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).
Clicking or knocking issue in the 20 HP side steering tube springs caused by suction.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\3\ scan0167 | |
| Date | 7th May 1927 | |
| X5430 To DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/LG7.5.27. 20 HP. SIDE STEERING TUBE SPRINGS. X5430 N.sch.2308. We have come up against a peculiar difficulty on this side steering tube end. When the ball is properly lubricated a considerable amount of suction is required to free it from the pad. The spring and pad at the front end of the ball can follow it up by sliding along the tube. At the rear end however the pad is constrained and cannot follow up the ball. When the ball leaves the pad it does so with a very distinct click. This click can be felt when driving on the road as a distinct knock in the steering. It is quite audible when turning sharply on the right-hand lock with the car stationary. Naturally it only occurs when the ball is well lubricated. It is difficult to see why this has not occurred on previous tubes; possibly our lubrication is now better. Various methods suggest themselves of allowing the spring and pad to follow up the ball at the back end of the tube, but we should like to have your opinion as to the way in which you would like this carried out. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||