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).
Removal of cushion springs from the Goshawk 11 steering gear to reduce complexity and steering wobble.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\4\ Scan244 | |
| Date | 9th May 1921 | |
| To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. c. to BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} x4264 R6/G9.5.21. X.4265 - RE.GOSHAWK 11. STEERING GEAR. X.4264. With reference to the longitudinal tube on the steering gear, I understand that you agree that the steering would be better without the cushion springs, and that you have found there is slightly less tendency to steering wobbles if these are not fitted. One would also conclude that there is less tendency to this fault with the set-up springs. Now what I want you to ascertain is, are these springs a necessity to prevent damage to the steering gear through road shocks. The reason why I write this is that I find to fit set-up springs in Goshawk 11. requires the addition of a lot of parts in the steering tube, and as these joints are very difficult to make really satisfactory and yet simple and practical, I am asking you to tell us whether these appliances can be avoided. Mr. Day says it is often the practice to remove these in racing cars. R. {Sir Henry Royce} (upside down footer text) W. R. {Sir Henry Royce} & S. LTD. (D. {John DeLooze - Company Secretary} OF D. {John DeLooze - Company Secretary} ) H.S. (X) (100) 16-1-20. O 2947 | ||