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).
Letter from Maurice Olley advising on front stabiliser placement and stiffness to improve vehicle handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\2\ img225 | |
| Date | 25th November 1934 | |
| COPY Nov. 25th, 1934. Dear Rn.{Mr Robinson}, Here is a tip straight from the horse's mouth. The stabiliser should be at the front not at the rear. It should be set back of the front wheels, to reduce frame shake. The "rotary stiffness" of the front suspension should be about twice the rear. Then with the inclined roll axis, the difference in load between outer and inner tires on a high speed turn is about equal front and rear. Results: (1) Much less squealing on corners. (2) Reduced front tire wear. (3) Quicker response to steering. (4) No rear skidding in emergency stops on curves with brakes applied. (5) Lighter steering. (6) Less wheel fight, much less if the frame is stiff enough. Wheels stay on the ground better. (7) Greater handling stability. Will get rid of the rear skids which Hancock complains of. Am giving you this much sooner than I probably ought to because from your cables you still have steering troubles and am convinced this is the real solution. Will get after a steering for you to-morrow. If you overdo the front stabiliser you will get front end skids. Regards and all that. (Sgd.) Maurice Olley. | ||