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).
Setting steering locks and defining the turning circle for the 40/50 HP chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\5\ Scan040 | |
| Date | 1st February 1924 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C.BY. C. CHT. R.A. 50? 53' L.H 43? 46' X980 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}4/Hll.2.24. re. 40/50 HP. Steering Locks & Turning Circle. We thank you for your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2"LG7.2.24, and in view of the trouble you have experienced on the production 40/50 we are going into this matter thoroughly so that as far as possible the maximum advantage is obtained with the steering lock on our chassis and if possible complete cars before getting into the customers hands. Our present method of tackling this job on the 40/50 chassis is to set the front wheels as per drawing instructions F8497, which is the coachbuilders drawing and is part of our routine of inspection and test at our Depots when the car is being finally tested as a complete car from the Coachbuilders. We have found that although as a chassis the steering lock may have been set correctly the steering stops are easily altered, also the steering circle is affected by the size of tyres fitted etc. hence our final inspection for this job when the car is complete and fitted with body. We shall be glad if you will let us know what you consider is the standard turning circle for the 40/50 and 20-HP chassis, some limits being allowed for a variation, and actually how these measurements are taken, from the centre or outer edge of the track made by the tyre. Will BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} please consider the following:- (a) That instructions as regards the steering lock on F8497 drawing should be made quite clear by specifying the distance between the frame (or front spring, which is more easily measurable) and the rim and the front wheel on each side, and also the clearance between the rim and the steering tube on the off side. A note should also be added to this drawing pointing out that these measurements apply to the Dunlop Traction Tread tyres, and if larger or smaller section tyres are fitted, allowance should be made accordingly, a definite clearance being specified between the tyre and the front spring. (b) Instructions should also be given as to how this alteration can be made. Contd. | ||