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).
Tests and factors for addressing springing complaints on Phantom 1 cars, such as harsh low-speed riding and pitching.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\2July1929-December1929\ Scan203 | |
| Date | 10th December 1929 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/en. c.c. to Ss.{S. Smith} Mr. c.c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c.c. to Bv. L. ORIGINAL x x8770 x8005 x8840 x235 x8410 PHANTOM 1 SUSPENSION. In conjunction with the Repair Dept., we are carrying out tests continually on Phantom 1 cars that have been sent in for springing complaints. Most of the complaints are for harsh low speed riding, quite a number include pitching at 40/50 m.p.h. We find that the most important factors in dealing with these complaints, in order of merit are - (1) Weight distribution. (2) Lubricated and bedded springs. (3) Hydraulic Shock Absorbers. (4) Maximum spring deflection possible. (5) Cushioning of load reversal by drilled valves. In every case of course the cars are tested with the minimum tyre pressures permissable. WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION. The effect of this is marked. Some of the fashionable cars with Cabriolet de Ville bodies, on which the weight is well to the rear and in addition the spare wheel is carried at the rear, respond very well to spring lubrication and shock absorber setting. On such cars harsh riding at low speeds can be overcome without reducing the effectiveness of the dampers to an extent where excessive pitching at the higher speeds is introduced. The light | ||