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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).
Comparison of R.R. and R.R. Buick suspension systems, focusing on bearings, loads, and structural components.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 9\8\  08-page07
Date  22th March 1937 guessed
  
(sheet 2)

There are no reversing loads on any bearings.

In the R.R. Buick system, on the other hand, all the above additional features are present, with the added difficulty of finding a suitable place for them in the layout.

It is suggested that our experience of separate shock dampers on the rear is that they are not entirely free from trouble, due largely to the connecting links and bearings with reversing loads.

(3) The Bearings.

The loads on the wishbone bearings in the R.R. system are distributed fairly well between the upper and lower wishbones. The lower one has the heaviest braking and cornering loads, and little spring load, while the upper one has the main spring load with smaller braking and cornering loads. The R.R. Buick type has both the main spring load and the heaviest braking and cornering loads concentrated on the lower wishbone. It is true that the main spring load is not so heavy as in the R.R. type. It is not suggested that the R.R. type is better as regards bearings than the R.R.Buick, but that it is at no great disadvantage.

If rubber bearings between the suspension system and the frame are found to be necessary to insulate noise, then the Buick system lends itself better than the R.R. to their application to the upper wishbone, but on the lower wishbone the R.R. is easier.

The ordinary Silentbloc bush is not suitable for this purpose because it will not take end load, but the Cadillac rear spring rubber bushes seem capable of being made to work.

(4) The Suspension structure in general.

The sheet metal pressings used on the R.R. Buick system are no doubt most suitable for mass produced and American productions, but in the R.R. car and in England it is suggested that the forgings and castings used in the R.R. system may prove best. Tool costs enter into it. Many dies for the R.R. system are already in existence.

The suspension structure must be accurately built up, and pressings one would think would require more attention to
  
  


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