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).
Phantom steering, feedback on weaker side steering tube springs, and the rationale for extensive testing by the Experimental Department.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0128 | |
| Date | 7th July 1926 | |
| To BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X8430 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG7.7.26. PHANTOM STEERING. X8430 X8450 Replying to BJ9/E6.7.26. We cannot agree with paragraph 1. Our view is that the chief reason for equipping the Expl: Dept: with cars fitted with different types of bodies is so that they shall be able to anticipate the effect of different alterations on cars similar to those which will be delivered to customers. It is interesting to note that the criticism on the weaker side steering tube springs is exactly what we anticipated. We stated as will be seen by the attached memos. that the weaker side steering tube springs would be found to be a definite improvement in France but would most probably be condemned by our critics in London for lack of selectiveness. It should be remembered that the Expl: Dept: experience with side steering tube springs is not confined to a single test in France. The experience extends over 2 or 3 years under all sorts of conditions and all kinds of cars and we are of the opinion that we should be more able to judge the effect of springs than FN. or CWB. can on the results of very limited tests they are able to make. We have got to keep in mind the reason of our going to the expense of changing steerings. The complaint was that the shocks felt by the driver from the steering wheel were very severe and caused much discomfort - there was also a risk of contd :- | ||