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).
Letter discussing prints for steering components, steering ratios, and the introduction of hydraulic assisted steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0056 | |
| Date | 28th October 1927 | |
| X3682 OY6.R.102827 October 28th, 1927. Mr. R.W.H.Bailey, Rolls Royce Ltd., Derby, England. (Copy for attention of Mr. B.I. Day) (Copy for attention of Mr. E.W. Hives) Dear Mr. Bailey: Thank you for sending us the prints of the steering with the 9" pendulum lever, namely - F.77653 Side Steering Tube F.77654 Pendulum Lever F.77655 Cage for Steering Nut. R.H. F.77656 Cage for Steering Nut. L.H. G.76043 Cross and Side Steering Lever F.77717 Layout of side steering tube. Since this steering cannot be used with the axle control, which we propose to adopt as soon as we possibly can, I do not think that we shall do anything towards a trial of this steering. The 18 to 1 steering ratio would undoubtedly lead to some criticism as regards the handling of the cars at high speed. The American trade, generally, has gradually gone to a steering ratio which averages 18 or 20 to 1, and everyone admits that it is uncomfortable and in some cases dangerous to handle at high speeds. As referred to in my letter OY12.R.102427, there is a strong and widespread tendency in the States to revert to steerings of the old fashioned ratios of about 8 or 9 to 1, with the assistance of some power device. This is being introduced in busses, but is being taken up by General Motors and others, for application to passenger cars. Only today we have seen a Hydraulic "assisted-steering," patented by a Mr. Davis, until recently Chief Engineer of the Pierce-Arrow Truck Division. (Continued) | ||