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).
Analysis of heavy steering on a Phantom chassis (18-LF), attributing it to American tyres and suggesting remedies.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0309 | |
| Date | 1st June 1927 | |
| To BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to OY. c. to Sn.{Mr Sanderson} Y5430 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/LG23. 6. 27. CHASSIS 18-LF. We believe the reason Mr. Fuller finds the steering of his Phantom car heavy at low speed is because this chassis was despatched with wheels only, and it has had American tyres fitted to it. The steering of English chassis is the best compromise we know of for Dunlop 6.75" tyres (balloon). The width of the tread on these tyres in contact with the ground is about 4½". We believe that the standard 6.75" American tyre has a width of tread in contact with the ground of 5¼". This difference is sufficient to make the steering heavy at low speeds. We suggest on this car that the spring loaded cross steering tube should have the load reduced or be replaced by one having no spring load on the ball ends, or alternatively, for narrower tread tyres to be fitted to the front wheels. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||