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).
Investigation into complaints of stiff steering on the 'New Phantom' chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\3\ scan0302 | |
| Date | 10th October 1925 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} 48430 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}8/H6.10.25. re. "New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I" Chassis Steering Stiffness. We have had one or two complaints of the above in which it has been reported that the steering becomes stiff after the car has been run a short distance. It has been found that the side steering tube has become stiff and does not turn on the balls bearings according to our usual standardof freedom, and that if the side steering tube is dismantled and the ball end mut cleaned and re-lubricated, the required freedom is obtained, which overcomes the stiff steering complained of. This point was brought forward in a recent complaint by Slaes Dept. in connection with Mr. Sidney's car, No. 54-MC, and CWB. now reports as follows:- "On examination it was found that the side steering tube was very stiff indeed, and on this being taken down by 'N' it was found that althoughthe surroundings of the ball joints at the ends were full of oil, there was none of it in the joints themselves, which were a very perfect fit in the sockets and appeared to have wiped all the oil off the bearing surfaces. Very shallow grooves were made by 'N' in these parts in order to endeavour to retain the lubricant between the bearing surfaces, and a short test then made showed the steering to be nice and free. In view of your remarks on this matter, and troubles in other cases in this respect, it would appear very necessary for this part to be studied, so that the lubricant will find its way and be retained between these surfaces. It is very possible that many of our troubles with regard to stiff steering are due to this cause. I am not aware of the exact form of the ball and socket at these points, but if they should be as sketch "A" Contd. | ||