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).
Comparison of steering ratios between various American cars and Rolls-Royce models, with commentary on steering design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 68\1\ scan0040 | |
| Date | 12th April 1928 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c.c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c.c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c.c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X8430 X5430 [crossed out] X3531 [crossed out] Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/LG12.4.28. With reference to Rl/M28.3.28. We give below a list of the overall steering ratios of a number of American cars that are comparable in dimensions to our 40/50 :- Buick 16.2 { Present standard. Cadillac 14.5 { F2. series Phantom 13-1 Chandler 14 { 'F'2 converted to 9.5" pendulum Cunningham 17 { lever 15-1 Paige 16 Hudson 18 { 20 HP. 'M' series - improved Big Marmon 18 { geometry 12.2-1 Nash 18 Studebaker 15.5 We do not think that anyone would for preference have a very low geared steering for racing, as the cars are rarely over 3-litre and very light, also parking and shunting problems are non-existent. Therefore plenty of friction can be used in the steering and plenty of castor angle, as the dimensions of the car, its tyres and pressures, and the harsh suspension that can be employed, almost eliminate the high speed wobble problem. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||