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).
Technical issues of using semi-balloon type tyres, including clearances, steering lock, noise, and standardisation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\2\ Scan115 | |
| Date | 3rd July 1924 | |
| To FN. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ. Y4565 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG3.7.24. SEMI-BALLOON TYPE TYRES. With regard to the clearances with semi-balloon type tyres, the tyres are approximately the same dia. as the standard tyres. The wheel itself is made smaller and the section of the tyre is increased. We have not found the increase in section fouls the coach-work. The most noticeable difference is that the increase in section reduces the steering lock because on the standard cars to obtain the maximum lock the side of the tyre is just clear of the side steering tube and frame. The increase in the section of the tyre affects this considerably. As regards the noise of the treads. This has been taken up with the Dunlop people right from the first tyres we tried 18 months ago, although they have altered the tread since then, they are still noisy. In our opinion, the chief difficulty with balloon tyres is the question of standardisation of sizes and rims. At present all makes of balloon tyres are made to fit different tyre rims. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||