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).
Review of springing complaints on the 40/50 Hp model and methods for improving ride comfort.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\S\September1928-October1928\ Scan038 | |
| Date | 7th September 1928 | |
| Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/NRC{N. R. Chandler}8/MW7.9.28. RE. SUSPENSION 40/50 Hp. We have recently reviewed a number of the springing complaints we have dealt with during the last 6 months and we find that about 85% of these refer to discomfort at slow to moderate speeds, usually at 25 to 45 m.p.h. Most Owners have difficulty in expressing or defining the discomfort they experience, with the result that we get complaints expressed in a number of different ways, and for this reason we try the car with the Owner whenever possible, or when we only see the chauffeur, we sit in the rear seat and ask him to drive us at the speeds at which he usually drives, and our experience thus gained, indicates that the very large majority of the complaints may be summed up as 'hard riding' at moderate speeds on average roads. We are usually able to effect an improvement by fitting well lubricated lighter rear springs to bring the buffer clearance at average load to about 3.5", or if the buffer clearance is already substantially under 4", by polishing up the ends of the plates and thoroughly greasing. In deciding upon the minimum buffer clearances permissible, we make a special point of finding out if the car is often driven at high speeds (some Owners never appear to exceed 40-45 m.p.h.), if Continental touring is anticipated or if good load of passengers and heavy luggage is sometimes carried, and if the answer to these is 'yes' we find it inadvisable to make the buffer clearance less than 3.75 to 4" at normal load. On the other hand there are a number of Owners who state definitely that they never wish to go fast, never carry a full load, and have no idea of going to the Continent, in these cases, especially when complaints are repeated, we have sprung down to about 3" buffer clearance, but we avoid this when possible because it renders the car unsuitable for driving at high speeds. Cases where we have fitted stronger springs are only about 10 to 15% of the total and include a minority of Owners who usually drive fast or tour abroad with a big load and luggage. contd :- | ||