSF-4 was done. Perhaps you will please let me know what date would be suitable for you to receive GAE-19. C. | ||