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 notes on steering tube adjustments, 'toe-in' settings, and shock absorber issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan393 | |
| Date | 13th May 1930 guessed | |
| -2- the measurement of pivot lean. (4) CROSS-STEERING TUBE. A very important feature in the functioning of the steering is the "toe-in" of the front wheels, or front wheel "gather" (Page 13 Steering Fundamentals). We have come across cases where it is excessive. The wheel should toe-in about .125", measured at the centre of the tyre. If the toe-in is greater than .375", measures should be taken to rectify it either by fitting a cross-steering tube of different length or by rectifying the position of the contact pieces (See sketch). Possibly, in order to reduce the friction on the ball ends these may have been slacked back too far, thereby "toeing-in" the wheels (See sketch). (5) CROSS-STEERING TUBE POUNDAGE. When cars leave the Works they are given about 14 lbs. friction in the cross-steering tube (7" lbs/ball end), measured at the end of the standard 10" lever (See sketch). Almost invariably the worm and nut of the steering becomes freer with running and in consequence the poundage on the cross-steering tube can be increased to compensate for this. Again, for owners who constantly have to drive over exceptionally bad road surfaces, and at the same time do not run their cars under modern traffic conditions, it may be found advantageous to increase this load to as much as 24 lbs. in which case a stronger spring should be fitted in the cross-steering tube ends. (See Depot sheet No.114). (6) SHOCK ABSORBER LEAKAGE. We have found cases where the shock absorbers appear to be definitely short of oil without there being any indication that leakage has taken place. | ||