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).
Outlining questions and concerns regarding unsatisfactory and unsafe 'Phantom Steering' on cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0058 | |
| Date | 27th April 1926 | |
| 49430 BJ5/H27.4.26. To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from BJ. -> Copy to -HP. -Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} -Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} -PM. -CWB. PHANTOM STEERING. Can you please ascertain the facts, so that I may be informed when I am at Derby on Wednesday:- 1. How many cars have been made with the old type steering which is now found to be entirely unsatisfactory and unsafe as regards unsteadiness or joggle? (This is not to be confused with wheel wobbles). 2. What is the cost per chassis of putting this right at the Works? 3. Ditto. away from the Works, such as in places abroad? 4. It is understood from Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/W15/W19.4.26 that the parts which are removed are of no use to us for stock. 5. Is it generally known at Derby that we shall have to replace all these? 6. Has it been considered whether we can avoid making this radical and very expensive alteration by adopting some other alteration in design which will not mean scrapping so much material? 7. Is there any possibility of the hydraulic shock-absorbers doing away with the necessity of altering these chassis? If so, have we any idea what it is likely to cost us to put shock-absorbers on the cars already delivered? Judging from reports received from P.N., H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints}, Sa. and P., customers are complaining most seriously of being unable to use their cars and their being very unsafe, and almost impossible to drive at high speeds. It seems very necessary that we should give this matter immediate attention, as although we believe on the good roads in this country there are not likely to be many complaints, there is no doubt that as soon as people take cars on to the Continent, the matter immediately becomes serious. Paris have written as attached. We should like to get this matter cleared up before you definitely send any replacement parts to Paris. B.J. | ||