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).
Issues with steering ball joints on the Phantom model, including spring fatigue and ball diameter.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan376 | |
| Date | 24th August 1931 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ) FROM DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY [strikethrough] ORIGINAL DAL/M24.8.31. X5430. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. - STEERING BALL ENDS. There has been a certain amount of trouble on Phantom we believe from the springs in the steering ball joints losing their force, and so losing friction. Has any further information been obtained on this point, that is, is the loss of friction due to the spring fatiguing, or is it loss of set up due to wear? We believe that the ball end diameters have recently been increased. The spring load in the modern ball ends is much less than in Phantom. Are you satisfied with the size of these balls, or would you recommend an increase? The larger ball ends will be more costly, heavier, and more difficult to get in, so that we do not wish to use them unless there is evident necessity DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||