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).
Ongoing steering problems with the 20 HP model and detailing proposed modifications and comparisons to the Phantom model.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\October1926-November1926\ Scan112 | |
| Date | 2nd November 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to RG.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} ORIGINAL. STEERING. X8430 X5430 X5450 With reference to R4/6.11.26. We are pressing forward with the hydraulic steering dampers and the latest device for obtaining friction in the pivots when the weight is relieved from the axle. Our main concern at the moment is the 20 HP. steering. We continue to get complaints of joggles, also with free steerings, objections to the movement of the wheel when the car is driven slowly over some obstacle such as a drain which lifts both wheels at once. The same effect can be re-produced by bouncing the car up and down. Judging by our experience with the .800 lead worm and 10-G-111 in France fitted with .700 lead worm and stiffer column, our proposed modifications, although a very marked improvement, will not entirely overcome the troubles. We do not consider that the latest 20 HP. steering is equal to that of the Phantom with the .720 lead worm (see GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}1/RPL2.4.26 and daily reports). We think that a further improvement will be affected by weaker springs in the 20 HP. side steering tube and that we ought also to have something available in this line to cure complaints on old type steerings. The latest design (N.sch.2067) sent through is equivalent to fitting 2200 lbs. springs in the Phantom side steering tube. This is because on the 20 HP. the contd :- | ||