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).
Preliminary tests of front wheels with increased offset to eliminate steering tramping and wobble.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\S\June1928-August1928\ Scan111 | |
| Date | 23th July 1928 | |
| OY2B72328 July 23rd, 1928. To Mr.Beaver Mr.Haston Mr.Ross Cc to Mr.Ainsworth Mr.Soutter Mr.Darling Mr.Hadin Mr.Bagnall Mr.Poole Mr.Hives (England) FROM MR. OLLEY WHEELS Preliminary test of front wheels with 1/2" increased offset on 364-FH give great hopes of this simple change to eliminate tramping and "snatchy" steering (which is the preliminary to tramping and wobble) 364-FH has always snatched at speeds above 40 m.p.h. and tramped at 55 m.p.h. upwards so badly that I have seldom had it up to speed. It has never broken into an absolute wobble but the sensation of the severe tramping on the rear passengers has been sufficient to be very disagreeable. Now with front wheels offset an extra 1/2", the tramping is practically gone, the snatching has gone except at high speeds on very bad road surfaces, and the car can be taken up to full speed without any fear of trouble, and with only 25 lbs in front tires. There seems to be no compensating disadvantage except a slightly increased tendency to "tuck-under" when turning right angle corners very slowly. This could be overcome by a slight increase in pivot-lean. Am circulating Experimental Order D-3624 for trying this out on three more cars with front brakes and one standard S.Ghost (preferably a confirmed L.S. wobbler) This seems a desirable and simple change considering the results achieved and from our point of view, definitely better than the soft-aflange steering tube. I have wired Mr.Ross at Buffalo to hold orders for 20" wheels (except for show job) until we can advise re increased offset, and to have the show j-b wheels made with increased offset so that we can run a test here with the smaller wheels with increased offset. OY/B OY July 23/28 | ||