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).
Extract detailing tests and observations on the steering system of the 12-EX car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan079 | |
| Date | 19th August 1926 | |
| 12-EX CAR - STEERING. Extract from GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}1/RP19.8.26 :- STEERING COLUMN & BOX. 'D' type steering to N.sch.2107/27/28 using pendulum lever F.74278 to suit lightened front axle. Modified support bracket to N.sch.2210. Anti-rattle device Fig.1. fitted to steering column controls to N.Sch.2183. The steering column, box and support have remained in good condition. All bolts have remained firm, anchorage to frame has remained secure. There is a rather bad oil leak from gland of pendulum lever: the box requires two syringes of oil every 1000 miles. A knock has developed in the box which appears to be due to wear having taken place between levers and worm nut. When box is low of oil it is very noticeable. The anti-rattle device seems to be quite O.K., we have not heard any rattle in controls. The modified support bracket to column combined with the cast dash has decreased the whipping of the column by 75% the remaining 25% would not be felt by an owner driver. STEERING. The steering of the car from Boulogne to Chatearoux using 33 X 6.75" Dunlop tyres was very good at high speeds on good roads for selectivity. Free from high speed wobbles 80 m.p.h. maximum, but felt very light. At 25 m.p.h. wobbles could be developed any time by quick manipulation of the foot brake pedal. At high speeds over rough roads there were hard shocks on the steering wheel, not so violent as was experienced with first type of steering [struck through text] by 50%. We changed the tyres, before starting on the 10,000 miles test from 6.75" as we had a stock of these, which were sent out to be tested on 8-EX. This had been arranged. During the first run on these tyres, inclination of high speed wobbles were prevalent and as the tyres became worn the inclination to wobble increased. We changed the cross steering tube to a standard tube and on the first run out, we could not get any sign of wobble. On the next run they were again prevalent, but not to the extent as previously. We had arranged to fit the cross steering tube with stronger springs, when we received instructions from Derby to the effect that He/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} would investigate the steering. During the morning's run, previous to taking the car up to Paris, three of the 2000 lbs. side steering tube springs broke. contd :- | ||