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).
Technical report on the performance of vehicle dampers, steering, and axle components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\2\ scan0107 | |
| Date | 24th July 1934 guessed | |
| REAR HYDRAULIC DAMPERS LOP. FB.268. RR ch. 649. Incorporating FB. 4042 strengthened supports FB. 1168 support plate. FB. 1173 suspension link. Initial load set to 40 lbs. The dampers have remained free from knocks, oil leaks negligeable. the loads have been consistent with the unit pressure applied. the maximum damping controls the car at high speeds. the new type of damper mounting has shown no weakness at this mileage. When travelling on pavé and rough roads the maximum position has to be maintained to keep control of the car. FRONT AXLE CONTROL DAMPERS LOP. FB.321. RR.sch. 649. There has been no trouble with the dampers coming loose on the frame, ball pins have been well lubricated and no appreciable wear has taken place. The dampers have been free from audible knocks. the damper loadings have been sensitive to the hand control. on good surfaced roads such as is general in England and the few that are met with on the Continent, the control dampers can be effectively used, but on the straight undulating surfaces where high speeds can be maintained the damping cannot be reduced to give the desired riding qualities. The front of the car jellies, the head lamps and wings become very unsteady, and if the brakes are applied in an emergency, the front of the car is out of control. When riding over bad pavé it is preferable to keep the maximum damping for comfort of riding. STEERING COLUMN AND BOX TO LOP. FB.239. RR sch. 649. LEC.3874. REVISED HORN SWITCH KNOB. SPRING FITTED TO GIVE 1 1/2 lbs. COMPRESSED .300 IN PLACE OF FB.85 SPRING 3 LBS. COMPRESSED TO .300 SPECIAL STEERING WHEEL. The steering is light and readily self centres. With maximum load on dampers it is selective and stable; joggles of the steering wheel are of small amplitude. the steering wheel is not good for gripping and causes cramp during the long runs. there is no indication of weakness with the lightened wheel. The horn knob being larger and protruding more is a definite improvement, but the spring load is a bit too light, the horns being inadvertently blown when attending to the controls. FRONT AXLE STRENGTHENED LOP. GB.1235. 1° INCLINATION AND THREE BOLT FLANGE. FRONT BRAKES LOP. GB.1236. BRAKES LINED WITH BZ FERODO LININGS. (EASY BRAKE ADJUSTMENT.) The axle does not show any defects. Lubrication to pivot pins is ample, there has been no leak of oil from the bottom pivot flange. the Off Side brakes were found smothered in oil due to a banjo having become loose on the lubrication system. | ||