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).
Letter discussing the need for a hydraulic damping device to control steering wheel wobble.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\1\ Scan163 | |
| Date | 13th November 1925 | |
| COPY. Isomer, Mapledurham, Oxon. 13.11.25. Rg{Mr Rowledge}7/W. Dear Mr.Rowledge, I thank you for your letter of the 29th. ult. I had hoped to have seen you, either at the I.A.E.dinner or Council meeting, to have discussed this matter further. I had some time ago come to the conclusion that only some kind of damping device, preferably hydraulic, could control such a loose coupled assembly, running under such varying conditions, as a car steering gear. When I found that the Americans were on the same track, I did hope that we should not again fall under the reproach dealt with in Col. Moore Brabazons M.P. speech at the I.A.E. Dinner. We don't want this to be a selling point on American cars for about 3 years before the British makers adopt it. I am sending herewith, an extract from a letter from a British firm which has seen the light, and I think that there is much specific gravity in their remarks. When I get their device, and have tested it, I will write you again. The rubber tyre is such a varying quantity, that I cannot see how any point of design in the steering can deal with it, unless all roads were dead smooth and of similar surface. You can return the enclosed at any time. The address of these people is the Wilson Engineering Works, Roma Rd., Great Birmingham. I have no axe to grind in the matter, and am only actuated by the wish to help the British motor industry in every way possible. Some of the letters on wheel wobble in the motor journals dealing with brand new cars, were somewhat painful reading. With best wishes, Yours faithfully, (Sgd) David J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Smith. ENCLOSURE No 982 "JUSTSO" | ||