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).
Steering issues related to balloon tyres, recommended pressures, and suspension improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\3\ Scan091 | |
| Date | 5th May 1928 | |
| W/S. X4865 Whr.{Mr Wheeler} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RnL/LG24. 5. 28. With reference to extract from Fn13/G6. 2. 28. It would be easier for us to reply to this if we knew the speed at which the objectionable characteristics of the steering were most manifest. In all our experience, and we have run hundreds and thousands of miles on balloon tyres, we have found that the main trouble with steering and balloon tyres is that the pressures are not kept up to the recommended 40 lbs/sq.in. on the front wheels. Balloon tyres are not fitted to the front axle for comfort, but so that they can also be employed on the rear at low pressures without the necessity of carrying two sizes of tyre and wheel as spare. Therefore a pressure of 40/lbs/sq.in. should be rigidly adhered to as a minimum, and customers must be made to understand that this is not a fad but a necessity for reasonable steering. Again, if customers really desire to go fast over bad roads, both the steering and the question of the front springs hitting the buffers will be improved by fitting single type Hartfords all round in addition to the hydraulics supplied as standard. The reason may not be clear, but it is a fact that if you prevent the front axle dancing about you improve the steering enormously. A design is available for fitting these Hartfords to standard cars. With the spring loaded cross steering tube, and side steering tube springs F.76726, we cannot understand any serious cause for complaint arising, provided tyre pressures are kept as specified, and Hartfords are fitted in exceptional cases. The spring loaded cross steering tube can be fitted retrospectively to all cars from 'V' series onwards, and the damping obtained therewith is invaluable, besides being adjustable over a small range. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||