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).
Steering spring standardization and testing results from France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 68\1\ scan0143 | |
| Date | 2nd July 1926 | |
| contd :- -2- the driver losing control of the wheel altogether. Ps. (Paris) very clearly described the faults and the consequences. Tests were made by Ps. and an Expl: Dept: tester in France and their report was, after trying different strengths of spring, that the weakest ones they tested (1000 lbs.) were the ones they required for France. It was pointed out to them when they were making their tests that the disadvantage would be the lack of select- iveness. They tested for this and still insisted that the weakest springs gave the best steering. We have not standard- ised as weak a spring as they requested, namely the 1000 lbs., we standardised the 1500 lbs. chiefly because it was agreed to alter the lead to .940 as well. As we understand the .940 steering and weaker springs will only be used on cars going abroad we suggest that the opinion of the technical Officials abroad should receive some consideration. We also went to the expense of taking cars to France to make special tests. As a result of the tests it was recommended and standardisation sheets were signed to use 1500 lbs. springs in the side steering tube. We then hear (PN{Mr Northey}5/GN2.7.26) that Sales, after trying one car in England wish to change the standard which has been set and agreed to. We frankly do not agree to this procedure. We do not see how an alteration to the side steering tube springs can be made without a standardisation sheet, unless specially agreed to by R.{Sir Henry Royce} and yourself. contd :- | ||