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).
Issues with the 'Spectre Steering' system, comparing it to the Phantom and suggesting modifications to increase friction.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\1\ scan0136 | |
| Date | 6th September 1934 | |
| H 350 LES See me RH{R. Hollingworth} To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}2/HP.6.9.34 c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HDY.{William Hardy} SpectreCodename for Phantom III Steering. This steering seems to be worse than the standard Phantom, and worse than the original independent suspension (27-EX) though the geometry of the latter is known to be defective. The SpectreCodename for Phantom III geometry is perfect on the drawing board, and, in actual practice, when the car is violently bounced or rolled, with the wheels stationary, not the slightest movement can be detected on the steering wheel. The friction in the joints of the system including the steering pivot, is less than either Phantom, or 27-EX, and we suggest that, as we have introduced a certain amount of gyrostastic reaction into the system (in order to follow American practice,) it may be the friction is not sufficient to suppress the small deflection of the wheels on bumps or rolls. The amount of friction can be easily increased by putting up the spring load on the ball ends, and we propose to instruct some springs giving double the existing friction for trial and also others giving still more. Another source of additional friction is to substitute a plain (but lubricated) thrust bearing and roller journal bearing, for the existing combination type ball bearing. In this respect we should then return to Phantom practice. It begins to look as though independent suspension of the front wheels is not in itself a cure for steering wheel joggles. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||