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).
The balancing of Rudge-Whitworth wheels and the steering effect of Palmer cord tyres.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\3\ 03-page30 | |
| Date | 22th August 1912 | |
| L. F.{Mr Friese} Gjers Esq. -2- August 22nd1912. accessible positions will have in each case, with the exception of one, 3 "bundles" of spokes between each pair of security bolts and in the one case will have only 2 "bundles" of spokes. If the number of bundles of spokes were increased to 15 then the security bolts could be equally spaced, each bolt coming after every third bundle. All our Rudge-Whitworth wheels are tested before despatch for balance without inner tubes and outer covers and with security bolts and valve, and we find from these tests that these wheels are nearly always in practically correct balance, the limit allowed being 4 ozs. at the rim. In view of this fact, i.e. that the wheels without inner tubes and outer covers are practically in balance notwithstanding the fact that the valve and bolts are arranged badly, It is apparent that Messrs Rudge-Whitworth adopt some scheme such as the selection of the point at which the valve and the two security bolts (which are close together) shall be placed, so that this out of balance effect should balance some other irregularities of the rim itself. We are writing to Messrs Rudge-Whitworth to enquire what system (if any) they adopt, and we will advise you of their reply With reference to the use of 5" Palmer cord tyres on front wheels, we find that these make an appreciable difference to steering, chiefly owing to the drag on the road when steering, due to the large surface of tyre in | ||